Cameras with AI: Discover the technology that automates traffic fines |CNN Brazil

Advanced computer vision systems enable real-time detection of complex violations, such as cell phone use and lack of seat belts

Cameras with AI: Discover the technology to automate traffic fines

Advanced computer vision systems can detect complex violations in real time, such as the use of mobile phones or not wearing a seat belt

Traffic enforcement is undergoing an unprecedented technological transformation with the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI).In the past, radars were only used to measure speed or detect the progress of a red light using physical sensors.Today, new AI cameras act like digital eyes that can interpret human behavior inside and outside of cars.

This change changes the dynamics of public safety and traffic control in Brazil's major cities.The use of deep learning algorithms allows the team to identify abnormal patterns without the need for human intervention.In detail, this change represents a jump from one-time surveys to continuous behavioral monitoring.

With the introduction of these technologies, there is debate about efficiency and privacy.To understand the new lines of road traffic law, it is important to understand how these devices process data.The technology seeks to create a safer and more predictable road ecosystem through intelligent automation.

What is a smart surveillance camera?

AI ticket cameras are not just ordinary high-resolution video recorders.They function as real-time data processing units equipped with computer vision software.These devices can segment images and identify what a vehicle, sign, pedestrian or internal object is.

The technology is based on Convolutional Neural Networks, a type of AI model that has been trained with millions of examples.The developers feed the system with pictures of drivers in different situations.The program learns the signal, for example, the signal of picking up a mobile phone from other normal actions behind the wheel.

Unlike older radars, these cameras have high local processing power, known as edge computing.This means that an analysis of the violation is carried out in the camera and the necessary information is transmitted to the center.This distributed operation increases execution speed and reduces the load on data storage systems.

The role of computer vision in error detection

Computer vision allows the camera to "see" inside the car even in poor conditions.Infrared sensors and special light filters help eliminate reflections from the windshield.After the image is processed, the intelligence uses filters to monitor and analyze the situation.

The system checks multiple checkpoints simultaneously in a fraction of a second.It detects the presence of seat belts on the chest of the driver and front passenger.At the same time, it monitors the position of the hand and the proximity of the electronic device to the driver's face.

If the algorithm detects non-compliance with the rules of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), the system isolates the frame.This digital evidence is sent with metadata that includes time, geographic location and road conditions.The accuracy of these systems exceeds the capabilities of the human eye, especially on highways.

Violations are automatically detected by artificial intelligence

The versatility of AI cameras allows for the monitoring of a wider range of offenses simultaneously.Among the main automatic detections currently applied, the following stand out:

- Using a mobile phone: The system detects the presence of the device in the driver’s hand or near the ear.

- Absence of seat belt: the sensor detects the absence of the device of drivers and friends.

- Restricted Mode: AI monitors the vehicle's trajectory at intersections and restricted access.

- Exclusive lane capture: immediate detection of unauthorized vehicles in bus lanes or bike lanes.

- Stopping at the zebra crossing: the software checks the position of the wheels in relation to the road markings.

The technology also helps identify vehicles that have been reported stolen or whose licenses were issued late.With optical character recognition (OCR), license plates are instantly read and viewed in government databases.This multifunctionality makes investment in AI very strategic for transit agencies.

Verification process: is the machine itself OK?

A common question among drivers is whether AI has the legal power to issue a fine directly.In Brazil, legislation requires electronically detected violations to be validated by a human trafficking authority.The AI ​​camera works as a very effective scanning tool.

The system pre-selects only those images where there is a very high probability of proven infringement.The traffic agent takes the evidence on a digital interface and confirms if the registration is valid.The human step acts as an ethical and technical filter to avoid false positives from the algorithm.

Human collaboration guarantees the legal security of the process and allows for context-specific analysis.For example, the AI ​​may detect a car parked in a prohibited area, but the agent notices that there is a medical emergency.This synergy between technology and human judgment is what supports the effectiveness of automatic judgment in the country.

Benefits for road safety and accident reduction

The main rationale for implementing AI cameras is the protection of life.Research shows that efficient electronic control greatly reduces the number of serious accidents and fatalities in road traffic.The presence of technology has a deterrent effect, encouraging drivers to behave safely.

By automating the detection of cell phone use, cities are addressing one of the biggest causes of distracted driving collisions.The speed of detection of offenders allows government authorities to act where the risk is greatest.In addition, the technology frees up human agents for more complex field tasks, such as arranging transportation in the event of an accident.

The analysis of the data generated by these cameras also helps in urban planning.Managers can identify challenges, critical moments for violations and sections that require sign changes.Therefore, the inspection is not only a punishment and has become a fundamental component of modern traffic technology.

Ethical Issues and Data Protection (LGPD)

The proliferation of AI cameras raises critical questions about the General Data Protection Act (LGPD).Vehicle interior monitoring means collecting images that can be considered sensitive data.The challenge is to strike a balance between public safety and citizens' right to privacy.

Transit agencies need to ensure that images collected are used only for inspection purposes.Access to data should be controlled and auditable to prevent disclosure or misuse of personal information.In addition, anonymization techniques should be applied to images of passengers where violations have not occurred.

Transparency about the location and capabilities of these cameras is a pillar of social acceptance.When citizens understand that technology is aimed at collective security and follows clear rules, resistance will decrease.The debate about the "beautiful industry" should be answered with technical data and evidence of the reduction of accidents.

The future of smart roads

AI cameras represent only the initial phase of smart cities.In the future, these devices will connect directly with vehicles through V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) technology.Traffic will no longer be monitored only through images, and will be managed by an integrated data network.

The trend is that artificial intelligence is becoming more and more predictable.Systems will be able to anticipate the risk of impact and send alerts to nearby vehicles.The test will be a byproduct of a larger network focused on fluidity and extreme safety in transportation.