Using a smartwatch at the wheel could land drivers with six points, RAC says
More than a third of drivers who use smartwatches at the wheel may be breaking the law without knowing it, according to new research from the RAC.
The motoring organisation found that 34% of drivers who admit to using a smartwatch while driving could be falling foul of legislation that currently does not clearly define what counts as “use” of the device.
Mobile phone laws introduced in 2022 made any interaction with a handheld phone while driving illegal, even when stationary in traffic, carrying a penalty of six points and a £200 fine.
Smartwatches occupy a different legal position.
The RAC says it is not yet clear whether touching or interacting with a smartwatch while driving falls under the same handheld device offence, leaving drivers uncertain about their legal position.
Thirteen per cent of smartwatch-owning drivers told the RAC they interact with the device by touching it while driving, 12% use voice commands only, and 9% do both.
The most common reason drivers look at their smartwatch at the wheel is to check the time, cited by 81% of those surveyed.
Half check notifications, 42% check their location and 40% make or receive calls through the device.
Even where the handheld device law does not apply, the RAC warns that a smartwatch that visibly distracts a driver could still lead to a charge of not being in proper control of a vehicle, which carries a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Careless or dangerous driving charges could also apply in more serious cases.
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “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: “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.”
The RAC’s research found that 40% of drivers who drive at least once a month own a smartwatch, rising to 73% among 17 to 34-year-olds.
Dennis said the threat of distraction from notifications or calls coming through on the wrist was real and recommended drivers “resist the temptation to use them” while driving.
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