Wearing a smartwatch while driving a taxi could carry legal and safety risks
- Perry Richardson
- May 16
- 1 min read
Taxi drivers wearing smartwatches while driving may face legal and safety risks under UK law.
The Highway Code prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving. Although smartwatches are worn on the wrist, interacting with them—such as checking notifications or making calls—can be considered using a hand-held device. This could lead to penalties of up to £1,000 and six points on a driving licence.
Even minimal interactions, like glancing at a smartwatch to check the time, can be deemed distracting. Such actions may result in charges of driving without due care and attention.
For taxi drivers, the implications may be significant. Licensing authorities may scrutinise such offences, potentially questioning a driver’s fitness to hold a taxi licence.
To mitigate risks, taxi drivers should avoid interacting with smartwatches while driving. Utilising “Do Not Disturb” modes or removing the device during shifts can help ensure cabbies do not fall foul of the law and maintain safety standards.
