A mobile device is described herein which includes functionality for recognizing gestures made by a user within a vehicle. The mobile device operates by receiving image information that captures a scene including objects within an interaction space. The interaction space corresponds to a volume that projects out from the mobile device in a direction of the user. The mobile device then determines, based on the image information, whether the user has performed a recognizable gesture within the interaction space, without touching the mobile device. The mobile device can receive the image information from a camera device that is an internal component of the mobile device and/or a camera device that is a component of a mount which secures the mobile device within the vehicle. In some implementations, one or more projectors provided by the mobile device and/or the mount may illuminate the interaction space.