Smart Watches & Mobile Phones |
Smart Watches & Mobile Phones |
Sat, 15 Feb 2020 - 20:41
Post
#1
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 1,209 Joined: 27 Jun 2006 Member No.: 6,356 |
I understand, I think, the law regarding the use of hand held mobile phones whilst driving. (I believe the meaning of the word "driving" in this context has not been tested in court?)
What I am unsure about is whether a smart watch, which is being worn rather than held, can legally be used to answer a call or read a text whilst driving? Replying to a text on the watch whilst the vehicle is in motion, in my opinion, would be stupid. But are these actions legal? |
|
|
Advertisement |
Sat, 15 Feb 2020 - 20:41
Post
#
|
Advertise here! |
|
|
|
Sat, 15 Feb 2020 - 21:08
Post
#2
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 38,006 Joined: 3 Dec 2010 Member No.: 42,618 |
Replying to a text would likely fall under not being in proper control. Answering a phone call is more ambiguous but as criminal statutes must be narrowly constructed, it is clearly arguable that a watch is not hand held for the purposes of the regulation. After all, your hand is still free to hold the steering wheel, change gear etc...
-------------------- If you would like assistance with a penalty charge notice, please post a thread on https://www.ftla.uk/index.php
|
|
|
Sun, 16 Feb 2020 - 11:39
Post
#3
|
|
Member Group: Life Member Posts: 24,212 Joined: 9 Sep 2004 From: Reading Member No.: 1,624 |
As always (except in cases where the wrong offence has been charged), there are 2 largely separate questions - is the offence of driving whilst using a hand-held mobile phone committed, and is some other offence committed.,
The second question almost invariably depends on factors not disclosed by the person asking the hypothetical question. Is it a specific offence to use a smart watch while driving? No. Is it legal to use a smart watch while driving? Depends. You might as well ask whether or not it is legal to drive whilst wearing a red jumper. If it categorically is then I don't need to worry about speed limits, drink drive limits, or traffic lights as long as I remember to wear a red jumper. -------------------- Andy
Some people think that I make them feel stupid. To be fair, they deserve most of the credit. |
|
|
Sun, 16 Feb 2020 - 12:00
Post
#4
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 477 Joined: 29 Jul 2019 Member No.: 104,999 |
I think you would be charged under driving without due care and attention if a police officer sees you playing with your watch too much while driving as you would be distracted, but obviously they would have to see you doing this! Good luck with an angry cyclist trying to prove that with their helmet cams.
-------------------- Police Speeding Fines - Police 1 - speedfighter23 0
TFL traffic contraventions 0 - speedfighter23 2 Kensington and Chelsea 0 parking contraventions - speedfighter23 1 Brighton and Hove parking 0 - speedfighter23 1 Private PCN - Private Parking Solutions Limited 0 - speedfighter23 1 Tyre Puncture Pothole Claims: 0 Buckinghamshire Council - speedfighter23 1 0 TFL - speedfighter23 1 Result Pending: 1 Islington Council tyre puncture claim |
|
|
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: Thursday, 28th March 2024 - 09:51 |