Described herein is a system and method of activating vehicle electromechanical systems based on image recognition and radio frequency systems. The system includes radio frequency (RF) antennas for receiving wireless communication signals from a transponder. A RF controller verifies that the transponder is associated with the vehicle. Upon detection and verification of the transponder, a camera system captures images and an image processing engine determines if the images contain valid gestures associated with commands for the electromechanical systems. A controller triggers the electromechanical systems to perform the command if the gesture is valid. For example, the command may be an activation or deactivation command.