What Do Mobile Phone Detection Cameras Look Like

What Do Mobile Phone Detection Cameras Look Like

Driver distraction caused 15.9% of crashes in 2020, which prompted our government to increase the number of mobile phone detection cameras across the country. But what do mobile phone detection cameras look like, how do they work, and where are they located? 

Keep reading this article to get answers to all these questions!

What Do Mobile Phone Detection Cameras Look Like?

Mobile phone detection cameras are a little different from the speed and red light cameras people are used to. While these usually have a white boxy look, mobile phone detection cameras are black and have a distinguished modern design. 


They are usually installed high above roads at a right angle to allow clear pictures of the front seat of vehicles. If you notice a black rectangular box with black cameras on each side (or a single camera next to the black box), you’ve come across phone detection cameras.

Where are the mobile phone detection cameras located in Australia?

At the moment, mobile phone detection cameras are fully operational in three states:

  • New South Wales
  • Queensland
  • Victoria

Mobile phone detection cameras were first introduced in New South Wales in December 2019. They were implemented just a year later when trial testing started in both Queensland and Victoria. 

The Australian Capital Territory has started its testing period in February 2022, while South Australia has yet to test and implement them

The exact mobile phone detection camera locations are never disclosed, so drivers always have to be cautious. Still, you can often find their leaked locations and sometimes even photos online.

Source: MTAQ

How Do Mobile Phone Detection Cameras Work?

As previously mentioned, phone detection cameras are placed overhead to allow clear images of a vehicle’s front cabin. Positioned that way, these cameras use infra-red flashes to capture high-quality photos of all passing vehicles. Their technology allows them to work during any time of the day and in all weather conditions

Phone detection cameras use artificial intelligence software (AI) to automatically determine whether a driver uses a mobile device or tablet while driving. 

What happens when a phone detection camera takes a photo?

If the system finds drivers used the mobile devices in a non-offending way, it deletes the photos immediately. However, because this system is just a screening tool, sometimes photos have to go through additional human reviews to determine whether there really was an offence. If nothing suspicious is found, pictures are deleted within 72 hours

If the human review determines there was an offence, what happens next? Well, at least in NSW, pictures are securely sent for the last review to Transport for NSW trained officers who ensure no mistakes were made, and are then submitted to Revenue NSW for final adjudication. 

What if I receive a penalty without committing any offence?

Should this happen to you in New South Wales, you’re free to contact Revenue NSW and ask them to review the images again. Revenue NSW can either drop the penalty notice or decide that it should stand. If no changes are made, you can go to court. 

How Effective Are Mobile Phone Detection Cameras?


In February 2021, over 25 million cars were checked, and 60,000 illegal phone use penalties were issued across New South Wales over the course of a year. 

During the Sydney trial period, mobile phone detection cameras caught one in every 82 drivers using a phone while driving. Rates have dropped since then, with only one in every 453 drivers committing an offence between March 2020 and January 2021.

In Queensland, over 15,000 Aussies were seen talking on their phones while driving from July to December 2020, and 6,125 were fined in the same year.

Transport for NSW believes that mobile phone detection cameras have been beneficial in reducing illegal mobile phone usage. The average fine rate of $352 ($469 if caught near a school) influences drivers to be more careful on the road.

When Can Drivers Legally Use Mobile Phones on the Road?

There are certain cases where using the phone while driving is allowed. You won’t get in trouble with the law if you: 

  • Make or receive phone calls
  • Listen to music 
  • Navigation, Speed Advisor app or dispatch system
  • Use wallet functions 

Note: This is valid only if a mobile device is securely attached to a car cradle, or if you’re using a Bluetooth headset or a voice assistant.

Conclusion

With the introduction of phone detection cameras, the number of distraction-caused accidents, which was a sixth of all car crashes, has dropped significantly, and our roads have become safer.

Next time you’re on the road and wondering what do mobile phone detection cameras look like, watch out for black rectangular boxes with black cameras placed high above the road. However, your primary concern should be not locating them but keeping your hands on the wheel.

FAQs:

1. Do mobile phone detection cameras work at night?


Phone detection cameras were developed to work night and day and in all weather conditions. 

2. Do mobile detection cameras flash?

When thinking about what do mobile phone detection cameras look like, people usually wonder if there’s a flashlight included. The truth is, they don’t use a typical flashlight but infra-red light that creates clear photos of the front seat of your car.

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