Radar Use in Europe?

[nvr2mny]

We are in the planning stages of a European driving vacation. Visiting several countries in our '86 Targa that we'll be shipping over prior to our arrival is a major part of our plan. How does the use of radar from law enforcement compare over there against the US? Is it worth it to take our V1? Any "issues" to be concerned with? Speeding fines less expensive in Europe?

[porsche930dude]

speed cameras everywhere. But I hear it doesnt really matter anyway since you live on the other side of the world lol. have fun

[trond]

just stay away from Norway ! Low speed limits, bad roads and high fines. Someone I know just paid $1300 for doing 55 in a 40 zone and 4 month ban.

[twistoffat]

In Germany its mainly speed camera´s and you get the bill in the post later. It can be expensive depending on where you are and what speed. Hers a link to a fine calculator. The first field is the allowed limit the second what you were doing and the third if it was within or outside city limits.
Bußgeldrechner Geschwindigkeit [Autokiste]

Valentines usage is illegal in Germany and if they see you with it you will get stopped. That said there is a phone app called blitzer.de which you can put on your phone and its quite good. If you get stopped for speeding as a foreigner the fine will be on the spot and only financial. Have fun

[livi]

A possible alternative is to just follow the speed limits.

[Jaskas]

There use of radar system vary quite alot between the countries, so does the fines.
- All the police cars have radars, under cover cars as well
- static cameras
- even helicopters in some countries
-policemen can be hiding in bushes with their radars.


In general you can exceed the limit by 10-15% wo risk of getting fined.

Above that, check this link: The Eight Biggest Speeding Tickets Ever Issued

In Finland and Switzerland fines are based on your income. The is no upper limit. There has been six figure fines.

[cdrik915]

Forget the Valentine ,


If you are detected , and it's possible , you'll have BIG problems.

[HawgRyder]

I thought the idea of travelling in Europe was to see the sights.
If you are screaming through...I doubt you will remember anything but a blur!
Bob

[RDM]

Originally Posted by Jaskas

In general you can exceed the limit by 10-15% wo risk of getting fined.

I've been ticketed on a rural road in Germany for 33 km/h in a 30 zone. Yes, 19 1/2 mph in an 18 mph zone.

I'd say just pay the fines and don't chance the V1.

[mean_in_green]

Do not use a detector unless your pockets are deep enough for the fine and confiscation (make you drive your wheel over it) then around €600 fine on average. It varies country to country, but it's not taken lightly anywhere.

Many countries will seize the vehicle if more than 30km/h over the limit. Some have different limits in wet weather.

Just schedule an unrestricted autobahn into your trip.

[Reifle]

In Germany the photo radar is run privately and usually is within the city limits. Just be careful as there are a lot of pedestrian zones - 30 Km/h. As well the school zones are very well covered. The autobahn has restrictions - again once you hit the city limits the speed limit is reduced to around 90 Km/h. Good luck and have fun!

[LakeCleElum]

Agree with all of the above and will add one more: You can get parking tickets months later in the mail via the rental car company. Some no parking zones are monitored by cameras. Ask me how I know.....

Also, speed enforcement varies from one country to the next.....In Italy, no worries. Switzerland, you can get dinged for 3 K over in a village....In Croatia, hiding in the bushes with a radar gun for sure. Best to slow down and see the sights.

[nvr2mny]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll leave it (V1) at home then. An autobahn trip is most definitely on the schedule. This is a big bucket list cross off for us. Ireland/UK/Italy/Germany and Switzerland are what's on the list. For those that have been (we've been to UK & Italy) any "must do's" you can recommend? BTW my wife and I don't drink, so wineries and punning aren't important to us, unless tied to a must see castle or two.

[nvr2mny]

That was supposed to be pubbing. DAMN auto fill

[piggdekk]

Be aware that in Italy (apart for normal speed cameras, police and so on) on most highways there is a system that checks the average speed. Average speed is checked over a distance of 20-25 km between 2 portals. The system is called Tutor, and they are just everywhere. When You pass under a tutor portal it'll also check Your actual speed. The system is very effective, and if You ask me also very fair.
luca

[piggdekk]

ah, and of course have fun!

[Chuck.H]

How are you shipping your car??? This is high on my 'bucket' list, including the 'ring!

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 365k miles

[Reifle]

Apparently someone posted a new Porsche museum in Austria. Search for it - that would be cool!

[Reifle]

Schloss Lichtenstein - Romantishe Strasse - just north of Lake Konstanz southern Germany.

[Reifle]

Now you got me going - Rottenburg - still a walled city - steeped in history! Tubingen - university city - again steeped in history.
When I was there I avoided the autobahn and went along all the side roads (in a little B class M/B)

This is the beginning of the black forest - Freiburg, Bodensee and Lindau...