Radar Detectors in Europe

[s0urce]

Not worth the risk for many reasons:

1. speed cameras are a bigger threat than speed traps anyway;
2. many of the places you mentioned don't really care if you speed anyway...especially Italy;
3. the risk of getting caught with a detector is high;
4. penalties are high;
5. even if you get caught speeding as a foreigner, it's usually not a big deal. Easy to talk your way out of it.

Overall, I just wouldn't bother.

All good points.

That wikitravel link is about driving in France.
I don't know if it applies to having it sit in a luggage bag in an airport.

Also a good point. I believe it's forbidden to have one in your vehicle.

[Alkasquawlik]

That wikitravel link is about driving in France.
I don't know if it applies to having it sit in a luggage bag in an airport.

[Emre]

Not worth the risk for many reasons:

1. speed cameras are a bigger threat than speed traps anyway;
2. many of the places you mentioned don't really care if you speed anyway...especially Italy;
3. the risk of getting caught with a detector is high;
4. penalties are high;
5. even if you get caught speeding as a foreigner, it's usually not a big deal. Easy to talk your way out of it.

Overall, I just wouldn't bother.

[s0urce]

I brought my V1 when I did Euro Delivery...but found that I saw almost no roadside cops with radar or laser and only really saw speed cameras. I don't recall if they give off a signal or not, but usually would just slow down to the posted speed limit.

Did you take it on a plane with you in a country that prohibits the possession of one? I know you're allowed to have one in Germany.

[achtunge30]

I brought my V1 when I did Euro Delivery...but found that I saw almost no roadside cops with radar or laser and only really saw speed cameras. I don't recall if they give off a signal or not, but usually would just slow down to the posted speed limit.

[s0urce]

Ok nevermind, I'm over it:

"Being caught with a radar detector, even in your luggage is a serious offense and will result in the device being confiscated and a fine of at least €2000"

http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_France

3000$ Fine for this shit! And you know the French would love to bust an American's balls right about now.

[s0urce]

Obviously it's a risk you take, but I really don't believe they'll confiscate it from a checked luggage bag, especially if you're not staying in the country.
I could be wrong, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.

That's what I was thinking. Fuck, that would really suck balls to get this shit taken away though... Do I really need a v1 for a Fiat 500?

[whiltebeitel]

+1

[Alkasquawlik]

Obviously it's a risk you take, but I really don't believe they'll confiscate it from a checked luggage bag, especially if you're not staying in the country.
I could be wrong, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.

[s0urce]

So I'm leaving in a few hours to Italy. I'm renting a car when I arrive there and I was planning on taking my Valentine1 Radar detector. I decided to check on the laws for possession and use of radar detectors in Various Countries in Europe.

Heres what I found:

Possession and use of radar detectors in Europe

The possession and use of radar detectors is legal in the following European countries:

Italy

Bulgaria

Norway

Romania

Albania.

The possession of a radar detector is perfectly legal in the following European countries, but use of one is banned:

Spain

Germany

Denmark

The Netherlands

Latvia

Lithuania.

The possession and use of radar detectors is prohibited in the following European countries:

Belgium

France:hitler:

Switzerland

Austria

Luxembourg

Sweden

Turkey

Hungary

Slovakia

The kicker is I have a 5 hour layover in Paris, where possession of a radar detector is illegal. What do you guys think about traveling with this in my checked baggage? Will customs search my checked luggage and confiscate the v1, or do you think they'll just pass it on through to my connecting flight to Bologna?

Anyone have experience with this?