German police have started catching drivers with phones using smart cameras

The German state of Rhineland-Palatinate has launched a system to detect drivers talking on the phone while driving. For this purpose, the local police have adopted a Dutch development.

Here's What We Know

We are talking about the MONOcam system, which was created in the Netherlands. The device, using a high-resolution camera and artificial intelligence, automatically identifies drivers who use gadgets while driving.

The cameras are usually placed on high places, such as bridges, from where they constantly monitor the road. When the system notices a possible offence, it saves the footage. Then a police officer manually checks the footage. If there is no violation, the video is deleted immediately.

The Dutch police have been using MONOcam since 2021. According to the local prosecutor's office, they already have 50 such systems in operation. The difference from the more well-known stationary cameras is that mobile MONOcam is usually set up for a few hours in the same place as the operator. Conventional camera traps stand in the same place for months and work fully automatically - like radar speed cameras.

MONOcam has been tested in Germany before, but only recent changes in the law have allowed the system to go live. Offenders can face a fine of 100 euros and one penalty point for using electronic devices while driving. The punishment can be harsher if the driver creates a danger to other road users.

The system has its critics. The ADAC, Germany's largest car club, is particularly unhappy. They are worried about possible privacy violations. However, supporters of the system reply that the cameras work strictly within the law and are only aimed at improving road safety.

So far, MONOcam is only operating in Rhineland-Palatinate, but if successful, the system could be launched in other German states.

Source: Autoweek