Everything you need to know about the phone flash

Do you know what a phone speed camera is? This new, smart speed camera is being used nationwide by the police to fine people who are using their phone while driving. Are you still tempted to answer that one app while driving, select a new song from your Spotify list or call your mother and tell her about your day? Be warned! Because whether you are driving your own car, a rent a car for a road trip or drive in a van to collect your goods; you can no longer go unnoticed with your phone! In this article we will therefore tell you more about these innovative phone flashes; where they are set up and what the consequences are if you are caught.

What is the purpose of speed cameras for phone use?

Since July 1, 2021, the police have been using mobile phone speed cameras. By fining people who are using their phones while driving, they hope to reduce the use of smartphones in cars and thus increase road safety. The technology of the mobile phone speed camera was tested for months using machine learning before the device was introduced. And since these tests were successful, the smartphone speed camera is now used nationwide.

How the flash works for a hand-held phone

Using artificial intelligence, the camera of the phone flash can see exactly when a driver has a mobile electronic device in his hand. This electronic device can be a smartphone, but also a tablet or a navigation device, for example. Since the cameras use infrared technology, smartphone users can also be caught at night.

What does a phone flash look like?

A phone speed camera is placed on a viaduct or a higher point on the road and is aimed down at the road, usually between the railing of a bridge. The smartphone speed camera does not look different from a normal security camera, but can be recognized by its high position with the lens aimed down. The images are sent by cables to a computer in the van of an Electronic Traffic Surveillance team.

Where are telephone speed cameras located?

Speed ​​cameras for mobile phones are not on the roadside or in cars, but are located above the road. They are usually set up on viaducts over motorways or another higher point with a view of the road. The cameras of the smartphone speed cameras are aimed downwards at an angle, so that the illegal act, the driver and the license plate are clearly visible. The face of the offender is usually not shown, but the hands holding the smartphone are. The Netherlands is a pioneer in Europe with the mobile phone speed camera, because these smart cameras are only used frequently in Australia. A traffic fine abroad so you won't get that anytime soon as a result of a cleverly placed phone flash.

What happens if the mobile phone speed camera catches you?

Has the camera detected that you have an electronic device in your hand while driving? Then a photo is taken of you as the offender and of the license plate of the vehicle. This photo is first sent to the police station, where an officer checks whether the camera of the phone flash has made the correct detection. If so, a report is made and the Central Judicial Collection Agency is instructed to fine you. You will then receive the fine including photo as evidence at home within a few weeks.

Height of fine if you are flashed

Are you caught by a phone speed camera? Then you have to dig deep into your pockets. The fine for using a smartphone while driving is 240 euros, excluding 9 euros in administration costs. That's not nothing! You will think twice next time before clicking on that one app. Although smartphone speed cameras are not our greatest friend, we do understand the introduction of this device very well. Safety comes first!