Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device usage controller and methods of limiting device usage in a motor vehicle using audio environment and physical vibration information. The controller incorporates a real time audio feed from a microphone and runs through a pattern matching algorithm to determine the likelihood of the device being in a motor vehicle, such as an automobile, through the detection of environmental noise. The controller also incorporates a second data stream sampled from a motion sensor to determine vibration patterns felt by the device. The second data stream can also be used to determine the likelihood of the device being in a motor vehicle. Either one of the two data streams or the two data streams are combined to control or limit access to the device, automatically trigger assistance or both.