Anyone travelling to Portugal issued warning over ‘illegal' device usage
Anyone travelling and driving to Portugal this year is being urged to check their cars amid warnings of a common device that is 'illegal' in the country.
Brits who use dash cams while driving in the EU could face a big fine this summer, with fines reaching £21,000.
Dash cams have become a popular device for UK drivers, often allowing drivers to get discounts on car insurance.
However, in some countries in the EU, the devices are considered a serious breach of privacy.
Driving expert Tim Rodie from Motorpoint told the Mirror: 'When driving in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria, it's not permitted to operate a dashcam as they're deemed as an invasion of privacy and carry hefty fines."
The warning also comes from RAC, who add: 'In some EU countries, including Spain and Italy, dash cams can be used without restrictions, but in France and Belgium, dash cams can only be used privately, with any recorded evidence sent directly to the police.
'In other countries such as Portugal and Austria, the use of dash cams is completely banned, and drivers breaking this law in Austria face five-figure fines if caught.'
If you are seen with a dash cam in your car, even if it's not in use, the best advice is to take the device down while in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria.
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In the UK, it's legal to film public roads and use dash cams, along with being able to share footage online.
However, the RAC warns that owners of dash cams need to 'be aware that the captured footage can also be used against them.'
This includes if a police officer pulls a vehicle over for a suspected motoring offence like speeding.
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