A method and system for remote sensing using optical orbital angular momentum (OAM)-based spectroscopy for lateral motion detection. The method includes applying an OAM mode on a light beam to generate an OAM light beam, the OAM light beam having an optical OAM spectrum, applying an OAM optical beam tilt on the OAM light beam to generate a tilted OAM light beam, transmitting the tilted OAM light beam on a remote object, such that the remote object interacts with the tilted OAM light beam, receiving a reflected OAM spectrum associated with the remote object, the reflected OAM spectrum having power values of OAM modes on opposite sides of an OAM launch mode, and displaying lateral motion of the remote object based on the reflected OAM spectrum by comparing the power values.