The topic notebook

Satnavs

How we research

A sat nav gives you directions without tying up your phone, but the details that matter are how its maps are updated, how it mounts and what the law says about using it. Choose one by the map update terms, the screen and how you will fix it in the car. Our research on specific models is listed below.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

How to choose

  • Map update terms. “Lifetime” map updates do not last for ever. Garmin says its Lifetime Maps run for the useful life of one compatible Garmin product, or as long as Garmin receives map data from a third-party supplier, whichever is shorter [3]. Read the terms for the model you are buying.
  • How often maps update. Garmin’s nüMaps page says up to four updates a year for the life of your sat nav [2]. Other makers’ terms differ, so check them.
  • Memory. Garmin’s licence says that if a device has too little memory for an update, you may need to choose reduced map coverage or use a memory card [4].
  • Mounting. A windscreen mount, a dashboard holder or mat, or a built-in sat nav are all given as hands-free options by GOV.UK. The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead [1].
  • Screen and position. GOV.UK says the device must not block your view of the road [1]. Check where it will sit in your car before you buy.
  • Warranty. Terms differ by maker and by seller. Check the conditions, and whether you must register the device, before you buy.

Map updates in practice

Garmin’s licence sets out some limits worth knowing before you rely on “lifetime” updates [4]:

  • A product’s useful life means the period when it has enough memory and other capabilities to use current map data, and can operate as intended without major repairs.
  • A product is deemed out of service, and its useful life ended, if no updates have been downloaded for 24 months or more.
  • If a device cannot be given enough memory, Garmin may decide its useful life has expired.

We could not open the equivalent terms for other makers, so this applies to Garmin only. Check the current terms for any other brand.

The law

These points come from GOV.UK. They are guidance, not legal advice.

  • Holding a device. It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data, whether online or offline [1].
  • Hands-free use. You can use a device hands-free as long as you do not hold it at any time while using it [1].
  • Your view. The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead [1].
  • Stopped in traffic. The law still applies at traffic lights and when queuing, and in a car that turns its engine off when you stop moving [1].
  • Penalties. GOV.UK says you can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine for holding and using a device. You can get 3 penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead. A court can impose a fine of up to £1,000 and disqualification [1]. GOV.UK also says you will lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years [1].

Questions people ask

Can I hold my sat nav while driving?

No. GOV.UK says it is illegal to hold and use a sat nav, whether it is online or offline [1].

Can I put a sat nav on my windscreen?

GOV.UK lists a windscreen mount as an allowed hands-free option, as long as the device does not block your view of the road and traffic ahead [1].

Do “lifetime” map updates last for ever?

No. For Garmin, they last for the useful life of the product or while Garmin receives map data from its supplier, whichever is shorter [3]. A product that has had no updates downloaded for 24 months is deemed out of service [4].

Do I need a sat nav if I have a phone?

GOV.UK treats a phone and a sat nav the same way: you cannot hold either while driving, and either must be mounted hands-free without blocking your view [1]. So the legal question is the same for both. The practical differences are map update terms and cost, which depend on the model.

Recalls and safety

Sat navs are electrical products with batteries, so check recalls before you buy and if you already own one. Our product safety and recalls page explains how we check.

We searched the official recalls list for “sat nav” on 19 October 2026. It returned one result, a tumble dryer report, and nothing for sat navs or GPS devices [5]. Search the official recalls list for your brand and model. Recalls checked 19 October 2026.

Sources

  1. Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving, GOV.UK, gov.uk. The page shows no date. Checked 19 October 2026.
  2. Garmin nüMaps, Garmin (Europe, Middle East and Africa site), garmin.com. The page shows no date. Checked 19 October 2026.
  3. nüvi 57/58/67/68: Activating Lifetime Maps, Garmin manual, garmin.com. Checked 19 October 2026.
  4. End User License Agreement, Lifetime Maps section, Garmin (EMEA, British English), garmin.com. The page shows no version date. Checked 19 October 2026.
  5. Product safety alerts, reports and recalls, Office for Product Safety and Standards, GOV.UK. Searched 19 October 2026.

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