A US state is considering prohibiting smart glasses while driving, which may lead to a host of unforeseen issues.

      Smart glasses are swiftly transitioning from specialized gadgets to widely adopted consumer technology. Products from manufacturers like Meta, Google, Apple, and Snap are becoming more adept at showing notifications, offering navigation, capturing video, and even operating AI-driven assistants within a user's visual field.

      However, one U.S. state is raising a crucial question: Should drivers be permitted to wear them while driving?

      Illinois lawmakers are contemplating a bill that would prevent drivers from wearing smart glasses while operating a vehicle. If enacted, this could make the state the first in the nation to introduce a law specifically targeting wearable augmented reality devices during driving.

      This proposal comes at a time when tech companies are heavily investing in smart glasses as the next significant computing platform. Although current models are still relatively basic, forthcoming devices are anticipated to present increasingly sophisticated digital information directly in users’ line of sight.

      Proponents of the legislation contend that adding virtual content to a driver's visual field creates distractions that current traffic laws do not adequately address.

      Legislators are concerned about distractions before the technology becomes mainstream

      The Illinois bill intends to prohibit drivers from using smart glasses that project visual content while driving. The rationale is clear: even if the glasses are intended to assist users, they could also detract focus from the road.

      Safety experts have long cautioned about the dangers of distracted driving associated with smartphones, infotainment systems, and navigation displays. Smart glasses pose a new challenge since the display moves with the user rather than being fixed to a dashboard or phone holder.

      Critics of the technology argue that having notifications, messages, videos, advertisements, or AI-generated content in a driver's line of sight could heighten the risk of accidents.

      The legislation mirrors a broader trend among regulators who are seeking to tackle emerging technologies before they become pervasive. Instead of waiting for incidents or legal issues to arise, lawmakers are keen to set bounds early on.

      Technology companies, however, often claim that wearable displays can improve safety when used appropriately. Navigation instructions, hazard alerts, and hands-free access to information are frequently highlighted as advantages of augmented reality devices.

      The discussion could extend beyond just smart glasses

      The broader concern lies in what comes next.

      Should Illinois proceed with a ban on smart glasses, it could create a legal precedent that other states might eventually adopt. More importantly, it raises critical questions about how governments will regulate future wearable technologies.

      The complexity of regulation increases as artificial intelligence becomes a feature of smart glasses. Future models are expected to offer real-time translations, contextual insight, object recognition, and conversational AI assistance, complicating the definition of distraction further.

      The proposal underscores a growing conflict between innovation and public safety. Regulators aim to curb hazardous behaviors, while technology companies seek the liberty to create entirely new device categories.

      Currently, the Illinois legislation is still under review. Nevertheless, its implications stretch well beyond a single state.

      As smart glasses gain capability and prevalence, lawmakers worldwide will likely encounter the same dilemma. If drivers can legally utilize a navigation display, voice assistant, or heads-up display today, where should regulators set the boundaries in the future?

      Illinois may be the first state tackling this issue, but it will undoubtedly not be the last.