In a major step towards enhancing road safety, the police in Rhineland-Palatinate have officially introduced the Dutch-developed MONOcam system to detect and penalize drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel.
This makes Rhineland-Palatinate the first German state to implement the AI-based technology for traffic surveillance.
Solution
The MONOcam, originally developed by the Dutch police, utilizes a high-resolution camera and artificial intelligence to automatically detect drivers handling electronic devices while driving. The system is typically mounted at elevated locations such as bridges, where it monitors traffic and flags potential violations in real time. If a driver appears to be using a mobile phone, the footage is stored and later reviewed by a police officer. If no offense is confirmed, the footage is immediately deleted to ensure data privacy.
“Distraction in traffic is a major concern, and mobile phone use while driving is one of the leading causes of accidents,” said Friedel Durben, Inspector of the Rhineland-Palatinate Police. “Road safety is an essential asset and a central component of domestic security. I am pleased that we can now use this technology as part of our cooperation with Dutch police colleagues.”
Legal
Under Section 23(1a) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), using an electronic device while driving is prohibited. Offenders face a fine of €100 and one penalty point on their driving record. However, if their actions endanger passengers or other road users, harsher fines and penalties may apply. The legal framework has been adapted to allow MONOcam recordings to be used exclusively for detecting mobile phone violations. Any data unrelated to infractions is automatically erased, addressing concerns about privacy and mass surveillance.
Cooperation
The Netherlands has been using MONOcam for traffic surveillance since 2020, with 20 devices in operation. German authorities had previously tested the system but required legal amendments before its permanent implementation. With these adjustments now in place, Rhineland-Palatinate has become the first German state to utilize MONOcam technology.
“As a ROADPOL Council member, I have worked to make this innovation available to our colleagues,” said Willybert Oor, national portfolio holder for Traffic at the Police of the Netherlands. “The Dutch police are sharing their knowledge and technology with German authorities, enabling them to build and customize MONOcams for their own traffic surveillance needs.”
Risks
Studies by German insurance accident analysts have confirmed that smartphone use is a major factor in road accidents, equating its dangers to those of driving under the influence. By implementing MONOcam, authorities hope to significantly reduce the number of mobile phone violations and improve overall traffic safety.
“Drivers who use their phones while driving pose a serious risk,” said a spokesperson for the Rhineland-Palatinate Police. “This new technology gives us an effective tool to identify and penalize such behavior.”
Privacy
Despite its advantages, MONOcam has faced opposition, particularly from ADAC, Germany’s largest automobile club, which raises concerns about data protection. Critics argue that widespread video surveillance could set a precedent for privacy infringements. However, supporters of the system emphasize that MONOcam operates within strict legal boundaries and is solely intended to enhance road safety.
Currently, MONOcam is operational only in Rhineland-Palatinate, but its success could lead to nationwide adoption. While the police have exclusive authority to use the system, some road safety advocates argue that municipalities should also be granted permission to implement the technology.
As Germany intensifies its fight against distracted driving, MONOcam stands out as a promising innovation. Whether other states will follow Rhineland-Palatinate’s lead remains to be seen, but for now, the region is pioneering the use of AI-driven surveillance to tackle one of the most persistent threats on the road.