A method for determining usage of a mobile device in a vehicle by a user includes receiving a first value indicating an “off” state of a screen at a first time, operating at least one sensor of the mobile device to obtain first movement measurements, and classifying the first movements as usage movements. The method also includes generating an indication of mobile device usage, receiving a second value indicating an “on” state of the screen at a second time, operating the at least one sensor to obtain second movement measurements, and classifying the second movements as usage movements or non-usage movements. The method further includes maintaining the indication of mobile device usage in response to the second movements being classified as usage movements or changing the indication of mobile device usage to an indication of mobile device non-usage in response to the second movements being classified as non-usage movements.