Will smart glasses be banned behind the wheel?

Facial technology is becoming the next big target for lawmakers. Illinois is on the verge of becoming the first U.S. state to explicitly ban the use of smart glasses while driving. The bill has already passed the legislative process and now awaits the governor’s final signature. The measure significantly expands the existing definition of electronic devices in traffic. While other states, such as New York, have proposed similar restrictions on head-mounted electronic devices, none have yet reached a vote in the Senate or House of Representatives.

The Illinois law makes an important distinction, as it does not distinguish between glasses with built-in screens and those without. Unlike cell phones, which drivers can legally use hands-free via Bluetooth and the car's infotainment system, the use of smart glasses will be prohibited in all circumstances. The exceptions that apply to other communication devices will not apply to smart glasses with artificial intelligence, even if the driver controls them with voice commands. It will also not be allowed to use them while in traffic jams with the vehicle's transmission in neutral or park.

The introduction of the new rule also brings financial and legal consequences. The first fine for a violation will be approximately 70 euros, and for repeated offenses the amount will increase to around 140 euros. The consequences will be even more severe if a driver causes a serious traffic accident while wearing these glasses, as in this case he will face charges for a misdemeanor or even a criminal offense.

On the one hand, this decision seems logical, since placing a screen right in front of the driver's eyes is a textbook example of distracting the driver. The measure is also becoming crucial due to plans by technology giants. Amazon, for example, is developing glasses that would project navigation data directly in front of the eyes of delivery drivers while driving. Ray-Ban's Meta glasses also offer navigation functions, and although the manufacturer strongly advises against using them in a vehicle, it does not technically prevent it. Such bans are expected to become even more common, with Google, Samsung and potentially Apple also planning to enter the smart glasses market next year, which is already causing unrest among regulators.