Latest news with #Motorpoint
Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Warning issued to anyone travelling to Portugal this year
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. Warning to Brits driving in Portugal this summer with dash cams 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. Recommended Reading 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.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. Recommended Reading DVLA £1000 fine warning to drivers over licence mistake Is the Highway Code the law and is it illegal to ignore it? DVLA fine warning to millions who passed test before 2015 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.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Portugal issues warning to UK tourists over 'illegal' device owned by 33 million
Many UK drivers have dash cams installed in their cars to provide them with footage in the event of a crash - but using them abroad could land you in hot water and facing hefty fines Portugal has issued a warning to British holidaymakers over a common device owned by 33 million UK tourists which they say is 'illegal' British holidaymakers could face eye-watering fines for using dash cams while driving in the EU this summer, with potential penalties reaching a whopping £21,000. Although dash cams are installed by 32.7 million Brits, these gadgets might land them in hot water abroad where some countries consider them a serious breach of privacy. Tim Rodie from Motorpoint, an expert on driving, has warned: "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." While UK drivers commonly use dash cams to protect against fraudulent insurance claims – potentially saving thousands – unaware tourists could be penalised up to €25,000 (£21,300) for repeated infringements in places like Austria. The RAC has issued a warning: "And in a few countries – such as Austria and Portugal – dash cam use is completely banned. "Repeat offenders in Austria face eye-watering five-figure fines. The message therefore is to make sure you obey the law on dash cam use in whichever country you're driving in." Moreover, Skoda has cautioned that "Portugal has the strictest approach: you're not even allowed to own a dashcam! So you can expect the police to give you a hard time even if they find a dashcam on a seat in your car, in the glove compartment or in the boot." Drivers may also face a conundrum when their only entry into Portugal is through Spain, where there are no restrictions on the use of dashcams, despite many countries outlawing them due to the impact on personal privacy. Snapping pics or filming private property without consent could land you in hot water with fines, reports Birmingham Live. Yet, some folks reckon they've been using dash cams trouble-free, provided they don't share any footage that could identify someone. As for whether this kind of evidence will fly in court, it's all down to what the judge thinks. Dash cam users should tread carefully and keep data protection laws in mind when sharing any clips. When talking about "usage allowed", Portugal warns: "Contentious; not explicitly illegal but fraught with privacy concerns."
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Portugal warns tourists of 'illegal' device owned by 33 million British people
UK tourists planning to drive to Portugal this summer, should be aware of the country's rules regarding dash cams For many Brits, summer plans typically revolve around packing up the car and taking the Eurotunnel to France, with the ultimate goal of spending their holiday soaking up the sun on the beaches of Spain and Portugal. However, this long-standing tradition could now pose a problem for tourists planning to drive around Portugal. New regulations and potential restrictions could make driving with certain devices, such as dash cams, a challenge. A new European driving law could potentially hit British tourists with a hefty fine of up to £21,000 this summer. Despite the fact that 32.7 million drivers in the UK have dash cams installed, using this technology abroad could lead to some unexpected consequences. Some European Union nations consider dash cams to be a significant invasion of privacy, the Yorkshire Live reports. Tim Rodie, a driving expert at Motorpoint, states: "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." "Dashcams are popular among UK drivers as they can save you thousands of pounds in insurance claims, however, they could set you back an eye-watering €25,000 (£21,300) fine for repeat offenders in Austria." The RAC warned: "And in a few countries - such as Austria and Portugal - dash cam use is completely banned. Repeat offenders in Austria face eye-watering five-figure fines." "The message therefore is to make sure you obey the law on dash cam use in whichever country you're driving in." While car manufacturer Skoda said: "Portugal has the strictest approach: you're not even allowed to own a dashcam! So you can expect the police to give you a hard time even if they find a dashcam on a seat in your car, in the glove compartment or in the boot." "What drivers are supposed to do if the only route into the country goes through Spain, where the use of cameras is unrestricted, is anybody's guess." Although the situation can become complicated if the only route into Portugal is through Spain, where dash cams are allowed. While in Portugal the dash cam is deemed illegal due to privacy regulations. Recording people or private property without consent can result in fines. However, some users claim they have used dash cams without issues, as long as they refrain from distributing identifiable recordings. Whether this type of footage is admissible in court is ultimately up to the judge. Users should exercise caution and take data protection laws into account when using or sharing recordings. As for "usage allowed," Portugal advises: "Contentious; not explicitly illegal but fraught with privacy concerns." When driving to Portugal this summer UK tourists should take the country's advice into account to make sure they stay safe and always stay vigilant whilst on the road.
