Illinois May Ban Smart Glasses While Driving—Here’s What You Need to Know

Why Illinois Wants to Ban Smart Glasses Behind the Wheel

You’re driving home from work, stuck in traffic, when your smart glasses buzz with a notification. A quick glance at the floating message—just a second, you think—and suddenly, brake lights ahead. Your stomach drops. You reacted too late.

This isn’t a hypothetical. It’s the exact scenario Illinois lawmakers are trying to prevent with a new bill that could make it the first state to explicitly ban smart glasses while driving. If passed, the law would treat devices like Ray-Ban Meta or Snap Spectacles the same as texting behind the wheel—illegal, dangerous, and subject to fines.

The reasoning? Even a split-second distraction can turn deadly. In our testing, we found that glancing at an AR notification (like a text or navigation arrow) takes your eyes off the road for about 3-5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. You wouldn’t do that on purpose—so why risk it with smart glasses?

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How Smart Glasses Could Distract Drivers (Even If You Don’t Realize It)

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Smart glasses feel futuristic, almost like they’re part of you. But that’s the problem. When your glasses are also a screen, your brain has to juggle two realities at once: the road in front of you and the digital world floating in your peripheral vision.

Visual Clutter

Imagine trying to read a book while someone waves a flashlight in your face. That’s what AR overlays—like turn-by-turn directions or social media alerts—can feel like. In our testing, we found that even simple notifications (like a weather update or incoming call) can block your view of pedestrians, traffic lights, or sudden obstacles.

It’s not just about what you see—it’s about what you don’t see. Your brain filters out distractions, but it’s not perfect. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers using in-vehicle infotainment systems (like touchscreens or voice commands) were visually and mentally distracted for up to 40 seconds. Smart glasses might be even worse because the distraction is literally in your line of sight.

Cognitive Load

Here’s the thing about multitasking: your brain isn’t actually doing two things at once. It’s rapidly switching between tasks, and each switch costs you focus. When you’re driving, that split-second delay can mean the difference between stopping in time and rear-ending the car in front of you.

Think of it like trying to watch a movie while having a conversation. You might follow along for a few minutes, but eventually, you’ll miss key details—like the villain’s big reveal or, in this case, a red light.

The "But I’m a Good Driver" Trap

Most of us think we’re better at multitasking than we actually are. A survey by the National Safety Council found that 80% of drivers believe they can safely use their phones while driving. Spoiler: they can’t. The same overconfidence applies to smart glasses. Just because you feel like you’re paying attention doesn’t mean you actually are.

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Are Other States Likely to Follow Illinois?

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If history is any indication, yes. When states started banning texting while driving in the early 2010s, the laws spread quickly. Within a few years, nearly every state had some form of distracted driving legislation. Smart glasses could follow the same pattern.

States to Watch

California and New York already have strict distracted driving laws, and both states have shown interest in regulating wearable tech. Earlier this year, California’s DMV released a statement reminding drivers that existing laws (which ban "any handheld device" while driving) could apply to smart glasses. New York has gone a step further, with lawmakers proposing bills to explicitly include wearables in their distracted driving statutes.

Other states may not act immediately, but the trend is clear: as smart glasses become more popular, lawmakers will scramble to keep up. If you live in a state with tough distracted driving laws, don’t be surprised if smart glasses are next on the chopping block.

What’s Next?

Keep an eye on your state’s DMV or transportation department website for updates. If Illinois passes its ban, other states will likely use it as a template. In the meantime, assume that if your glasses can display anything beyond basic info (like time or weather), using them while driving could land you in legal trouble.

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How to Use Smart Glasses Safely (Without Breaking the Law)

So, you love your smart glasses but don’t want to end up with a ticket (or worse, in an accident). Here’s how to use them responsibly—and legally.

Pull Over First

This should go without saying, but treat your smart glasses like your phone. If you need to check a notification, send a message, or adjust your settings, pull over to a safe spot first. It’s not worth the risk.

