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rowdt1

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 18, 2015
192
67
The Netherlands
Hey guys!

Just lately the government in my country (The Netherlands) decided it's illegal to drive with an Apple Watch (or any smart watch, for that matter). They call it an extra distraction and don't see any distinction between a smart phone or any other electronic device that lets you make phone calls. You can get fined up to €250 for doing so. A total bummer, that's one of the features I'd probably use most since I'm on the road quite a lot. Also, universities throughout the country are banning smart watches since it's easy to cheat on tests when wearing one.

So I was just wondering: How does this go in the country you're from? Does the government also come up with regulations and stuff? Since this is quite an international environment it'd be cool to hear your experiences!
 
Joys of being in the health and safety conscious eu! It's just as bad here in the U.K. With the lets cone off a lane of a trunk road at rush hour to cut the grass mentality
 
Ive heard of this happening in the United States, as well.

http://9to5mac.com/2015/05/27/man-g...ing-music-with-his-apple-watch-while-driving/

Personally, I don't understand how it is any different than changing your radio whilst driving, though, I suppose you probably really shouldn't do that, either.
Lucky Ohio has in their law that hands-free is allowed. Also have exemptions for an emergency, weather alerts and navigation. Over all it looks like the ban here is just on texting.

The messed up thing is this is listed in the exemptions
A person reading, selecting, or entering a name or telephone number in a handheld electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call
 
While I find it a bit stupid to ban smart watches from use while driving, at least some countries police and goverments care.
I am American in Japan and here it is quite sad to see the things Japanese do in their cars while driving.

Texting, cell phone talking, iPad games, PSP, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii playing, reading books, shaving, makeup, holding a baby in their arms, blowing bubbles and pretty much any other stupid thing you can think of NOT to do behind the wheel.

Nope.. I am not making any of this up, I have seen all this while the person is driving! Almost on a daily basis...

And what's worse is 99% of parents here do not buckle their children, the kids bounce around and play in the car. This goes even for new born babies often... Parents will hold them while driving, or the passenger. I hardly ever see anyone use a baby seat here.

Police don't seem to care, nor does the government. They did make a law a few years ago saying that talking on your cell while driving is illegal, but they do not ever enforce it. And now morons here when getting a call slam on their brakes and put on the emergency blinkers and answer.. Blocking the traffic without a care in the world.

So be very happy at least you live in a country that cares for safety.
 
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Is it illegal to even wear a smart watch while driving? Or is it just illegal to make phone calls / text / use it to control music, etc?
 
Is it illegal to even wear a smart watch while driving? Or is it just illegal to make phone calls / text / use it to control music, etc?
Even when you're just driving.. According to the government wearing a smart watch is the same as strapping a smart phone to your wrist, which is illegal too. Even though I don't think anybody's ever done that..
 
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