Chase Bernath / Android Authority
TL; DR
- Lawmakers in Illinois are already changing hands-free driving laws to address smart glasses.
- The state is set to outright reject the hands-free exemption for smart glasses.
- Apparently, the rule applies equally to audio-only glasses and glasses equipped with displays.
Smart glasses feel like they could finally be on the verge of going mainstream, just like we saw with smartwatches over a decade ago. But not everyone is excited about its rise in popularity, and backlash against certain aspects of the technology continues to gather pace. While the requirements for some MPs are worrying about legislation mandatory registration lightsothers focus on using smart glasses while behind the wheel.
Smartphone bans for drivers are already quite widespread, with many places banning anything but a hands-free phone. You might think smart glasses would get a pass then, as they’re primarily designed for hands-free operation, but we’re already starting to see legislative progress to limit their use.
Illinois State is gearing up for it change the limits Now about the use of electronic communication devices while driving to specifically target smart glasses (via Gizmodo). But instead of expressly creating an exception for hands-free glasses, the new language does just the opposite:
As for electronic communication devices: it provides access to smart glasses with artificial intelligence in the electronic device; and changes the reference to Twitter to X. Provides exceptions to the use of an electronic communication device while driving do not apply when using an electronic communication device to use artificial intelligence smart glasses in hands-free or voice-controlled mode, or when the vehicle is stopped due to obstruction of normal traffic and the driver is in neutral or in park.
It’s hard to read this as anything other than a direct attack on technology. Perhaps the lack of an exception is meant to make it easier for law enforcement officials, as it can be quite difficult to determine whether a user is actively interacting by observing their smart glasses.
Similarly, there is no difference between audio-only glasses like Google and Samsung’s upcoming glasses.Smart Glasses” and glasses with built-in displays like new releases Snap Features.
Currently, Illinois has passed the bill and is waiting to be signed into law before the new restrictions go into effect. With how smart glasses are taking off, it feels like only a matter of time before we start seeing similar laws hit the books in other states.
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