Safe Speed Forums

I am sure this would have been done here before, but a search for "road angel france" and "gps camera france" turned up nothing of relevance.

I know radar detectors are illegal in france and you are not allowed to even carry them in the car, but how about GPS based systems such as the Road Angel, Origin B2 etc.

Even if they are illegal, how does that apply in the real world when you get stopped by a gendarme for the offence of displaying a British numberplate?

I ask because my satnav system is dependent on the Origin B2 providing NMEA data over a serial cable so I can't really just remove it for France, let alone the whole trip.

It looks as if they are legal, I found THIS on a google search. However I'd be very careful as I wouldn't fancy trying to explain the difference between a GPS and radar system to a French policeman. They could try and confiscate it off you or get you to run over it by placing it under your front wheel. And then fine you. My French is not very good so I'd proabably end up handing it over and getting my wallet out, but if your French is good and your a smooth talker you might be alright!

There are dual limits in place on many motorways - 130 kph in good conditions, 110 kph in the wet or inclement conditions.
You are less at risk from fixed cameras, as there are not too many yet. They rely mostly on good intelligence, and police units stopping you at the side of the road with a camera.

You might get a routine stop if they are short of funds - their finances are run on several levels, and they are always hungry! Local police get to keep local fines - be warned if you make a minor misdemeanour or even look as if you have - it's an on the spot fine for non-locals!
Never offer any cash, only cards or cheques, and tell them you are looking to get cash from a bank when they open, because your stupid wife left the travel money on the table at home! They may just wave you on (in which case, I would offer them a bar of chocolate!).

Has anyone warned you about lane disipline on motorways, or behaviour of natives at roundabouts?
Or worse still, the nature of PUBLIC conveniences?

BTW I typed this last night, clicked submit, and it dissapeared! Anyone any ideas?

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Look at www.radarfixes.fr and even www. radarfalle.de for locations. Bison Fute also gives information on speed enforce areas.

Best to use a TomTom Sat Nav - they now come with speed cam information in data base as well - just like the AA maps

There are 1000 Gatsos in France total - but they have "flics" around - chasing red light jumps, drunks and seat belt infringes. Fave trap is on route back into Calais as they know people may be rushing to catch a ferry.

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They are just like the flu
We use our smilies on YOU today
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KEEP SMILING
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Smily to penny.. penny to pound
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in my experience, both are excellent. The only scary thing about driving in France is the apparent belief by some that you can overtake anywhere. Little wonder that there's fatality signs all over what seem to be perfectly safe stretches of road.

Not sure about roundabouts - I'm sure 99% of French drivers are hopeless on a roundabout, but on motorways, you never see the situation like we have here - one vehicle in the inside lane, and 30 vehicles in lanes 2 & 3 taking forever to pass!
In France, it's straight out, and straight back in, and any traffic coming from behind anticipates the manouvre, and adjusts speed accordingly, knowing there is no prolonged wait for the overtake!

I still think we should warn him about PUBLIC loos!

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

are you referring to the holes in the ground or something for exhibitionists?

The toilets with total lack of privacy, AND the holes in the ground!


The lines at the road side indicate the safe separation at the posted limit.
One for danger, two for safety.

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

I've been to france before (not by car) and read the many threads about French drivers on this forum and uk.rec.driving

In this case, I'm just concerned about the B2 as it's feeding NMEA data to my CarPC and therefore powers my satnav. Replacing it with a TomTom is not an option as I'd lose everything else. I just want to get through France with it unscathed.

Perhaps a pre-prepared written statement in French could be carried in the car?