Smart glasses could be about to face some heavy restrictions for drivers.
Illinois Takes the Lead
Legislators in Illinois are already changing hands-free driving laws to address smart glasses. While it’s currently possible to use a phone while driving as long as it’s held in your hand or mounted on a dashboard, smart glasses might not be exempt from these new regulations. The state is preparing to explicitly deny smart glasses an exception for hands-free usage, potentially making them just as banned as regular mobile phones.
This move follows the usual pattern of addressing emerging technologies with caution. In the case of smart glasses, they’re often seen as a potential driver distraction, much like phones. The idea is that users might get so engaged with virtual information that they lose focus on the road.
Regulatory Rationale
The main rationale behind these restrictions is to minimize the risk of accidents. Smart glasses, like phones, can present a cognitive distraction, even if you’re technically not holding them. Illinois lawmakers seem to be taking a conservative approach, treating smart glasses as just another potential hazard on the road.
This isn’t the first time Illinois has taken a proactive stance on emerging tech. The state has a history of enacting regulations before other places follow suit. For instance, a law banning texting and driving was passed in 2008, a year before a stricter federal law was implemented.
What this means
For smart glasses manufacturers, this could be a significant setback. Companies like Vuzix and North Focals might need to redesign their products to comply with these new regulations or risk facing hefty fines. For consumers, it could mean that smart glasses are no longer viable for hands-free use while driving – at least in Illinois.
It’s too early to tell whether this trend will spread to other states, but it’s likely that other jurisdictions will start to take a closer look at the safety implications of smart glasses. One thing’s for sure: the battle to balance innovation and road safety is far from over.
