What Type of Traffic Does My Automotive Device Use?

Depending on the model number of your Garmin automotive device, it will be compatible with either one or both of the following types of traffic:

• LM and LMT-S models: A non-embedded external traffic receiver built into its vehicle power cable
• LMT-S models only:  Live Traffic, which uses the Smartphone Link App when paired with the device via Bluetooth

If you are unsure of the model number of your device, check the label printed on the back of the device. It may be necessary to remove the mounting bracket from the device to view this label. Steps to do so may be viewed in this video. 

External Traffic Receiver (LM and LMT-S models)

The Garmin Drive 51 and Garmin Drive 61 models may receive traffic information using an external FM receiver, which is built into a vehicle power cable (typically the GTM 36 or GTM 60). This traffic receiver cable must be purchased separately from the device. The label for the cable can generally be found on the bottom of the portion of the cable that connects to the 12-volt outlet in your vehicle. 

Since the traffic receiver is built into the vehicle power cable, the cable would need to be connected to your device and vehicle to transmit any traffic information. Using the GPS device without the vehicle cable, or with a third-party vehicle cable, will result in no traffic information.

Cable compatibility varies by model. For the Garmin Drive 51 LM and Garmin Drive 61 LM, the GTM 36 external traffic receiver must be used in order to receive any traffic information. The Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S and Garmin Drive 61 LMT-S may use the GTM 36, GTM 60, or Smartphone Link. See the chart below:

To view compatible traffic receivers for your device:

1. 1. Go to Garmin.com
   2. Locate your device model
   3. On the device's product page, click Accessories
   4. Click Traffic Receivers

This will expand a list of traffic receiver accessories that are compatible with your device model. These receivers come with a lifetime traffic subscription, so no additional purchases are necessary. For more information, see Activate the Free Navteq Lifetime Traffic Subscription that came with my GPS Device

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Live Traffic (LMT-S models only)

Note: In order for Smartphone Link to provide traffic information, your phone must be actively connected to cellular data within a coverage area for your carrier. This coverage varies by the cellular provider.

The Garmin Drive 51 LMT-S and Garmin Drive 61 LMT-S may receive traffic information from an App called Smartphone Link installed on a compatible smartphone, which is paired with the device via Bluetooth.

The vehicle power cable included with these models will be a vehicle cable labeled Car Charger. The label for the cable can be found on the bottom of the portion of the cable that connects to the 12-volt outlet in your vehicle. 

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