Phone-Detection Cameras: Transport Minister Backs Nationwide Use of Monocam

The minister wants nationwide phone cameras

Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) supports bringing so-called phone flash cameras to the whole of Germany, according to a dpa report. These camera systems, such as the Monocam, are meant to automatically spot drivers who are holding a smartphone. So far, only the state of Rhineland-Palatinate uses the technology in regular operation. Using it across the country would need a federal law, and there is no such law yet.

How the Monocam works

The camera hangs high up, for example on a bridge, and takes pictures at an angle into the cars driving below. Software looks at the driver's area for a phone and a matching hand or arm position. If it finds both, it marks the photo as a possible hit. Police officers then check every hit by hand before any fine is given. The software is not able to learn on its own. It was taught once by the police and only does what it is told.

Key facts

• The software compares photos with about 20,000 reference images.
• Rhineland-Palatinate is the only state that uses the Monocam in regular operation.
• The Transport Ministers' Conference met on 21 and 22 October in Hohenschwangau.
• Rhineland-Palatinate's police law has had a legal basis for this since March 2025.
• Drivers who get a fine can file an objection within two weeks of receiving it.

Why this matters

Using phones while driving is a growing danger, and the cameras could help catch it. But the system takes pictures of every driver before any suspicion exists. That touches people's right to control their own personal data, so a clear law is needed. A court in Koblenz has already thrown out older photos taken before the state rule existed. Experts also warn that if officers simply accept the software's suggestion without checking, the human review loses its value.

What to watch

• Whether the federal parliament (Bundestag) starts work on a national law.
• Whether the Bundesrat, which represents the states, takes part in the law-making process.
• Whether it is legal for Rhineland-Palatinate to have this rule at all, which legal experts still debate.
• How quickly unconfirmed photos are deleted under the state rules.
• What rules are set for time stamps and data safety, which are not yet documented.