A system for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle having driver and passenger zones is provided. The system includes a camera and a controller. The camera is configured to transmit a first signal indicative of a captured image of an object in the driver zone. The controller is configured to receive the first signal and to receive a status signal indicative of the PCD being in a sleep mode or an active mode. The controller is further configured to receive a motion signal indicative of the PCD being in a stationary mode or a motion mode and to detect that the PCD is in the driver zone if the captured image of the object corresponds to the PCD and if the status signal indicates that the PCD is in the wake up mode or the motion signal indicates that the PCD is in the motion mode.