![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/https:\/\/prod.static9.net.au\/fs\/1d251214-f58f-47de-b99e-a50dde9a95df.jpeg\")
Using a smartwatch while driving could cost Australian drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines depending on where they’re caught. (Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\nA chime sounds. A driver glances down to read the notification on their smartwatch, then looks back at the road.<\/p>\n
It only took a few seconds but that distraction may have doubled the risk of a crash, and could cost Australian drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines depending on where they’re caught.<\/p>\n
The problem, according to one expert, is that most Australians have no idea they can be penalised for using a smartwatch while driving.<\/p>\n
Using a smartwatch while driving could cost Australian drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines depending on where they’re caught. (Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n
Smartwatch ownership has boomed in the last decade but there are currently no specific road rules addressing their use while driving.<\/p>\n
Instead, drivers may be penalised for using a smartwatch behind the wheel under distracted driving or mobile phone road rule\ufeffs.<\/p>\n
But these rules and the penalties associated \ufeffvary between states and territories.<\/p>\n
In South Australia, drivers caught using a smartwatch while driving may face a $125 fine, while in Tasmania fines can exceed $2000.<\/p>\n
This has left Australian motorists confused and potentially unaware of the serious risks associated with using a smartwatch while driving, according to \ufeffPhD Candidate and Researcher at Queensland University of Technology Sina Rejali.<\/p>\n
Distraction is the main contributing factor in about 16 per cent<\/a> of Australia’s serious casualty road crashes and research has shown smartwatches are more distracting to drivers than mobile phones.\ufeff<\/p>\n “You are visually distracted because you are not looking at the road, you are cognitively distracted because you are not focusing on driving,” Rejali told 9news.com.au.<\/p>\n “And if you are touching your smartwatch, you are physically distracted as well.”<\/p>\n Using voice commands to operate a smartwatch can be safer than physically interacting it, but even that can cause potentially deadly driver distraction.\ufeff<\/p>\n Despite the evidence, many Australians continue to use smartwatches while driving, putting themselves and others at risk.<\/p>\n Rejali has called for better education about the dangers of driving while distracted by smartwatches and clearer, more comprehensive road rules governing their use across the country.<\/p>\n “It’s really important to raise awareness about the fact that distracted driving is not just mobile phone use,” he said.<\/p>\n “Smartwatches can be just as risky.”<\/p>\n Penalties for \ufeffusing a smartwatch while driving<\/strong><\/p>\n “When worn by a driver or rider, a smartwatch must not be used for text messaging, video messaging, emailing, social media, or similar communications while driving,” a Transport for NSW Spokesperson told 9news.com.au.<\/p>\n “If a smartwatch is used like a phone while operating a vehicle, the same mobile phone rules apply.”<\/p>\n Penalties for mobile phone offences include \ufeffa fine of $410 and five demerit points, while distracted driving offences can carry a $544 fine and three demerit points.<\/p>\n Laws on mobile phone use in Victoria also apply to smartwatches, with drivers warned not to touch their smartwatch or use it to text, make or receive calls while driving.<\/p>\n Drivers who break the law may face on-the-spot fines of $593 and four demerit points. Fines can reach up to $1976 if contested in court.<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/https:\/\/prod.static9.net.au\/fs\/91fc3221-5746-4a32-8978-d66561518827.jpeg\")
Using a smartwatch while driving – especially if you’re touching it – can cause multiple layers of distraction. (Getty)<\/p>\n
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