The only competitor of Google Maps is now Apple Maps, since Waze, the other giant of navigation, has been part of Google since 2013. The application is an excellent driving aid, but unfortunately all its warning features are not Not accessible in our country, because Google ensures that local legislation respects. Therefore, radars are not specified precisely.
Are radar warnings prohibited in France?
In France, the use of radar warnings is strongly framed by law. Since 2012, warnings that identify precisely the location of fixed or mobile radars have been prohibited. The legislation authorizes driving assistance applications to display “danger zones”, an approach that includes a wider area around a radar without specifying the exact location. This encourages drivers to slow down only when approaching radars and to encourage more responsible driving.
In France, Google Maps therefore does not officially offer radars alarm due to these legal constraints. However, thanks to an little known method, it is still possible to activate radar alerts via an alternative solution. This solution is to use a third -party application, TomTom Amigo, which can be superimposed on Google Maps and send notifications. Here’s how to do it.
Activate radar alerts with TomTom Amigo
TomTom, the famous navigation systems manufacturer, has developed the Tomtom Amigo application. Free and legal in France, it allows you to obtain radar alerts while simultaneously using Google Maps. Here’s how to configure this solution on your smartphone:
- Download Tomtom Amigo from Google Play Store
- Configure the application. During the first launch, select a voice synthesis so that the application can send you vocal notifications. This will prevent you from having to read your screen by driving.
- Activate the mode of superposition. Open the settings in the Amigo application, scroll to the “Superposition mode” option and activate it. This will allow the application to operate in tandem with Google Maps.
- Authorize the display of the floating widget. This small widget can be displayed in superposition on the Google Maps display screen. It includes the maximum authorized speed, and most important: radar warnings.
- Take advantage of alerts! The widget remains visible during driving, ensuring a fluid experience between Amigo and Google Maps.
First of all, Google Maps will have to be given authorization to display third -party applications from the parameters. Without that, you will not be able to make the link between the 2 applications. So be sure to grant Amigo the necessary permissions via the settings of your smartphone and the Google Maps application. In particular, it is necessary to allow the display of pop-up windows:
Go to your phone settings. Find the TomTom Amigo application and allow pop-up windows. This guarantees the display of the floating widget.
Please note: the trick only works on Android
Unfortunately, this method is limited to Android smartphones. Indeed, iOS does not allow the operation of superimposed floating widgets on other applications, which prevents iPhone users from exploiting this solution. However, TomTom Amigo remains usable on iOS as an autonomous navigation application.
Used alone, the application remains a good alternative to Google Maps and Waze, despite a slightly more simplistic interface. It offers features similar to those of competition, but with more limited route options. Indeed, TomTom Amigo is the alternative “Light” in Tomtomgo, the flagship app of Tomtom which, on the other hand, is paid.
The information available with TomTom Amigo
TomTom Amigo provides alerts for fixed and mobile radars, as well as for other road dangers. The application allows users to report radars detected by the community in real time, which strengthens the reliability of alerts. On the other hand, it can be less reliable where there is less circulation, since alerts depend on user reports.
The advantage of using this option compared to Waze is that Waze alerts mainly on fixed radars. Mobile radars are not reported directly, but “danger zones” can be indicated by users, much like at Tomtom. With Tomtom Amigo, alerts are more precise: the application distinguishes between different types of radars, including fixed, mobile radars, red light and those on sections.
The best option is caution
Beyond the practical or legal aspect, it is important to recall the main objective of these devices: to improve road safety and reduce risky behavior. Speeding is always one of the main causes of serious accidents in France. Alerts, whether offered directly by Google Maps or via a third -party application, must be used as a help in responsible driving, and not as an excuse to play with the limits.
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