TomTom + France + Speed Cameras

tigerstyle · 20 Jun 2012 at 07:19

So I'm sure most people planning a trip to France know about the new rules there for 'any device capable of showing speed camera locations'

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/radar-detectors-in-france.html

I'm going later this year and taking an ancient TomTom with me (One V4) which is a 4 year old model and has never been updated, I'm not even sure if has the option to show speed camera locations, or if it does the ability to turn it off?

The device isn't with me currently so can't check, but what are people doing with their SatNavs in France currently? Is this putting people off using them or are many people actually getting pulled over and these things checked yet?

I'm also interested in updating the maps on my TomTom V8, but as it's so old I wouldn't know where to start, presume it'd have to be through ahem *DIY* channels to do this?

/edit, appears it's called a TomTom One V4 actually.

paradigm · 20 Jun 2012 at 08:24

Personally, I'd just not worry about it at all.

I've never even been looked at in a funny manner on a French AutoRoute, let alone stopped (and I've set off fixed cameras before). I drive through the majority of France at least twice a year and have done for 5+ years so far.

I'm not changing map disks in the car (to remove POI) just to suit the French.

Greebo · 20 Jun 2012 at 09:58

Don't forget your breathalyser!

Single use breathalysers will be obligatory in all motorised vehicles as of 1 July 2012. Motorists and motorcyclists travelling to France should purchase a kit complying with French regulations and carrying the “NF” label. Road users are advised to carry at least two breathalysers at all times

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/france1

GeX · 20 Jun 2012 at 10:05

I plugged my TomTom Start 25 in to check for updates; one of the things it did was download a new set of speed camera locations and made a note that it was removing the ones for France.

tigerstyle · 20 Jun 2012 at 10:30

GeX said:
I plugged my TomTom Start 25 in to check for updates; one of the things it did was download a new set of speed camera locations and made a note that it was removing the ones for France.

Does that TomTom of yours have a current valid ability to download/update maps though, I think they call it a subscription? Mine is over 4 years old so expecting it to do next nothing when I plug it in! Unless TomTom are really kind and have supported old models like mine?

I only remember plugging it in once3+years ago and it said something along the lines of 'your subscription has ended, no new maps for you sonny jim'

Those breathalyser things are cheap anyway, but they won't fine you until November when the rule is enforced, we're hiring a French car too so probably won't attract as much attention than a foreign car would if the police want to be really picky about passing cars that day...

GeX · 20 Jun 2012 at 10:42

I was allowed a map upgrade (as it was within 90 days of first use) - but the speed camera update showed up as separate to the map upgrade. I installed that update, but not the map.

Looking at the support pages however, it seems this isn't being offered for your device.

GO LIVE Camper & Caravan, GO LIVE 1000/1005/1005 World, GO LIVE 820/825, Via 130/135, Via LIVE 120/125, Via 120/125, Via LIVE 120/125, Via 110/115, Start 60, Start 20/25, GO x50 (LIVE), GO x40 LIVE, GO x30, GO x20, XL IQ Routes Edition / XL IQ Routes Edition 2 / XL (IQ Routes) Classic, XL IQ Routes LIVE, XXL / XXL Classic, Start 2 / Start Classic / Start XL but not Start 1, ONE IQ Routes Edition and Pearl

http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/an...0/~/is-the-tomtom-speed-camera-service-legal?

MeEsH BaKkA · 20 Jun 2012 at 11:30

I wouldn't be too concerned about the fixed cameras I have set a few off and I know of one set of at around 160mph (not me) I have since been back to France and never been stopped or questioned about previous incidents.

You should be worried about sneaky Gendarms hiding with lasers, they will fist you. No points though, unless you are seriously being naughty then they might take your car from you.

tigerstyle · 20 Jun 2012 at 11:38

Not worried about the speeding, it's not gong to be that kind of holiday

Thanks for the links Gex.

Sirrel Squirrel · 20 Jun 2012 at 13:37

Don't worry about the cameras, just don't let the police catch you speeding!

NickXX · 20 Jun 2012 at 13:54

paradigm said:
Personally, I'd just not worry about it at all.

I've never even been looked at in a funny manner on a French AutoRoute, let alone stopped (and I've set off fixed cameras before). I drive through the majority of France at least twice a year and have done for 5+ years so far.

I'm not changing map disks in the car (to remove POI) just to suit the French.

I've had the same experience over a similar timescale.

Eliot · 20 Jun 2012 at 13:55

most retarded law ever?

tigerstyle · 20 Jun 2012 at 14:28

Eliot said:
most retarded law ever?

pretty much, on the AA website it says:

It is unlikely that the French police will turn their attention to atlases but there is no guarantee this would be the case.

Which is really bloody mental!

It's almost like banning predictive text input; all users must type in each letter individually, we will be checking!!! blahblahblah...

NickXX · 20 Jun 2012 at 14:53

tigerstyle said:
Not worried about the speeding, it's not gong to be that kind of holiday

Where's the fun in that?

tigerstyle · 20 Jun 2012 at 14:57

NickXX said:
Where's the fun in that?

crikey! well it'll be in a hire car, through the french+swiss alps, so won't have to be speeding to be having fun

NickXX · 20 Jun 2012 at 14:58

tigerstyle said:
crikey! well it'll be in a hire car, through the french+swiss alps, so won't have to be speeding to be having fun

Have fun - that will be a great drive

ChocolateStarfishRammer · 20 Jun 2012 at 14:58

MeEsH BaKkA said:
I wouldn't be too concerned about the fixed cameras I have set a few off and I know of one set of at around 160mph (not me) I have since been back to France and never been stopped or questioned about previous incidents.

You should be worried about sneaky Gendarms hiding with lasers, they will fist you. No points though, unless you are seriously being naughty then they might take your car from you.

I recently had to get back to England from The Netherlands extremily quickly due to things happening back home.

My trusty e36 went all through Netherlands, Belgium, France doing 120-140mph constantly.

I know I set off at-least 3 cameras. Never heard a thing.

BigT · 20 Jun 2012 at 18:48

What a daft law. By the definition on the AA site, you couldn't have a smart phone on you in the car since they can all have sat nav with speed camera POIs on. I don't know about other manufacturers, but my BMW can have custom POIs loaded on, including speed cameras. What's going to happen in France? Manufacturer fitted satnav becomes an illegal option?! I'm sure you'll be fine.