Rhineland-Palatinate in focus: Over 300 cell phone violations caused by new speed cameras!

Rhineland-Palatinate in focus: Over 300 cell phone violations caused by new speed cameras!

There has been lightning in Rhineland-Palatinate since mid-April 2025! The first cell phone speed camera has started working and has serious consequences for drivers who look at their cell phones while driving. Over 300 violations of cell phone use while driving have already been recorded, prompting the police to take action. The new surveillance technology used by the Trier Police Headquarters uses monocam technology and aims to ensure greater safety on the streets. Around 1,000 accidents every year in Rhineland-Palatinate are due to distraction caused by smartphones, including tragic deaths. According to n-tv, three people died in connection with such incidents in 2024.

The monocam captures images of drivers using their cell phones while driving via the windshield of vehicles. In addition, the material will later be checked by police officers for violations. This is happening as part of a comprehensive security initiative anchored in the new police law. Interior Minister Michael Ebling emphasizes the preventative nature of this measure. If you get a fine of 100 euros and get one point in Flensburg, the fun is quickly over. But who thinks about the punishment when the cell phone beeps?

Cell phone speed cameras in Rhineland-Palatinate

Rhineland-Palatinate is the first federal state in Germany to use this technology. The police plan to equip all five major police headquarters with the monocam, which could sustainably improve traffic safety regulations. The new system was already available for testing in Trier and Mainz in 2022 and was received with positive feedback. Given the changing legal situation, which has been in force since March 1, 2025, traffic and data protection officers have no concerns that the new devices will violate data protection requirements. According to ZDF, the collected data is only stored for as long as is necessary to increase traffic safety.

Before drivers come up with the idea of ​​using their smartphone to gain an advantage while behind the wheel, they should be aware of the penalties. This includes not only the fine, but also the points in Flensburg. Professionals such as the ADAC have also expressed concerns about the legal basis for the long-term use of monocam technology. Fortunately, these concerns appear to be viewed as unproblematic by the authorities. Leading minds in road safety will drastically reduce the risk of using your smartphone while driving in the future, because the consequences are clearly noticeable and safety on the road comes first!

What threatens violations?

Anyone who can't take their eyes off the road and leave their smartphone in their pocket is aware of the risks. Germany has armed itself heavily with penalties. The use of cell phones while driving has been highly prohibited since a change in the law in 2017. In practice, this means for drivers that reading the time, writing messages or making phone calls are not permitted if the cell phone is not in a holder. According to ADAC, the following applies to the use of cell phones while driving:

The bottom line is that distracted driving is a serious issue and only entails unnecessary risks. Whether you have a cell phone, tablet or smartwatch – none of this belongs in your hand in the car! Stay safe and keep your phone in your pocket while you're behind the wheel!