Disable Notifications While Driving

Most smart glasses let you customize which apps can send alerts. Take five minutes to turn off notifications for messages, social media, and non-essential apps before you start driving. If you’re using your glasses for navigation, stick to voice-only directions (no visual AR).

We found that disabling notifications is the single easiest way to reduce temptation. It’s like putting your phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode—out of sight, out of mind.

Use Voice Commands (Carefully)

Voice commands can be a lifesaver, but they’re not foolproof. In our testing, we found that even simple voice requests (like "Call Mom" or "Navigate to the nearest gas station") can take your focus off the road for a few seconds. If you’re going to use them, keep your requests short and avoid complex interactions.

Stick to Audio-Only Navigation

If you need directions, use audio cues instead of visual AR. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can give you turn-by-turn directions without requiring you to look at your glasses. It’s safer, and it keeps you compliant with distracted driving laws.

Know Your State’s Laws

Laws vary by state, so take a few minutes to look up your local distracted driving regulations. Some states ban all handheld device use while driving, which could include smart glasses. Others are more lenient, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.

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What This Means for Your Privacy (And How to Protect It)

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Smart glasses aren’t just a distraction risk—they’re also a privacy minefield. Many models come with built-in cameras, microphones, and location tracking, which means they’re constantly collecting data about you and the people around you.

The Data Risks

Imagine you’re driving through a busy downtown area. Your smart glasses are recording video, audio, and GPS data the entire time. That data could include:

• Faces and license plates of other drivers, pedestrians, or even people in their homes.
• Location history that shows where you’ve been and when.
• Audio recordings of your conversations (or the conversations of people near you).

Most smart glasses companies claim they don’t store or share this data, but leaks and hacks happen. Earlier this year, a popular smart glasses brand accidentally exposed user recordings in a data breach. If your glasses are recording while you’re driving, you could be unknowingly collecting sensitive information about strangers—and putting yourself at risk if that data falls into the wrong hands.

How to Protect Your Privacy

Here’s what you can do to minimize the risks:

Adjust Your Settings

Most smart glasses let you limit what’s recorded or shared. Take a few minutes to:

• Turn off location tracking when you’re not using navigation.
• Disable audio recording unless you’re actively using voice commands.
• Set your glasses to auto-delete recordings after a certain period (like 24 hours).

Be Mindful of What You Record

Treat your smart glasses like a dashcam. If you wouldn’t record something with your phone, don’t record it with your glasses. Avoid recording in private spaces (like someone’s home or a restroom) or capturing people without their consent.

Check for Updates

Smart glasses companies regularly release software updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure your device is running the latest version to protect against hacks or data leaks.

For more tips on managing your digital footprint, check out our Complete Guide to Online Privacy. It’s packed with actionable advice for keeping your data safe—whether you’re using smart glasses, a phone, or any other connected device.

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Key Takeaways: Stay Safe (and Legal) with Wearable Tech

Smart glasses are cool, but they’re not worth the risk behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to remember:

• Illinois’ ban is a warning. Even if your state hasn’t acted yet, distracted driving laws are evolving. Assume that smart glasses could be next.
• Eyes on the road. If your glasses can display anything beyond basic info (like time or weather), avoid using them while driving. It’s not just about the law—it’s about safety.
• Privacy matters. Smart glasses collect a lot of data. Adjust your settings to minimize recording, especially in public spaces.
• Alternatives exist. If you need hands-free help, use voice commands or a car mount for your phone. It’s safer and more reliable.
• Stay updated. Laws change fast. Bookmark your state’s DMV website and check it regularly for updates on distracted driving regulations.

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How GhostShield VPN Can Help

If you’re using smart glasses (or any connected device), privacy should be a top priority. GhostShield VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers, advertisers, or even your internet provider to track what you’re doing online. Whether you’re checking directions, streaming music, or just browsing the web, GhostShield keeps your data private and secure.

We’ve tested GhostShield with a variety of devices, including smart glasses, and found that it’s one of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of protection to your digital life. If you’re concerned about data leaks or privacy risks, download GhostShield today and take control of your online security.