Posted by: Eli99
Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/01/10 06:38 AM
What is this nonsense which I have just stumbled upon:
Trafico, Circulacion de Vehiculos a Motor y Seguridad Vial (Congreso de los Disputados, Spain, 4/2/2009)
Is there a way to use a GPS while driving in Spain, or not?
Posted by: MadridMan
Re: Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/01/10 06:52 AM
I'm not familiar with the rule/law you reference above (have a link?) but I can tell you that A LOT of vehicles in Spain have GPS units onboard. It's absolutely necessary, in fact, for many people, delivery personnel, and those looking for addresses in the maze of streets of cities and towns. I use mine from time to time to find restaurants, mainly. More and more modern cars have GPS built-in so I can't imagine they're making these new cars illegally, incorporating GPS.
I can see making it UNLAWFUL to operate (that is, to key-in information/destinations) WHILE driving, just as it is unlawful to use a cell-phone while driving. Is it also, therefor, unlawful to have your co-pilot shout out directions while (s)he looks at a fold-out map? Of course not.
Saludos, MadridMan
Posted by: Eli99
Re: Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/01/10 07:22 AM
Here is the link:
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/28/2809.aspI realize that not everything one reads on the Internet is the word of god, but the article still looks reliable...
Posted by: MadridMan
Re: Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/02/10 09:24 AM
Here's the entire article from 16 June 2009:
Spain Cracks Down on Use of GPS Navigation Devices
Spain to outlaw use of GPS navigation devices while driving.
Spain's Congress of Deputies last Wednesday gave approval to a measure that makes it a crime to use a GPS device while behind the wheel. The provision appeared as part of a broader measure designed to update the traffic code with measures that encourage motorists to pay fines without challenge.
Radar detectors are already illegal in Spain, but because satellite navigation devices come as factory options on most modern vehicles, officials could not easily outlaw their ownership. Instead, government ministers proposed to restrict GPS use since the devices are increasingly being loaded with maps that warn motorists of locations where speed cameras are in use.
"Driving using helmets, headsets or other devices that reduce the emphasis on driving or manually using mobile phones, navigation devices or any other communication system," earns three points and a 200 euro (US $275) fine, according to the legislation.
On the table of offenses, using a GPS is now more serious than driving 30 MPH over the speed limit which merits just two points. To encourage prompt payment of speeding tickets, the legislation also removes points altogether for driving less than 19 MPH over the limit on a freeway. The 100 euro (US $140) fine is discounted by half as long as it is paid immediately.
The most serious punishment of all goes to anyone convicted of attempting to thwart a speed camera with a laser or radar jamming device or a radar detector. This represents more points than is awarded for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and is equal to the number of points for an aggravated DUI.
"Driving vehicles with mechanical equipment or systems installed that are designed to evade traffic monitoring, or with devices that have the same intention, as well as use of radar detection systems," earns six points according to the legislation.
The Ministry of the Interior will be responsible for developing regulations to implement the legislation within six months of becoming law.
I wouldn't be surprised if they banned the active use (i.e. button-pushing) of the device while the car is in motion but banning such if the destination is already programmed seems unrealistic.
Saludos, MadridMan
Posted by: steve robinson
Re: Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/02/10 09:50 AM
I´m not a driver and never have been ... But taxi drivers all over Spain use GPS .. I´ve seen it a hundred times .. so this is somewhat perplexing for me .
As to the use of cellphones : I am totally against them being used in vehicles . I watched one of my favourite programmes " Callejeros " a few days ago and the Guardia Civíl were using cars and helicopters to spot any infringement . Anybody caught had to pay una multa ( a fine ) of €300 on the spot . I really spport that policy .
Posted by: pedmar
Re: Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/02/10 02:14 PM
yes they use not illegal, all my family in the Madrid/toledo area have cars with them on. Its similar to mobile phones, you can use with a cord or blueberry but not handling it. Same with GPS, you can programmed it and go, if need to change pull over.
Cheers
Posted by: MadridMan
Re: Is using a car GPS lawful or not? - 08/07/10 05:18 AM
I'm happily surprised to see MANY responsible people on the side of the road, parked, or otherwise stopped while using their mobile phones as well as keying-in their GPS units. Good for them.
Saludos, MadridMan