TL;DR: If you use a smartwatch while driving, you could face fines, penalty points or even prosecution if it distracts you from the road. While UK law does not specifically ban smartwatch use, motorists can still be charged with careless or dangerous driving if their attention is affected. With smartwatch ownership continuing to grow, particularly among younger drivers, the RAC is calling for clearer rules to remove any uncertainty. Until then, the safest approach is to avoid checking notifications, answering calls or interacting with your smartwatch until you've safely parked and switched off the engine.
Could checking your smartwatch while driving lead to a fine? Here's what drivers need to know
Drivers who glance at or interact with their smartwatches while behind the wheel could risk fines, penalty points or even prosecution, according to the RAC.
The motoring organisation is calling for clearer guidance from lawmakers, warning that the growing popularity of smartwatches is creating a legal grey area for motorists.
Millions of drivers now own smartwatches
RAC research found that 40% of drivers who use a car at least once a month own a smartwatch. Among younger motorists aged 17 to 34, ownership rises to 73%.
While many drivers understand that using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, fewer are aware of the potential risks associated with smartwatches.
The survey revealed that:
22% of drivers admitted touching or interacting with their smartwatch while driving.
21% said they used voice commands through their smartwatch while on the road.
As wearable technology becomes more common, concerns are growing about the impact these devices could have on driver concentration.
Is it illegal to use a smartwatch while driving?
The answer isn't straightforward.
Drivers can already receive six penalty points and a £200 fine for using a handheld mobile phone while driving. The rules also cover devices capable of sending and receiving data, including tablets and sat-nav systems.
However, smartwatches occupy a legal grey area because they are worn on the wrist rather than held in the hand.
That doesn't mean drivers are safe from prosecution.
If using a smartwatch distracts you from driving safely, police could still charge you with driving without due care and attention, or in more serious cases, dangerous driving.
The RAC is calling for clearer rules
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said current legislation could leave drivers unintentionally breaking the law.
He said the issue is likely to become more significant as smartwatch ownership continues to increase, particularly among younger motorists.
The RAC is urging lawmakers to clearly define what constitutes "using" a smartwatch while driving.
Even checking notifications could be risky
Smartwatches are designed to deliver instant notifications, calls, messages and health alerts directly to your wrist.
While convenient, these features can quickly become a distraction when you're driving.
The RAC advises motorists to avoid interacting with their smartwatch altogether while behind the wheel and to silence unnecessary notifications before starting a journey.
What do legal experts say?
Legal experts say prosecuting someone solely for wearing and using a smartwatch could be difficult because the device isn't physically held in the driver's hand.
However, that may not protect drivers from other offences.
Solicitors have pointed out that even if a smartwatch doesn't fall under handheld mobile phone laws, motorists can still be prosecuted if using one means they are not fully in control of their vehicle.
Ultimately, if a smartwatch distracts you and affects your driving, you could still face serious consequences.
The safest approach
If you need to check the time, read a message or respond to a notification, wait until you've safely parked and switched off the engine.
As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, staying focused on the road remains the most important safety feature in any vehicle.