Road Angel in France?
Discussion
I've tried a search but couldn't find a definitive answer. I am going to France next week and would like the option of using my RA to verify speed, but would les flics recognise it as NOT being a radar detector?
Also has anyone pointed out that radar detectors are legal to own and use in the UK and Germany (for example) so why isn't it legal to at least have a detector switched off and packed in luggage on the way through France?
Are we supposed to teleport them to the border?
Also has anyone pointed out that radar detectors are legal to own and use in the UK and Germany (for example) so why isn't it legal to at least have a detector switched off and packed in luggage on the way through France?
Are we supposed to teleport them to the border?
Road angels are theoretically legal in France according to an article on this issue in a recent french car mag. However, I can not guarantee that the cops know this or can necessarily differentiate between a RA and a radar detector, so beware 
.
A radar detector packed away in luggage would be unlikely to be found, but if they do then fines can be impressive and of course they confiscate the device.
The interior minister (or he was up until 5 days ago), Sarkosy, has scared the french s**tless with fixed radars and heavy sentencing so they now drive much more slowly than before. Recommend that you adopt a 160 km/h cruising speed or less if you want to avoid severe hassle, and even at this speed you'll find yourself one of the fastest on the motorway. Such a pity, but all in the name of reducing the road kill. Has been a dramatic success if the press/government are to be believed.
Good luck
. A radar detector packed away in luggage would be unlikely to be found, but if they do then fines can be impressive and of course they confiscate the device.
The interior minister (or he was up until 5 days ago), Sarkosy, has scared the french s**tless with fixed radars and heavy sentencing so they now drive much more slowly than before. Recommend that you adopt a 160 km/h cruising speed or less if you want to avoid severe hassle, and even at this speed you'll find yourself one of the fastest on the motorway. Such a pity, but all in the name of reducing the road kill. Has been a dramatic success if the press/government are to be believed.
Good luck
Also, one of my French colleagues was telling me that they are now impounding the 'fast cars' against the fine and if it isn't paid in a certain period then the police use that car in their fleet!!!
Also, there is apparently one type of detector that is legal - I am waiting for him to dig out the details for me...
In the meantime, here is a very useful website on radar in France with a lovely map. What you will notice is that you can download location details to your Nav system, turning it into a Road Angel, and they can't get yu for having a nav system...
www.radarfixes.com - for the non-french speakers, click on "Carte de France" for a map, and "Zone GPS" for the downloads...
>> Edited by Bee_Jay on Monday 5th April 09:41
Also, there is apparently one type of detector that is legal - I am waiting for him to dig out the details for me...
In the meantime, here is a very useful website on radar in France with a lovely map. What you will notice is that you can download location details to your Nav system, turning it into a Road Angel, and they can't get yu for having a nav system...
www.radarfixes.com - for the non-french speakers, click on "Carte de France" for a map, and "Zone GPS" for the downloads...
>> Edited by Bee_Jay on Monday 5th April 09:41
Bee Jay, thanks for the web site. I do 2-3 trips a month in France so it's good to know where their radar sites are. Actually a few months ago, very late at night, I'm sure the one on the A1 flashed me. We'll see. I'll stick the sites in the satnav.
Though whilst these give the fixed site locations the French plod are frequently out and about on the motorways with mobile set ups. Usually parked up in the works exit slips with the gear on a tripod.
Be interested to know what happens if you're caught in a trap. Will they send the NIP or whatever to your UK address? Anyone had any this happen?
Mick
Though whilst these give the fixed site locations the French plod are frequently out and about on the motorways with mobile set ups. Usually parked up in the works exit slips with the gear on a tripod.
Be interested to know what happens if you're caught in a trap. Will they send the NIP or whatever to your UK address? Anyone had any this happen?
Mick
mickrw said:
Be interested to know what happens if you're caught in a trap. Will they send the NIP or whatever to your UK address? Anyone had any this happen?
If it's a mobile radar trap on the motorway they often radio ahead to a team at the toll boothes who pull you over. The French police have had numerous complaints against them at EU level because they are supposedly the only european police who will impound a foreigners vehicle (allegedly illegal) until the fine is paid. Visa accepted!
However, the fixed radar penalties might not make it to the UK for the moment. They continue to try to get a EuroPlod mentality so that speeding fines are transeuropean, but its a few years away yet.
Best of luck.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff