Detecting mobile devices within a vehicle based on cellular data detected within the vehicle

A method for detecting a presence of a mobile device within a vehicle, comprising:

• monitoring, by a processor and via a primary antenna, one or more uplink frequency bands for a cellular data signal indicative of the presence of the mobile device within the vehicle;
• monitoring, via at least a first antenna and a second antenna, the one or more uplink frequency bands for the cellular data signal;
• and
• distinguishing, based on the monitoring via the first antenna, the second antenna, and an RF microwave reflective or absorptive material positioned between the first and second antennas, whether the cellular data signal originates from a driver space or a passenger space within the vehicle, wherein the RF microwave or absorptive material is further positioned such that a perpendicular axis of the RF microwave reflective or absorptive material passes through a center of the driver space and passenger space within the vehicle.

A monitoring device, comprising:

• a primary antenna;
• a processor;
• a memory storing a plurality of instructions, which, when executed on the processor, causes the monitoring device to:
• monitor, via the primary antenna, one or more uplink frequency bands for a cellular data signal indicative of the presence of the mobile device within a vehicle;
• receive, from an antenna component having a first antenna and a second antenna, data associated with the cellular data signal indicative of whether the cellular data signal originates from a driver space or a passenger space within the vehicle, wherein the antenna component is mounted between the driver space and the passenger space within the vehicle and wherein a RF microwave reflective or absorptive material is positioned between the first antenna and second antenna.