The road rules about using an iPhone while driving have evolved significantly. Since the advent of the first mobile phones, there have been concerns about drivers being distracted. Some have been caught texting and even watching movies on their devices while driving. In the USA, over 3,000 road fatalities were attributed to drivers being distracted. Over 10% of those deaths were attributed to drivers using mobile phones. Australia’s Transport Accident Commission says drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are using their mobile phone.
What’s less understood is the impact of drivers using their Apple Watch while driving. In Australia, the laws pertaining to the use of smartwatches mimic the rules that apply to the use of mobile phones.
State governments across Australia are using cameras that can detect when a driver is touching their iPhone or Apple Watch while driving. Heavy fines and loss of demerit points apply.
The TL;DR is that passive use such as navigation alerts and glanceable info is generally allowed for fully licensed drivers. But all manual interaction is illegal. Learner and provisional drivers face stricter restrictions, and are typically banned from using wearable devices and smartphones entirely.
What are the rules in Victoria?
Fully licensed drivers in Victoria can use an iPhone or Apple Watch for passive functions such as receiving navigation instructions. But they can’t interact with the watch whole doing so. Swiping or tapping the watch is considered illegal, as it counts as operating a mobile device.
Learner and P-Plate drivers are strictly prohibited from using any wearable device or mobile phone in any capacity while driving.
What are the rules in New South Wales?
Fully licensed drivers can wear an Apple Watch while driving, but interacting with it manually, such as checking notifications or replying to messages is illegal. Passive use, such as receiving navigation or time-related alerts, is allowed. Similarly, they are not permitted to use a mobile phone.
As in Victoria, Learner and Provisional (P1 & P2) drivers are not permitted to use an Apple Watch or iPhone in any way while driving, including for navigation.
What are the rules in South Australia?
Fully licensed drivers can use their Apple Watch or iPhone for passive functions such as navigation alerts) without manual interaction. Manually interacting with the watch or phone is illegal.
Learner and Provisional (P1 & P2) drivers are not allowed to use an Apple Watch or smartphone in any form while driving.
What are the rules in Queensland?
It is illegal to hold a mobile phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap, when driving. This applies even if you’re stopped in traffic. The phone does not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence.
Learner drivers are not allowed to use their smart watches or mobile phones at all while driving. P1 provisional drivers are not allowed to use a mobile device at all unless they are over 25 in which case they can use a handsfree unit. P2 provisional drivers are allowed to use handsfree and wireless headsets.
What are the rules in Western Australia?
Like the other states, drivers are not allowed to hold or touch their mobile phones or smartwatches while driving. Phones must be securely mounted if they are being used for navigation or other passive functions. But the driver is not allowed to touch the device.
What are the rules in Tasmania?
Under Tasmanian law it’s illegal to operate, hold or have a mobile phone resting on your body while driving and it’s also an offence to look at the screen of a phone being held by someone else.
Using a mobile phone while driving is banned except to make or receive a phone call
provided the phone is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle or can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.