Apple Watch User Fined For Using The Device While Driving

Question: if you were to check your watch while driving, is it considered to be distracted while driving which in turn could make you viable to being fined? While you consider those implications, it seems that over in Quebec, Canada, a man has been fined for using his Apple Watch while driving.

According to Jeffrey Macesin who spoke to CTV News, he claims he was pulled over by the police for using his smartwatch while driving and was given a $120 fine and four points on his license. Apparently he was using his Apple Watch to skip songs with one hand while the other was on the wheel.

The ticket was based on section 439.1 of the Quebec Highway Safety Code, which reads, “No person may, while driving a road vehicle, use a handheld device that includes a telephone function.” That being said Macesin believes that the Apple Watch does not qualify as a handheld device and is planning to contest the case.

Interestingly enough a couple of years ago, a woman was fined for using Google Glass while driving. The court later dismissed the ticket against her. That being said while this ticket may or may not be dismissed, a study from earlier this year revealed that smartwatches are actually found to be bigger distractions than phones when used while driving, but what do you guys think of this? Should have he been fined?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Gadgets
Tags: Apple Watch, Legal, Smartwatch, Wearable Tech