Wales Online
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
11 EU driving rules that could see you fined, from dashcams to bike racks
11 EU driving rules that could see you fined, from dashcams to bike racks Some holidaymakers could find themselves in trouble for drinking - even if you're not the driver Putting bikes on the back of your car could land you in trouble with the law Holidaymakers heading for Europe this summer have been warned of some little-known rules that could land you in trouble - including countries where dashcams are banned and one where you can't even sit in the passenger seat after drinking. There are also countries where you need to have your lights on at all times, and others where parking in the wrong place could cost you hundreds. Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint said: 'When driving in the EU, you'll be held to account if you break the rules of the road just like at home in the UK. While many rules are the same it's important to make sure you're familiar with the rules and road customs of the countries you'll be driving in. 'Even though cross-border enforcement of traffic fines between the UK and EU countries has ended for the most part, some fines may still be issued under specific circumstances. If you do receive a fine, make sure to pay it promptly, as they can increase significantly if ignored.' Tim has shared 11 of the most unusual driving laws across Europe: Be mindful of where you're parking in Spain or risk a £500 fine When parking in Spain, be aware that if trying to park on a one-way street you might need to move your car sooner than you think. In some areas you can only park on each side of the road for half of the month. Article continues below To avoid a fine between €100 and €600 (£85 and £515), look out for blue and red signs marked 1-15, signifying it is legal to park there the first half of the month, and 16-31, which signifies parking is permitted in the area on the second half of the month. In some Spanish towns, access to non-residents is also forbidden and parking regulations can change throughout the week from city to city. So, make sure you do your research of the area in advance to avoid having to pay a fine. Keep your headlights on in Scandinavia If you're visiting any Nordic countries in 2025, you'll have to remember to keep your headlights switched on. Drivers are legally required to keep them on at all times in 12 countries, including Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, due to fast-changing weather conditions. If you don't have your headlights on and you're caught, local police can dish out on the spot fines starting at €100 (£85). Had a drink? Sit in the back seat in Macedonia If you've been drinking in Macedonia, make sure you sit in the back seat to avoid your designated driver facing a fine upwards of €45 (£38). Here, it's illegal for anyone under the influence of alcohol to sit in the passenger seat of a vehicle, so make sure to get in the backseat. Keep your fuel topped up in Germany Germany's Autobahn is renowned for its large stretches of motorway with the absence of speed limits, but that doesn't mean there are no rules at all. Running out of petrol on any motorway be dangerous for you and other motorists, so make sure you're topped up for the road ahead to avoid a fine of at least €50 (£40). This doesn't only apply in Germany, you can also be reprimanded for this in the UK, too. In both countries, you could also face a more substantial fine if you stopped car causes an accident or poses a danger to other road users. Remove your dashcam in these countries 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. Dashcams are popular among UK drivers as they can save you thousands of pounds in insurance claims, however, they could set you back an eye-watering €25,000 (£21,300) fine for repeat offenders in Austria. Safety essentials required in Eastern Europe Many countries in Europe require you to carry reflective jackets, warning triangles and replacement headlight bulbs in your car at all times. If you're venturing to Eastern Europe, it's likely you're going to need further safety equipment depending on each country's individual laws. Countries including Bulgaria, Poland and Romania require you to carry a fire extinguisher in your car, with fines of equivalent to around 825 Romanian lei (£140) for failing to do so – if you are hiring a car, it should be provided but if driving your own vehicle make sure to pack all relevant safety equipment. Stick to the speakers in France and Spain Using any kind of headphones or in-ear Bluetooth device when driving is explicitly banned in France and Spain and can result in a fine of €135 in France and €200 in Spain (£115 and £171 respectively). Across both countries, all calls must come through an external speaker and microphones or hands-free sets without earphones. Watch out for this sign in Austria Austria is particularly stringent when it comes to speeding, and even more so if you're in a controlled emission zone (known as an Immissionsschutzgesetz Luft area). So, when you see an 'IG-L' sign when driving in Austria, beware that you could face speeding fines several times higher than the norm under the Air Pollution Control Act. Given the minimum fine for speeding in Austria is €150 (£128), it's not worth the risk. Keep a lid on road rage in Germany Most drivers have let out their frustrations at others on the road at some point, but you could face harsh penalties if you don't keep your cool on German roads. Shouting insults or making offensive gestures to members of the public or police could land you with huge fines of up to €4,000 (£3,418) and even a prison sentence of up to one year. City centres are off limits in Italy Thinking of cruising through a bustling Italian city centre? You might have to rethink your route. Many cities in Italy with historic town centres feature restricted areas called ZTLs. These zones are closed to everyone other than residents during certain hours. Consider getting some steps in instead, or you could be fined around €100 (£85) each time you enter and exit a ZTL zone. Bikes go up top in Portugal Bike racks loaded onto the back of cars are not an uncommon sight on UK roads, but in Portugal, it's illegal to carry bicycles on the back of, rear-mounted or towbar-mounted on your car. Roof racks are required for transporting bikes in Portugal, otherwise you'll face a fine between €60 and €300 (£51 and £256). Article continues below Even if you're sticking to the UK, you could be at risk of a hefty fine if you don't install a bike rack to the back of your car properly. If your brake lights or number plate aren't fully visible, this can lead to a whopping £5,000 fine.
