Drivers who use smartwatches while behind the wheel are being warned they could face penalties for distracted driving.

Growing concerns are emerging about how wearable technology is being used on UK roads, with drivers seemingly unaware of the potential repercussions.

It is illegal to hold and use any mobile phone, sat nav, or internet-capable device while driving, and the law strictly forbids touching a device for any reason, even when stationary in traffic or at a red light.

Not just a watch

The warning comes from the RAC, which says motorists risk falling foul of existing driving laws if smartwatches divert their attention from the road, despite uncertainty over whether the devices fall within legislation governing handheld mobile phone use.

Current laws make it illegal for drivers to touch a handheld mobile phone while in control of a vehicle, even when stationary in traffic.

Offenders face six penalty points and a £200 fine.

However, the legislation does not specifically address smartwatches, creating a legal grey area as ownership and use of wearable technology continue to rise.

The RAC says that actions such as touching a smartwatch screen, checking notifications or using voice commands while driving all have the potential to distract motorists and could result in enforcement action.

Tech distraction

In theory, even something as simple as clearing a notification on a smartwatch could be interpreted as using a handheld mobile device while driving.

However, the legal position remains unclear at present.

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said drivers should not assume smartwatches are exempt from existing road safety laws.

“While it’s currently not clear if using a smartwatch contravenes the handheld mobile device law, which carries the penalty of six points and a £200 fine, drivers need to be mindful that being distracted by one is still an offence,” he said.

“Whether that’s a £100 fine and three penalty points or careless or dangerous driving will depend on the seriousness.”

Fashionable facts

Research commissioned by the RAC suggests smartwatch use behind the wheel is already widespread.

Among drivers who own the devices, 13% admitted to interacting with their smartwatch by touch while driving, while 12% said they rely solely on voice commands.

A further 9% reported using both methods.

The study also found that more than half (56%) of smartwatch-owning motorists use the devices on at least “most” journeys, while the remainder use them occasionally.

Checking the time remains the most common reason for using a smartwatch in the car, cited by 81% of respondents.

However, many drivers are also using the devices for more complex tasks, including viewing notifications (50%), checking their location (42%) and making or receiving phone calls (40%).

Popular pursuits 

The RAC’s findings highlight the rapid growth in smartwatch ownership among motorists.

Overall, 40% of drivers who use a vehicle at least once a month now own a smartwatch.

Among younger motorists aged between 17 and 34, ownership rises sharply to 73%.

The motoring organisation argues that while the legal definition of smartwatch “use” may be unclear, the safety risks associated with distraction are well established.

Drivers who become distracted by a smartwatch could be prosecuted for failing to maintain proper control of a vehicle, an offence that typically carries a £100 fine and three penalty points.

More serious cases could lead to charges of careless or dangerous driving, which attract significantly harsher penalties.

More than time

Dennis believes lawmakers may need to revisit existing legislation to keep pace with technological advances.

“In 2022, the Government introduced stricter rules making any interaction with a handheld mobile phone while driving illegal,” he said. “Before this, the device had to be being used for communication purposes which made it harder for the police to prosecute.

“The case of smartwatches is perhaps an example of technology outpacing legislation. With so many drivers admitting to using smartwatches at the wheel, lawmakers need to get ahead of this issue and clarify precisely what constitutes ‘use’ of a smartwatch while driving.”

He added that the issue is likely to become more pressing as wearable devices become increasingly common among younger drivers.

“As smartwatch ownership becomes the norm for younger drivers, their use on the road is only likely to grow. This makes it all the more important that legislation and enforcement are clear, consistent and future-proof.

“The threat of distraction from notifications or calls coming through on your wrist is real, and we recommend drivers play it safe and resist the temptation to use them.”