Drivers can be caught for offences such as mobile phone use, missing seat belts, and even tailgating from ‘a mile away’
Howard Lloyd Regional content editor
11:36, 19 Feb 2026Updated 12:39, 19 Feb 2026
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Using your phone behind the wheel could land you with a fine – or even see you lose your licence
The AA is warning drivers about a new AI system that has already caught thousands of motorists. A spokesperson for the company took to Instagram to discuss the rise in ‘AI 4D radar traffic enforcement vans’.
She said that they can ‘peek inside your vehicle’ and catch motorists breaching laws such as ‘mobile phone use, missing seat belts, and even tailgating’. The warning, issued in December 2025, said that the vans were already in areas such as Devon, Manchester, and the West Midlands.
She also claimed that motorists can be caught from a range of a mile thanks to the use of artificial intelligence. Apparently, more than 10,000 drivers have already been caught. AI software apparently analyses the results before being reviewed by humans.
The AA stated that, although the aim is reportedly to slash road deaths, many feel feel it may be ‘a step toor far’. The woman, who was not named, said on the AA Instagram page: “Heads up drivers, there’s a new kind of traffic cop in town as police across the UK roll out AI 4D radar traffic enforcement vans that can see straight into your car.
“These vans don’t just clock your speed; they can peek inside your vehicle to check for mobile phone use, missing seat belts, and even tailgating. Already cruising through areas like the West Midlands, Devon, and Greater Manchester, these vans can catch lawbreakers from up to a mile away.
“In Devon alone, over 10,000 drivers have been fined since the trial began in 2023. The cameras work by taking pictures of people in their cars, with AI analysing if any offences are taking place before the images are checked by two human reviewers for confirmation. While the big goal is to cut road deaths in half by 2030, many are left wondering: is this the future of safer roads or a step too far?”
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Many people commenting on the post felt it was a step too far. One said: “Could be a breach of human rights, invasion of privacy AND let’s make more money!!!!”, while another added: “The purpose is not to reduce road deaths with this, it’s all money money money nowadays. road deaths would be lowered if our roads were actually looked after.”
Another poster added: “Because we all know AI is infallible. Not. I’m all for road safety but there’s a sinister element to this.” But another one did say: “I hate people who blatantly use their phones while driving!! So well done.”
What is illegal?Phone use
According to the Government website, it is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline.
For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web. You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage.
The law still applies to you if you’re:
stopped at traffic lightsqueuing in trafficsupervising a learner driverdriving a car that turns off the engine when you stop movingholding and using a device that’s offline or in flight modeExceptions
You can use a device held in your hand if:
you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stopyou’re safely parkedyou’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurantyou’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely
You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted. You can get six penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.
You will also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years. You can get three penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.
You can also be taken to court where you can:
Seat belts
You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you are using – there are only a few exceptions. You are also only allowed one person in each seat fitted with a seat belt.
You can be fined up to £500 if you do not wear a seat belt when you are supposed to. You must make sure that any children in the vehicle you are driving are:
in the correct car seat for their height or weight until they reach 135 centimetres tall or their 12th birthday, whichever is firstwearing a seat belt if they’re 12 or 13 years old, or younger and over 135cm tallTailgating
National Highways claims that tailgating – when you follow someone too closely on the road – is a factor in one in eight crashes on UK roads. The Highway Code says you should “allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster moving traffic”. This is made up of the time needed for thinking and stopping.
Rule 126 of the Highway Code says that: “Dangerous and careless driving offences, such as tailgating, are enforced by the police.” If you’re spotted by police driving too close to the vehicle in front, they can take action if they think you’re driving without due care and attention. You could receive a £100 charge and three penalty points on your licence.
Speeding
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence. You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.
If a camera has caught you, you should receive a notice of intended prosecution within two weeks, as well as a Section 172 notice asking who the driver was. You may have to go to court if you ignore the notice.
If you are stopped by the police, they can give you a verbal warning, give or send you a fixed penalty notice, or order you to go to court. You will be sent a letter telling you what to do.