Germany considers nationwide rollout of AI-powered mobile phone speed cameras

German Federal Minister of Transport Steffen Bilger is advocating for a nationwide introduction of AI-supported mobile phone cameras, known as Monocams, to increase road safety. These high-resolution cameras, often mounted on highway bridges, use artificial intelligence to detect whether a driver is holding a mobile phone or exhibiting distracted behavior. While some states like Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt, and Hesse have already implemented specific regulations, the federal government is looking to amend the Road Traffic Act to create a uniform national standard.

Simultaneously, the German Road Safety Council (DVR) is calling for a significant increase in penalties for mobile phone use while driving. DVR President Manfred Wirsch has proposed raising the standard fine from 100 euros to at least 500 euros, arguing that digital distraction is as dangerous as, or even more dangerous than, driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.8 per mille. The council supports the use of Monocams, noting that such technology has successfully reduced violations in other regions, including a reported 70 percent decrease in detected incidents during tests in Trier.