Can you get in trouble for using your smartwatch while driving? Here's what you need to know
- Replies 3
We all know the dangers of using our mobile phones while driving - we've seen the public service announcements, read the horror stories in the news, and maybe even gotten a ticket ourselves (hey, nobody's perfect).
From texting to checking social media, using your phone while driving is a big no-no that can result in some hefty penalties if you're caught doing it. Outside of the law, you are also putting yourself and others in danger.
But what about smartwatches? Surely they're not as dangerous, right?
You might not realise it, but using a smartwatch while behind the wheel is actually just as illegal (and dangerous) as using your phone – and you could be facing some serious consequences if you get caught doing it.
While there isn't a nationwide ban on using smartwatches while driving in the states and territories, fiddling with the devices while driving could result in severe fines. Let's take a state-by-state look:
Using a smartwatch while driving is illegal in many Australian states. Credit: The Telegraph.
NSW
While there are currently no smartwatch-specific laws in New South Wales, drivers who use their smart watch for mobile phone purposes are likely to run into problems.
According to Transport for NSW, using a smartwatch to text, make a video call, send an email, or access social media while driving can result in the same penalty as using a phone: a $362 fine and five demerit points.
So if you want to stay on the safe side (and keep your licence), it might be best to wait until you're parked before checking your messages or emails.
VIC
Drivers in Victoria are urged to avoid using smartwatches while behind the wheel altogether.
VIC Roads says using any of the device's mobile phone functions (such as making or receiving calls, texts or emails) can result in an on-the-spot fine of $484 and four demerit points - so it might be best to leave yours on 'Do Not Disturb' before getting behind the wheel.
However, the device can be used by fully licensed drivers provided it is not worn and is used as a driver's aid (such as a navigation device), music player or mobile phone to make or receive calls.
It is safer to wait until you have safely parked before using your smartwatch for anything other than emergency purposes. Credit: Getty Images.
QLD
While there are currently no laws in place in Queensland that specifically address the use of smartwatches by drivers, violators may still face penalties for distracted driving.
If a driver is seen using a smartwatch while operating a vehicle, the Department of Transport and Main Roads states that the police have the authority to issue a fine for driving without appropriate care and attention. This carries a fine of $1078 and four demerit points.
WA
Drivers in Western Australia can use their smartwatch as a navigational aid, but only if they remove it from their wrist and secure it to the dashboard.
Smartwatches are classified as a 'visual display unit' by WA Police, which carries a $300 fine and three demerit points if you are caught using one while driving unless it is mounted and secured to the car.
Using a smartwatch for mobile phone purposes is also considered 'using' a mobile phone in WA and could lead to a $1000 fine and four demerit points.
For those moments when you really need it, a smartwatch can double as a navigational aid if it's mounted safely in the car (depending on your state). Credit: Getty Images.
SA
Per South Australian traffic laws, using a smartwatch or other 'wearable computer' while operating a vehicle is prohibited if the driver can see the screen (unless the car is parked).
NT
Drivers in the Northern Territory are only allowed to use their smartwatches, which are considered visual display units, as driving assistance or to make or receive calls if the device is securely mounted in the car or can be handled hands-free. Drivers risk a $500 fine if they don't comply.
TAS
In Tasmania, using a smartwatch while behind the wheel is punishable by a $173 fine and three demerit points for 'driving without due care and attention'.
ACT
The ACT classifies smartwatches as mobile devices, restricting their usage while driving to hands-free operation while mounted for navigation, audio playback, and phone calls.
Anyone caught using one to exchange messages, access social media, use apps, or access the internet risks a $598 fine and four penalty points.
Meanwhile, making phone calls from a mobile device can result in a fine of $487 and three demerit points added to your driving record.
Some states consider using smartwatches the same as using mobile phones while driving. Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA.
So there you have it! As you can see, the rules surrounding smartwatch usage while driving vary from state to state, so it's always best to err on the side of caution and wait until you're parked before using yours.
Of course, the safest option is still to avoid using it altogether - after all, the last thing you want is to be distracted while behind the wheel and end up in an accident.
