The German federal government and the various states are looking to enable the use of so-called mobile phone surveillance devices nationwide due to the high number of drivers using their phones while driving. This announcement comes from a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Transport, as reported by the Rheinische Post.
The Ministry affirms the view held by the individual states that modern surveillance technologies have considerable potential to improve adherence to traffic regulations, thereby boosting overall road safety. Positive experience with this technology has previously been noted in areas like Rhineland-Palatinate.
The states had previously pressured the federal government to establish a regulation that is technology-neutral and applies across the entire country, warning that failing to do so would result in a fragmented legal landscape. These mobile phone detectors are capable of recognizing the size, shape, and colors of various phone models, as well as typical body postures associated with talking on the phone while behind the wheel.
According to the ADAC, police register approximately 400,000 mobile phone violations each year, with the actual number of infractions likely being considerably higher (the “dark figure”). Drivers caught using their phone are subject to a fine of 100 euros and receive one demerit point registered in Flensburg.
