The RAC is urging motorists to avoid using smartwatches while driving, warning that the legal position is not straightforward when it comes to how drivers interact with notifications. The RAC says people who use a smartwatch in a way that requires handheld interaction or clearing alerts could fall under rules that apply to handheld phones, depending on how the device is used while driving. The concern is that drivers may believe they are operating safely because the screen is on the wrist, but still unintentionally breach legislation related to phone use.
Multiple reports highlight that the issue sits in a “legal grey area,” with the guidance focused less on whether smartwatches are inherently illegal and more on the risk of being treated like prohibited phone use if motorists actively interact with the device. The RAC’s message is therefore preventative: motorists should act cautiously and avoid handling or reading notifications while driving to reduce the chance of committing an offence.
The reports do not describe new enforcement actions, focusing instead on awareness and compliance.
