Could your drivers be breaking the law with their smartwatch?
Smartwatch and driving guide by Rachel Pearson, Key Account Manager and Advanced FORS Practitioner at Fleetmaxx Solutions
Hi, Rachel here.
As someone who spends a lot of time working with fleet operators, transport managers and drivers across the UK, I am always interested in how new technology is changing the way we work and drive.
Most of us are familiar with the rules around mobile phones behind the wheel. Drivers know that touching or using a handheld phone while driving can lead to significant penalties, including fines and penalty points. However, a recent warning from the RAC has highlighted another piece of technology that many drivers may not have considered: smartwatches.
According to research carried out by the RAC, a third of drivers who use smartwatches while driving could potentially be putting themselves at risk of falling foul of the law.
A growing issue for modern drivers
Smartwatches have become incredibly popular over the last few years. They allow us to check messages, answer calls, receive notifications, monitor fitness activity and even navigate journeys, all from our wrists.
The RAC’s research found that 40% of motorists who drive at least once a month now own a smartwatch. Among younger drivers aged between 17 and 34, that figure rises dramatically to 73%.
Many drivers admit to interacting with their smartwatches while driving:
- 13% touch their smartwatch while driving
- 12% use voice commands
- 9% use both touch and voice controls
The most common activities include:
- Checking the time (81%)
- Viewing notifications (50%)
- Checking location information (42%)
- Making or receiving calls (40%)
While these actions may appear harmless, they all have the potential to distract a driver from the road ahead.
The legal position remains unclear
One of the challenges highlighted by the RAC is that current legislation has not fully caught up with smartwatch technology.
The law surrounding handheld mobile phone use while driving is very clear. Drivers can receive six penalty points and a £200 fine simply for touching a mobile phone while in control of a vehicle.
However, smartwatches occupy a grey area.
For example, if a driver clears a notification from their smartwatch while driving, could this be considered the same as using a handheld mobile device?
There is currently no clear legal precedent or explicit legislation confirming how smartwatch use is treated under handheld device laws.
That uncertainty creates a potential problem for both drivers and fleet operators. Drivers may genuinely believe they are acting within the law while unknowingly exposing themselves and their employers to risk.
Distraction remains the real concern
Regardless of how future legislation develops, one thing is absolutely clear.
A distracted driver is a dangerous driver.
Even if a smartwatch action does not fall under the specific handheld phone legislation, drivers can still be prosecuted for not being in proper control of their vehicle.
This offence can result in:
- A £100 fine
- Three penalty points
In more serious circumstances, drivers could face allegations of careless driving or dangerous driving, which carry far more severe consequences.
As fleet operators, we should not focus solely on what is technically legal. Instead, we should focus on what keeps our drivers, vehicles and other road users safe.
Why businesses should take action now over smartwatch use
Many businesses already have mobile phone policies in place. However, very few have updated their driver policies to specifically address wearable technology.
As smartwatches become more common, particularly among younger drivers, now is the perfect time to review your existing driver handbook and driving-for-work policies.
Questions worth considering include:
- Should drivers interact with smartwatches while a vehicle is moving?
- Can drivers use smartwatch voice commands?
- How should notifications be managed during working hours?
- Does your distracted driving policy cover wearable technology?
- Have drivers received clear guidance and training?
By addressing these issues now, businesses can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate a proactive approach to driver safety.
Fleet operators need clear smartwatch policies
Technology is evolving much faster than legislation.
As Rod Dennis from the RAC rightly points out, lawmakers need to provide greater clarity around what constitutes smartwatch use while driving.
Until that happens, businesses should consider creating their own clear internal guidance.
Having robust policies in place protects not only your drivers but also your business. In the event of an incident, investigators will often examine driver training records, company policies and management controls.
A well-written policy could make a significant difference.
How Fleetmaxx Solutions can help
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we work with businesses every day to improve fleet safety, compliance and operational performance.
If your organisation needs support updating driver handbooks, driving-for-work policies or transport procedures, our transport consultancy services can help.
Working alongside our transport consultancy partner Steve Hale, we can assist with creating practical driver rules, policies and procedures that reflect the realities of modern fleet operations.
