It is mainly due to high-resolution AI cameras catching ‘in-vehicle’ offences that may have previously gone unnoticed.
A widespread lack of awareness surrounds the advanced enforcement technology being rolled out on UK roads.
New research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover reveals nearly three-quarters (72%) of motorists are unaware that AI cameras – designed to identify offences such as seatbelt violations and mobile phone use through the windscreen – are now active across the UK.
While the implementation of AI technology varies by region and specific trial periods, the data reveals an Easter peak for offences; spikes which are likely driven by the sheer number of vehicles on the road, increased holiday enforcement and the fatigue associated with longer holiday drives.
The data also revealed the ‘most caught’ vehicles** among these forces combined, with drivers of Audi, Ford, and Volkswagen models revealed as the most likely to be flagged for a penalty during the Easter holiday rush.
While specific recording requirements vary by force, these three make are consistently ranked in the ‘Top 10’ for recorded offences across all the pioneer regions analysed.
While the risk of offences over Easter increased last year, 2026 is set to see more oversight as the UK moves into an era of AI enforcement under the Government’s 2026 Road Safety Strategy.
Backed by a £115m National AI Centre initiative, ‘Precision Enforcement’ is being used to target leading causes of collisions, including distracted driving, failure to wear seatbelts, speeding, and impaired driving.
While the technology has evolved, Tempcover’s research of 2,000 UK motorists reveals a disconnect between road safety laws and actual driver behaviour.
Over one in eight (13%) admit to either personally driving or witnessing the driver use a phone or tablet behind the wheel to text, change music, or watch videos.
Furthermore, a quarter (25%) of motorists mistakenly believe that holding a phone in their lap or below dashboard level will escape detection.
In reality, AI sensors are positioned to capture high-resolution images through the windscreen, spotting devices even when tucked out of sight of traditional patrols.
The data also shows that comfort often comes at the cost of compliance. On long car journeys, nearly one in ten (9%) admit to either loosening their seatbelt while driving or witnessing the driver do so, while 7% report their seatbelt being removed entirely by themselves or the driver.
Meanwhile, a quarter (26%) say they have abandoned a safe seated position as a passenger or have seen someone else do so – including placing feet on the dashboard, a behaviour the new AI cameras are calibrated to detect.
The penalties for these ‘in-vehicle’ offences are severe
While a seatbelt violation carries an immediate £100 fine (rising to £500 in court), using a handheld mobile phone – even while stationary in traffic – results in a £200 fine and six penalty points.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “The emergence of AI technology marks a shift in road safety enforcement, making it more important than ever for motorists to be mindful of their habits behind the wheel, especially during mass driving moments like Easter.
“The Easter getaway can be a test of driver endurance but our research also shows that fatigue often sets in in just over an hour.
“An effective way to stay safe and help avoid preventable fines on longer journeys is to recognise signs of exhaustion and share the load.
“Flexible options like temporary car insurance enable motorists to legally swap drivers at stops like service stations for just an hour or a day.”
