A method for providing traffic status information as part of a traffic status detection system using a traffic status detection device provided in the vehicle, in particular traffic status information for ascertaining the traffic situation, including traffic status information for detecting congested traffic is provided. To provide high-quality traffic status information at an acceptable cost, it is proposed that in a first step a traffic status is detected repeatedly by the traffic status detection device. In a second step, a change in traffic status is detected by the traffic status detection device. In a third step, a data record describing the change in traffic status is generated by the traffic status detection device, in particular a program-controlled computer, and in a fourth step, the data record is transmitted from the traffic status detection device to a receiver that receives the data record, via Short Message Service.