Navigation apparatus for motor vehicles and method for outputting traffic status information with such a navigation apparatus

Navigation system for a motor vehicle (8) has a geographical locating unit (2) and a central or local traffic situation evaluation unit. The traffic situation evaluation unit checks traffic information that relates to the actual vehicle position or the area just in front of the vehicle in the driving direction. Traffic information or warnings are output if traffic information is available. An independent claim is made for a method for outputting traffic information.