Illinois Bill Targets AI Smart Glasses to Curb Distracted Driving
Illinois is taking aim at cutting‑edge wearable technology that could distract motorists behind the wheel. On June 16, state lawmakers approved House Bill 4843, a measure that updates Illinois’ distracted driving laws to include AI‑enabled smart glasses. The legislation, which passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support, clarifies that head‑mounted displays like the Apple Vision Pro and other internet‑connected glasses fall under the definition of an electronic communication device. That means drivers would be prohibited from wearing them while operating a vehicle, just as they are banned from holding a phone to send a text or scroll through social media.
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office oversees traffic safety, promoted the bill as a way to keep Illinois’ laws in step with rapidly evolving technology. He said that because AI glasses overlay digital information on the real world, they pose a serious distraction if worn by a driver. “As technology evolves, so must our laws,” Giannoulias said after the vote. “By addressing AI wearable devices, we are making sure our distracted driving law remains relevant and that our roads stay safe.”
Current law prohibits drivers from using an electronic communication device unless it is in hands‑free mode. But the statute did not explicitly mention AI glasses. HB 4843 adds language to the Illinois Vehicle Code making clear that any device worn on or in the eye that can display information or record video is covered. Built‑in displays that are part of a vehicle’s dashboard or are used solely for navigation would still be allowed. The measure also directs the Secretary of State’s office to study the safety impacts of emerging technologies and develop educational materials to alert drivers about the dangers of using head‑mounted displays while driving.
The bill builds on Giannoulias’ “One Road. One Focus.” campaign, an initiative launched this spring to educate motorists about distracted driving. That campaign includes television, radio and social media advertisements reminding drivers to put down their devices and concentrate on driving. Giannoulias’ office cited federal data showing that more than 3,300 people were killed and nearly 290,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022. Advocates say those numbers could grow as new devices come to market.
HB 4843 now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for consideration. If signed, Illinois would become one of the first states to explicitly ban AI smart glasses for drivers. Officials said the change would close a potential loophole before the devices become commonplace, ensuring that the state’s roads remain safe as technology continues to advance.