Cape Town trials AI cameras to enforce seatbelt and phone use laws
New AI technology is on the cards that will detect motorists who text while drive.
Image: File
Do you text while driving or skip your seatbelt?
The City of Cape Town has confirmed it is trialling AI-powered cameras that detect motorists who violate these laws.
The system, tested on a trial basis, can automatically identify common traffic violations, including failure to wear a seatbelt, cellphone use while driving, and crossing solid white lines.
According to Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs, the City is exploring how the technology could support enforcement, but there are currently no plans to roll it out.
“At this time, there is no plan for a rollout of AI cameras; however, we cannot discount the possibility that AI will play a bigger role in enforcement in the future,” he said.
Fines SA – an online platform designed to help motorists, businesses, and fleets check, manage, and pay traffic fines across over 250 municipalities in South Africa – said the development marks a broader shift in how road safety will be managed in the country: from reactive, human-led enforcement to automated, always-on compliance monitoring.
“This is a significant moment for road safety in South Africa. AI doesn’t get tired, it doesn’t get distracted, and it doesn’t negotiate at the roadside. It simply records the offence," said Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA.
“Compliance becomes less about avoiding roadblocks and more about consistently following the rules.”
According to Fines SA, historically, enforcement has relied heavily on visible policing, roadblocks, and officer discretion. AI-driven monitoring changes that dynamic entirely.
Automated systems operate continuously and consistently. There are no warning waves, no leniency, and no margin for ‘I didn’t realise’. “Motorists are used to thinking that enforcement is something they encounter occasionally. AI changes that mindset. It creates certainty. If you are not wearing a seatbelt or you’re on your phone while driving, the system will detect it,” said Berman
While some may view the technology as intrusive, Fines SA believes the long-term impact could be positive, particularly when it comes to behavioural change.
“Consistent enforcement is one of the most effective ways to change driving behaviour,” Mr Berman explains. “When consequences are predictable and unavoidable, habits start to shift. And ultimately, that’s what improves road safety.”
They said this technological shift is unfolding alongside broader traffic law reforms, including the planned rollout of AARTO and its national demerit system.
They went on to say the introduction of AI enforcement also raises a practical issue: many motorists only discover they have outstanding fines when attempting to renew their licences or when stopped at a roadblock.
As enforcement becomes faster and more automated, the window between offence and escalation may shrink.
“Incorporating technology not only detect offences more efficiently, it integrates into digital systems that process fines faster," said Berman. “That means motorists have less time to correct mistakes before penalties escalate to summonses, licence renewal blocks, or additional costs.”
“AI enforcement is not about catching people out,” said Berman. “It’s about creating safer roads through consistent accountability. Motorists who stay proactive will experience fewer costs, less stress, and greater peace of mind.”