The smartwatch rules every Australian driver should know

Australians are warned that touching their smartwatches while driving could result in a hefty fine.

Because a smartwatch has similar functions to a phone, it could distract or inattentive a driver, leading to penalty points.

New South Wales

It is illegal to use smartwatches for texting, video calling, emailing, social media or other similar activities when the driver is wearing them.

Drivers face five penalty points and a $362 fine that goes up to $481 if caught in a school zone — the same penalty as using a phone while driving.

Victoria

Victoria is warning drivers not to use a smartwatch while driving, and cell phone laws also apply to watch devices.

“If a motorist is wearing a smartwatch, it should not be used for making or receiving calls, navigation, music, text or video messaging, email or social media (such as Facebook and Twitter) while driving,” VicRoads advises motorists.

Smartwatches can also be used if the driver does not touch anything on the smartwatch (for example, to make and receive calls hands-free via Bluetooth or similar means), and if it is secured in a commercially designed mount attached to the vehicle (it may not be available).’

Those caught using the smartwatch illegally will be fined $484 and four penalty points.

Motorists caught illegally using their smartwatch will be fined $484 and four penalty points on the spot.

Queensland

There is no smartwatch-specific rule for motorists, but anything that distracts a driver will still be fined.

“Smart watches are a major distraction for motorists and the police can still charge a driver for driving without due care and attention,” a spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads said.

“We have cell phone cameras and seat belts all over Queensland.

“The cameras detect illegal cell phone use and seat belt failure by both drivers and front seat passengers, but are not used to enforce smartwatch violations.”

Drivers can be fined $1,078 and four penalty points on their driver’s license for illegally using a phone.

Tasmania

Those who use their smartphones while driving in Tasmania can be punished with inattentive driving.

“Driving without due care and attention” is punishable by a $173 fine and three penalty points.

South Australia

South Australia follows Australian traffic regulations around visual display units (VDUs) – including ‘portable computers’ and smartwatches.

It is an offense to operate a display in a moving vehicle if the display is visible to the driver.

Drivers will also be fined if they use a monitor while sitting in a stationary car that is not parked.

Western Australia

Similar rules apply to those in South Australia, with the exception that drivers are allowed to use smartwatches for navigation.

Drivers using a smartwatch as a navigation aid should mount the device instead of having it on their wrist. Drivers caught breaking the rules will be fined $300 and three penalty points.

If you use a smartwatch to make calls or text while in a moving vehicle, you risk a $1,000 fine and four penalty points.

Northern Territory

Motorists in the state are allowed to use their smartwatch to make calls, provided they do not touch any part of the device.

Drivers caught touching their smartwatch will be fined $500.

Australian Capital Territory

Mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches can be used if they are secured and mounted and the driver does not touch the device to make calls, navigate or play music.

Motorists caught using the Internet and checking text messages are subject to three to four demerit points and a fine of between $487 and $598.