In addition, our Transport Health & Safety and HR support services can help businesses manage driver-related issues, investigations, disciplinary matters and compliance challenges when they arise.
With technology constantly changing, keeping policies up to date has never been more important.
Final thoughts
Smartwatches are undoubtedly useful tools, but they also introduce new challenges for drivers and employers alike.
Whether future legislation specifically targets smartwatch use or not, the underlying principle remains the same: drivers must always remain fully focused on the road.
For fleet operators, now is the ideal opportunity to review existing driver policies and ensure wearable technology is included within your wider driver safety strategy.
If you would like help reviewing your fleet policies, driver handbook or compliance procedures, I would be delighted to have a chat and discuss how Fleetmaxx Solutions and our transport consultancy team can support your business.
Our transport consultancy services include:
DVSA Investigation Preparation & Assistance
When it comes to operators grappling with DVSA challenges, Steve Hale Transport Consultancy excels in offering pre-audits, expert guidance, and tailored corrective measures to address compliance issues. They maintain a close partnership with a Transport Law firm, conducting comprehensive investigative work on behalf of their clients, ensuring effective support and resolution.
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Our partners, Steve Hale Transport Consultancy, possess specialised knowledge to guide you and your business through the operator license application process. They offer operators ongoing support for all your license requirements. Whether you will benefit from continuous transport management or just require one-time assistance with the application submission to ensure accuracy.
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Running a fleet, large or small, can be difficult and daunting. Our partners are often requested to undertake a full site or fleet compliance audit by companies to provide an overview of their operation’s general compliance and condition.
During the audit, they will offer guidance and advice on any improvements we feel are necessary and needed.
Health & Safety Services
Alongside transport compliance support, this enhanced service helps organisations meet their legal responsibilities, manage workplace risks effectively, and build safer, more resilient operations.
All consultancy is delivered by a highly experienced, NEBOSH qualified Health and safety professional with more than 25 years of industry experience. The guidance provided is practical, proportionate, and tailored to real working environments, ensuring that compliance strengthens operational performance rather than slowing it down.
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Running a fleet brings plenty of challenges. Managing people can be even more complex.
That is why Fleet HR consultancy services are now available through our trusted transport consultancy partnership, providing practical, expert HR support for small to medium sized transport, logistics and fleet businesses.
From recruitment to retirement, the service is designed to help protect your business, support your team, and ensure you remain compliant at every stage of employment.
Understanding your OCRS Score
Your operator’s licence is one of the most valuable assets your business holds. Understanding what OCRS is and how it works is essential for protecting that licence and maintaining a strong compliance record.
The Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) is used by the DVSA to assess how well operators manage vehicle roadworthiness and regulatory compliance. A strong score can reduce inspections and demonstrate good management practices.
With the right systems, procedures, and expert support in place, operators can maintain a healthy OCRS score and keep their fleet operating safely and efficiently.
Road Risk Management
Driving for work remains one of the most significant risks faced by many organisations today. Whether your fleet includes vans, HGVs, company cars or grey fleet vehicles, having a clear and structured Road Risk management strategy is essential to help protect drivers, vehicles, business operations and other road users.
Through our consultancy partners, businesses benefit from the expertise of highly experienced specialists, including former Roads Policing Officers with extensive frontline experience. Their knowledge has been built through years of investigating serious collisions, assessing driver behaviour and understanding the underlying causes of road incidents.
This real world experience enables organisations to receive practical, informed guidance that helps improve driver standards, strengthen vehicle safety and create safer, more effective operational procedures across the fleet.
RTA Support
Fleetmaxx Solutions is proud to introduce FleetGuard+, a specialist emergency response and incident support service available to our customers through our trusted consultancy partner, Steve Hale Transport Consultancy Ltd.
Created specifically for UK transport operators and professional drivers, FleetGuard+ delivers immediate access to expert guidance, legal assistance and driver wellbeing support following serious or fatal road traffic collisions.
In the aftermath of a serious incident, the actions taken in the first few hours can be critical. FleetGuard+ is designed to support drivers, transport managers and business owners from the very beginning, helping them respond appropriately, reduce operational and legal risk, and navigate what can often be an extremely stressful and challenging situation.