Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit drivers from wearing smart glasses while operating a vehicle — and if passed, it could make the state the first in the U.S. to introduce a law specifically targeting wearable AR devices behind the wheel.

The proposal arrives as smart glasses from Meta, Google, Apple, Snap, and others rapidly evolve from niche gadgets into mainstream consumer devices capable of displaying notifications, navigation, video recording, and AI-powered assistants directly in a user’s field of view.

Supporters of the legislation argue that existing traffic laws were never designed to address the unique distraction risk posed by wearable displays. Unlike a phone mounted on a dashboard, smart glasses put digital content directly in the driver’s line of sight at all times — notifications, messages, navigation prompts, or AI-generated information that could divert attention from the road.

“The concern is straightforward,” the article notes. “Even if the glasses are designed to assist users, they could also divert attention away from the road.”

The Illinois bill reflects a broader regulatory trend: lawmakers trying to get ahead of emerging technology rather than waiting for accidents or legal disputes to force action. Safety experts have long warned about distracted driving from smartphones and infotainment screens, and smart glasses introduce a new dimension to that problem.

Technology companies argue that wearable displays can actually enhance safety when implemented correctly — citing navigation directions, hazard warnings, and hands-free information access as clear benefits. But regulators appear skeptical, and the Illinois proposal could establish a legal framework that other states may follow.

The implications go beyond driving. As AI becomes integrated into smart glasses, with features like real-time translation, object recognition, and contextual assistance, determining what constitutes a “distraction” will only get more complex. The Illinois bill could open a Pandora’s box of questions about how governments will regulate wearable technology in public spaces — from driving to walking, cycling, and beyond.

For now, the legislation remains under consideration. But its significance extends far beyond one state — it signals that the regulatory conversation around smart glasses is already beginning, and companies building these devices should take note.

Source: Digital Trends