Did you know? It is quite possible to display radars on Google Maps in France, using a free and legal application: Tomtom Amigo. This software developed by TomTom, the famous manufacturer of navigation systems, can be superimposed on Google Maps and send radar alerts. A simple tip that allows you to bypass legal constraints linked to these types of applications. You should know that in France, speed radar warnings are prohibited by article R. 413-15 of the Highway Code. The legislation authorizes driving aid applications that display “danger zones”, but not those warning radars. In this article, find out how to benefit from this feature on your smartphone, without compromising the user experience!
How to activate radar alerts with Tomtom Amigo?
First of all, you need to download this application from Google Play Store and install it on your smartphone. Then, before activating the superposition mode, do not forget to configure the voice synthesis to receive vocally alerts and notifications, and avoid looking at the screen by driving. To make Tomtom Amigo to work in tandem with Google Maps, go to “Settings”, scroll until the option “ Mode de superposition “, And press” OK “to activate it. And it’s not over yet! You must still allow the display of the floating widget (including radar warnings and the maximum authorized speed) and for this, authorize the display of pop-up windows (always via your smartphone settings). This small widget will not be displayed in superposition on the Google Maps display screen, if you forget this step.
Only effective on Android
Unfortunately, this tip is only effective on Android And is therefore not valid on iOS. IPhone users will not be able to apply this method, because the Apple mobile operating system does not allow the operation of superimposed floating widgets on other applications. However, they can use TomTom Amigo as an autonomous navigation application which, it should be noted, is compatible with Android and iOS systems, as well as with Android Auto and Carplay. Even if it has a fairly simplistic interface and more limited route options, it remains a good alternative to Google Maps and Waze, which now belongs to Google.
The advantages of Tomtom Amigo compared to Waze
According to the drivers who used this app, TomTom Amigo manages to distinguish the different types of radars and provides more precise alerts. While Waze alerts mainly on fixed speed cameras, the Tomtom application indicates both fixed and mobile radars. However, it remains less reliable in places where there is less circulation, insofar as alerts depend on user reports. Anyway, if you plan to use this app, don’t forget to find out about the legislation in force in border countries, if you travel outside France.
In some countries such as Germany, for example, it is also strictly prohibited to use radar warnings, at risk of paying fines. And, of course, caution remains the best option to avoid accidents. Radar alerts should be used as a help for responsible driving and not the opposite. I invite you to share your opinion, your comments or report an error in the text, click here to publish a comment.
