Portugal warns Brits not to bring ‘illegal’ device owned by millions on their holidays
Millions of UK drivers have a dash cam in case of a worst-case-scenario - but Portugal has warned that Brits bringing a dash cam on holiday may experience a different worst-case-scenario.
Listen to this article
Dash cams, despite being considered a necessity by millions of UK motorists, could land you a hefty fine if caught with one in Portugal.
Considered a major invasion of privacy in the Iberian nation, holidaymakers could receive fines of up to £21,000 if repeatedly caught with a dash cam.
The trouble doesn’t stop even if you disable the dash cam, as the devices are completely banned.
If Portuguese police catch you, even with the device turned off, they can still fine you.
Read More: Watch: Drink-Driver’s Crash Filmed On Her Own Dashcam
Car manufacturer Skoda has told drivers to be wary of even bringing a dash cam to Portugal, saying:
“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."
The devices are also illegal in Austria and Luxembourg.
The RAC has issued a warning to holidaymakers, urging them to check the specific laws on dash cams in whichever country you’re headed to.
“Repeat offenders in Austra face eye-watering five-figure fines,” they say. “The message therefore is to make sure you obey the law on dash cam use in whichever country you’re in.”
Holidaymakers driving to Portugal from Britain may find the laws confusing, particularly as there are no such laws in countries en route like France and Spain.