Drivers have been warned they could face a fine of £1,000 as well as be slapped with six penalty points for breaking a major Highway Code rule.
The fines can be issued to drivers who check their smartwatch notifications while behind the wheel with drivers facing higher punishments if they cause an accident.
Despite the convenience of the watches and subsequent health benefits, the legal consequences of glancing at notifications while driving could be severe.
Experts have now urged motorists to "remain vigilant and take precautions" to avoid distractions from their devices while on UK roads.
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Drivers can be fined for using a smartwatch while behind the wheel
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Reports found that smartwatch usage has grown rapidly across the UK, with an estimated 156.5 million units shipped globally in 2024, with this figure expected to rise to 175.2 million by 2028.
But as more drivers wear smartwatches, the risk of distraction has prompted concerns from road safety experts and insurance specialists.
Under Rule 149 of the Highway Code, drivers must not use hand-held mobile devices, including smartwatches, for any purpose while driving.
The code details: "You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication (such as a tablet) for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver."
This ban covers all use of a hand-held interactive communication device, and it applies even when the interactive communication capability is turned off or unavailable.
This includes the minor actions of skipping a song, declining a call or even illuminating the screen, all of which could see drivers pay the price.
Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at ChoiceQuote, said: "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 six penalty points added to your licence."
But the expert warned that the consequences could be even more severe in certain circumstances.
"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," Leese shared.
Drivers could also face a driving ban, an unlimited fine and in the worst case scenario, a prison sentence if they cause an accident on the road.
The rules apply regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or stationary, such as when waiting at traffic lights, the expert added.
The Road Safety Authority has revealed that almost a quarter of drivers admit to checking their phone notifications while driving.
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Drivers can only use hands-free devices while driving to avoid being distracted on the road
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"It is best practice to turn this on when driving to not get distracted by your device," according to ChoiceQuote's guidance.
The only exception to the rule is for hands-free devices, which can be used as long as drivers are not physically holding them while behind the wheel.
