UPDATE: |UK motorists with smartwatches issued £1,000 fine warning News

Experts are advising drivers with smartwatches to follow three simple steps to avoid risking a £1,000 fine or driving ban

UK drivers have been issued a smartwatch warning that could see people fined £1,000 and receive ‘up to to 6 penalty points on their license’.

While smartphones are usually a driver’s main cause for concern when getting distracted by messages and calls, smartwatches – touchscreen watches that allows you to text and access the internet – are becoming more and more dangerous for motorists.

As smartwatches grow in popularity – there was an estimated 156.5 million units of smartwatches shipped in 2024 and 175.2 million forecast for 2028 – so do the dangers of being distracted by them while driving.

Although there are no specific laws around the use of smartwatches while driving, drivers are obligated not to look at electronic devices “that can send and receive data” while driving, or risk a driving ban or fine.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) revealed that almost a quarter of drivers admit to checking their phone notifications while driving, but using a smartwatch is just as distracting.

And according to Rule 149 of the Highway Code, drivers must not use hand-held mobile devices, including smartwatches for any purposes while driving. This includes skipping a song, declining a call or even illuminating the screen.

Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at ChoiceQuote, warns 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 6 penalty points added you your license.

“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.

“This could result in a ban from driving, unlimited fine and in worst case scenario sent to prison.”

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According to the gov.uk website: “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.

“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.”

These laws still apply even if you are: stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, supervising a learner driver, driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving and holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode.

To avoid these consequences, experts are advising drivers follow three steps to prevent receiving a fine or driving ban for using a smartwatch while driving.

Firstly, drivers are advised to remove their smartwatch before setting off. This is the simplest way to ensure you cannot be distracted by it whilst driving.

If you do not want to take your watch off completely, you can turn your notifications off so they do not come through to your watch when you are busy.

Drivers can alternatively turn on the do not disturb setting or driver mode on your smartwatch, which will also stop notifications from coming through and distracting you whilst it’s turned on.