Police globally are increasingly using AI-powered cameras to detect and penalize texting while driving and seat belt infractions. An Australian company, Acusensus, has introduced a camera system called "Heads Up, " operating in countries including Australia, the UK, and the US. These cameras capture images of passing vehicles, assessing infractions with AI that determines the likelihood of a violation and then human officers verify the images. The technology is intended to help prosecutions by immediately notifying officers of violations, allowing them to address issues in real-time, rather than weeks later. In the US, the technology primarily focuses on commercial vehicles, with cameras deployed in Georgia and North Carolina, and its use requires state legislation. Elsewhere, such as in the UK and Australia, AI systems send evidence to law enforcement, who then issue tickets.

Trials have shown significant results; for instance, a pilot in Greater Manchester recorded over 3, 200 violations related to phone usage and seat belts. Privacy concerns are significant, as cameras capture vehicle interiors. Acusensus claims to protect privacy by encrypting images and not retaining data if no violation is found. They also state that no personally identifiable information is recorded in their academic partnerships, with all data deleted post-studies. Despite these assurances, privacy experts remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for oversight. In Queensland, Australia, a trial resulted in decreased road fatalities, while legal experts in the US debate the balance between technology-assisted safety and privacy erosion. Concerns persist about the implications of surveillance, but some acknowledge the technology's potential to enforce laws effectively.