Illinois plans to ban drivers wearing smart glasses while driving

Smart wearable devices are very popular, and now smart glasses are also available. However, the United States has begun to ban drivers from wearing smart glasses while driving, causing discussion.

The Illinois State Assembly in the United States has officially passed a bill to amend traffic regulations and prohibit drivers from wearing smart glasses while driving. The bill has been submitted to Governor JB Pritzker and is only waiting for his signature. Once passed, Illinois is likely to be the first state in the United States to ban the use of smart glasses while driving.

The bill, promoted by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, expands the definition of electronic devices that are prohibited while driving, regardless of whether smart glasses have a display screen or AR function. Drivers must not wear the device even if it is in hands-free voice mode or if the vehicle is stopped due to traffic jams. The proponent believes that projecting information into the field of vision is more dangerous than looking down at a mobile phone.

This bill is equivalent to directly closing the door to smart glasses. After all, mobile phones can also use hands-free mode, but smart glasses cannot even use this mode. If a driver violates the rules for wearing smart glasses, the first fine will be US$75 (approximately NT$2,370), and the maximum fine can be US$150 (approximately NT$4,740). If a serious traffic accident occurs, the driver will face criminal liability.

New York State has proposed a similar bill, but it has not been voted on. Illinois' legislation this time may become a reference for other states in the United States.