The invention provides an engine control system and method. The engine control system comprises a monitor, an image processor, an electronic control unit, an engine and an alarm unit, wherein the monitor is used for collecting image information of a preset area of a driver in a vehicle and transmitting the image information to the image processor; the image processor is used for analyzing the received image information, determining whether the driver uses a mobile phone in the driving process and transmitting determination information showing whether the driver uses the mobile phone in the driving process to the electronic control unit; the electronic unit is used for sending a throttle retarding command for controlling flameout of the engine to the engine when detecting that the rotation speed of the engine is greater than a first preset threshold and the speed of the vehicle is greater than a second preset threshold and receiving first determination information showing that the driver uses the mobile phone in the driving process, and sending alarm prompt information to the alarm unit. The engine control system and method are capable of correcting unsafe driving behaviors of the drivers, improving the vehicle driving safety and avoiding the injury to people and the damage to the vehicles.