UK drivers who wear smartwatches 'risk £1,000 fine and six points'

UK drivers have been issued a stern warning about the use of while , which could result in fines of up to £1,000 and as many as six penalty points on their licence. While are often the main culprit for driver distraction due to calls and messages, smartwatches - touchscreen devices that allow texting and internet access - are becoming an increasing hazard for motorists.

With the popularity of smartwatches on the rise - with an estimated 156.5 million units shipped in 2024 and a forecast of 175.2 million for 2028 - so too are the risks associated with being distracted by them while driving.

READ MORE:

Despite there being no specific laws regarding the use of smartwatches while driving, drivers are required not to look at electronic devices "that can send and receive data" while on the road, or they risk a driving ban or fine.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed that nearly a quarter of drivers confess to checking their phone notifications while driving, but using a smartwatch is equally distracting.

Rule 149 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not use hand-held mobile devices, including smartwatches, for any purpose while driving.

This includes actions such as skipping a song, declining a call or even lighting up the screen.

Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at ChoiceQuote, has warned drivers: "If you are caught peeking at your smartwatch while driving, it could land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points added to your license."

Motorists could face serious charges if their smartwatch distracts them while driving, leading to an accident, reports .

The warning comes with a stark reminder: "While there are no specific laws around the use of smartwatches while driving, if your smartwatch causes you to be distracted, which leads to a serious accident, you could be charged with dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention."

The consequences of such distractions are severe: "This could result in a ban from driving, unlimited fine and in worst case scenario sent to prison."

The legalities are clear-cut according to gov.uk: "It's illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle."

The rules are comprehensive: "This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web."

And don't think you're exempt at any time; these laws apply even when you're stopped at traffic lights, stuck in traffic, supervising a learner driver, in a car with start-stop , or using a device that's offline or in flight mode.

To steer clear of fines or a ban, experts recommend three steps to avoid smartwatch-related penalties while driving. Firstly, consider removing your smartwatch before you drive – it's the most foolproof way to ensure it won't distract you.

Alternatively, if you'd rather keep it on, simply turn off notifications so your focus remains uninterrupted on the road.

Motorists have the option to activate the 'do not disturb' setting or driver mode on their smartwatches, which will halt notifications from popping up and causing distractions while it's switched on.