Mobile phone use at the wheel: Baden-Württemberg examines the use of Monocams

According to the Interior Ministry, distraction at the wheel is the cause of almost a tenth of all fatal traffic accidents in Baden-Württemberg. The ministry warns in its latest statistics: "This makes it clear how important it is to stay focused." In addition to mobile phones, eating, drinking, or smoking were also cited as typical sources of distraction in road traffic.

Distraction as a frequent cause of accidents

According to the ministry, Monocam technology works as follows: "The camera films passing drivers from elevated positions, such as motorway bridges. Signs on the roadside indicate this." If the system's artificial intelligence detects a mobile phone in the driver's hand, a photo is saved. Police officers later check whether illegal mobile phone use has actually occurred. If no smartphone is detected, the data is deleted immediately.

Experience with the system is already available from the neighboring federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. A legal basis for mobile phone cameras has existed there since March 2025. In an initial test of the Dutch system in 2022, more than 1,200 drivers were detected holding a mobile device in their hands on motorways in Mainz and Trier within 90 days, according to the Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Ministry. Rhineland-Palatinate hopes the technology will have a deterrent effect.

Rhineland-Palatinate as a role model

In Baden-Württemberg, the cameras have not yet been tested, according to the Stuttgart Interior Ministry. A spokesperson said: "A precise timeframe for when the examination will be completed cannot yet be specified." In the debate, the state government explicitly refers to Rhineland-Palatinate as a role model.

ADAC Württemberg is generally open to the technology. A spokesperson for the automobile club said: "ADAC is generally open to the new technology." At the same time, he emphasized: "Anyone who uses their smartphone or other electronic devices while driving endangers themselves and others." Making phone calls or sending text messages are among the main causes of accidents. "Only if the risk of detection is high enough do sanctions have a deterrent effect," explained the spokesperson. A sufficiently high density of controls is crucial for this.

Regarding data protection, the ADAC spokesperson pointed out that the protection of personal data must be given high priority in any form of camera surveillance. The system exclusively stores recordings on which the AI has detected a possible violation; in all other cases, the data is deleted.

The German Road Safety Council (DVR) also supports the nationwide use of Monocams. DVR President Manfred Wirsch said: "Your eyes should be on the road, not on your phone. For those who don't adhere to this themselves, Monocam surveillance can be a very effective reminder." He explicitly described Rhineland-Palatinate as a role model. The DVR comprises around 200 organizations, including federal and state ministries, accident insurers, the German Traffic Watch, automobile clubs, car manufacturers, and trade unions.

Fines and consequences

The existing fines for mobile phone use at the wheel are already severe in Germany: anyone caught using a mobile phone while driving faces a fine of at least 100 euros and one point in Flensburg. If other road users are endangered, the fine increases to 150 euros, and in case of property damage to 200 euros – in both cases, two points in Flensburg and a one-month driving ban are added.

For novice drivers in their probationary period, a mobile phone offense is considered a serious violation. According to the fine catalog, they can expect their probationary period to be extended by two years and a mandatory attendance at a remedial seminar.

It remains to be seen to what extent the technology could actually be used in Baden-Württemberg and where the cameras would be installed. The Interior Ministry announced that, as part of the ongoing examination, the financial and organizational prerequisites for possible operation would also be evaluated.