I notice that new firmware is available for many Garmin units,
including all 13xx, 14xx and 23xxx models.

It seems the release has been prompted by a new law in France
which makes it illegal to be warned about speed camera locations
by GPS units.

I assume that the units still warn in other countries if enabled,
but I don't know for sure.

John

[Herman_X]

From the French travel news:

"BEWARE.... RADAR WARNING DEVICES These have been banned in France since 28th November 2011. Drivers using radar detectors (speed camera detectors) are liable for a fine of 1500 Euros and 6 points off their license. This applies to specific radar warning devices, such as the Coyote, which must have their software updated to remain legal."

"With regard to TomToms and other GPS systems, which have speed camera locations programmed in to their software, the situation is confusing. These are not officially "radar detectors", but manufacturers are obliged to make new software available, and most will be doing so in early 2012. By summer 2012, Tomtoms and other GPS systems will be technically in breach of the law if they still have radars listed in their Points of Interest software; and even if it is not clear how roadside police can stop and check for offending software, rather than hardware, drivers are warned to err on the side of precaution and download the latest map software for France. This is advisable anyway, since older software is not up to date with regard to new routes, new speed restrictions, and other changes."

"For both existing radar warning devices and GPS devices, current radar information is being replaced with warnings to announce "danger zones", many of which will be areas with speed cameras. "

"BEWARE.... PHONING AT THE WHEEL From Jan. 3rd 2012, drivers caught using a mobile phone while on the road in France are liable to an on-the-spot fine of 130 Euros – and 3 penalty points if they have a French driving licence."

So, if I read this right, even though against french law, and unclear how it will be enforced, you are obliged to remove the speed camera data from your poi file to be in full compliance with french law. However, since the gps seems to be in a gray area with regard to how the speed trap is detected - not actively but passively by only providing a predetermined point of interest, you should still error on the side of caution and get rid of it immediately! Uh OK, France, whatever you say! Whats next, the french government making people remove all McDonalds and KFC locations because they are too American?

Was recently in Germany and had pre-downloaded the euro speed cam database to my gps before leaving the U.S. Seems like every podunk town in Germany now has a speed camera at its entry and exit of its city limits. Thing saved me a countless number of times during my visit there, and I will CONTINUE to use it in Germany and FRANCE, next year!

Scofflaw says: bonne nuit!

On 9 Jan 2012 19:57:04 GMT, John Henderson <(E-Mail Removed)>
wrote:

>I notice that new firmware is available for many Garmin units,
>including all 13xx, 14xx and 23xxx models.
>
>It seems the release has been prompted by a new law in France
>which makes it illegal to be warned about speed camera locations
>by GPS units.
>
>I assume that the units still warn in other countries if enabled,
>but I don't know for sure.
>
>John

Good to know. I won't be updating then, even though I have no
immediate plans to drive in France. I found the warning to be a great
aid in Italy though. Saved my ass a couple of times in small towns.
On the Autostrade, they have signs to warn you and with the 130k speed
limit, I did not go over it anyway.

On 1/9/12 9:57 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On 9 Jan 2012 19:57:04 GMT, John Henderson<(E-Mail Removed)>
> wrote:
>
>> I notice that new firmware is available for many Garmin units,
>> including all 13xx, 14xx and 23xxx models.
>>
>> It seems the release has been prompted by a new law in France
>> which makes it illegal to be warned about speed camera locations
>> by GPS units.
>>
>> I assume that the units still warn in other countries if enabled,
>> but I don't know for sure.
>>
>> John
>
> Good to know. I won't be updating then, even though I have no
> immediate plans to drive in France. I found the warning to be a great
> aid in Italy though. Saved my ass a couple of times in small towns.
> On the Autostrade, they have signs to warn you and with the 130k speed
> limit, I did not go over it anyway.

You got that right-- screw the socialist Frenchies...


--
These are the charges as recorded this day.

Faithfully submitted,
Douglas C. Neidermeyer, Sergeant-at-Arms.