We hope this has cleared things up for you, members! If you're still unsure, we recommend checking with your local roads and traffic authority for the most up-to-date information.
From texting to checking social media, using your phone while driving is a big no-no that can result in some hefty penalties if you're caught doing it. Outside of the law, you are also putting yourself and others in danger.
But what about smartwatches? Surely they're not as dangerous, right?
You might not realise it, but using a smartwatch while behind the wheel is actually just as illegal (and dangerous) as using your phone – and you could be facing some serious consequences if you get caught doing it.
While there isn't a nationwide ban on using smartwatches while driving in the states and territories, fiddling with the devices while driving could result in severe fines. Let's take a state-by-state look:
Using a smartwatch while driving is illegal in many Australian states. Credit: The Telegraph.
NSW
While there are currently no smartwatch-specific laws in New South Wales, drivers who use their smart watch for mobile phone purposes are likely to run into problems.
According to Transport for NSW, using a smartwatch to text, make a video call, send an email, or access social media while driving can result in the same penalty as using a phone: a $362 fine and five demerit points.
So if you want to stay on the safe side (and keep your licence), it might be best to wait until you're parked before checking your messages or emails.
VIC
Drivers in Victoria are urged to avoid using smartwatches while behind the wheel altogether.
VIC Roads says using any of the device's mobile phone functions (such as making or receiving calls, texts or emails) can result in an on-the-spot fine of $484 and four demerit points - so it might be best to leave yours on 'Do Not Disturb' before getting behind the wheel.
However, the device can be used by fully licensed drivers provided it is not worn and is used as a driver's aid (such as a navigation device), music player or mobile phone to make or receive calls.
It is safer to wait until you have safely parked before using your smartwatch for anything other than emergency purposes. Credit: Getty Images.
QLD
While there are currently no laws in place in Queensland that specifically address the use of smartwatches by drivers, violators may still face penalties for distracted driving.
If a driver is seen using a smartwatch while operating a vehicle, the Department of Transport and Main Roads states that the police have the authority to issue a fine for driving without appropriate care and attention. This carries a fine of $1078 and four demerit points.
WA
Drivers in Western Australia can use their smartwatch as a navigational aid, but only if they remove it from their wrist and secure it to the dashboard.
Smartwatches are classified as a 'visual display unit' by WA Police, which carries a $300 fine and three demerit points if you are caught using one while driving unless it is mounted and secured to the car.
Using a smartwatch for mobile phone purposes is also considered 'using' a mobile phone in WA and could lead to a $1000 fine and four demerit points.
For those moments when you really need it, a smartwatch can double as a navigational aid if it's mounted safely in the car (depending on your state). Credit: Getty Images.
SA
Per South Australian traffic laws, using a smartwatch or other 'wearable computer' while operating a vehicle is prohibited if the driver can see the screen (unless the car is parked).
NT
Drivers in the Northern Territory are only allowed to use their smartwatches, which are considered visual display units, as driving assistance or to make or receive calls if the device is securely mounted in the car or can be handled hands-free. Drivers risk a $500 fine if they don't comply.
TAS
In Tasmania, using a smartwatch while behind the wheel is punishable by a $173 fine and three demerit points for 'driving without due care and attention'.
ACT
The ACT classifies smartwatches as mobile devices, restricting their usage while driving to hands-free operation while mounted for navigation, audio playback, and phone calls.
Anyone caught using one to exchange messages, access social media, use apps, or access the internet risks a $598 fine and four penalty points.
Meanwhile, making phone calls from a mobile device can result in a fine of $487 and three demerit points added to your driving record.
Some states consider using smartwatches the same as using mobile phones while driving. Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA.
So there you have it! As you can see, the rules surrounding smartwatch usage while driving vary from state to state, so it's always best to err on the side of caution and wait until you're parked before using yours.
Of course, the safest option is still to avoid using it altogether - after all, the last thing you want is to be distracted while behind the wheel and end up in an accident.
We hope this has cleared things up for you, members! If you're still unsure, we recommend checking with your local roads and traffic authority for the most up-to-date information.
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