Image Credit: Rahul Himkar/UnsplashMillions of people around the world will no doubt own a smartwatch. They not only tell the time but can also be used for functions you'd normally use your phone for, and as personal fitness and health trackers. But in the UK, you might get fined big time if you wear one while driving.The RAC, Britain's leading recovery service, has released statistics on how many drivers in the UK own a smartwatch, and how likely that is to lead to an accident on British roads. The watches are becoming more and more common on UK roads.If the watch is on your wrist, the law in Britain treats it the same as a nat-nav or as a phone in a holder. The RAC also reported that a high percentage of drivers in the country have admitted to using the watches while they are driving.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you are found to be using the watch as a handheld device, you may find yourself susceptible to a fine. Not only that, but drivers could risk getting points on their license, pushing them towards receiving a driving ban.What Are the Statistics Around Smart Watches in the UK?The RAC has said that up to 40 percent of drivers in the UK own a smartwatch. That statistic rises to 73 percent among younger drivers, which indicates they are becoming more and more common on British roads. If you glance at your smartwatch to check the time, that itself is not deemed to be illegal.The issue is whether road users use voice commands on it or use the touchscreen. They are potential distractions and might lead to an accident on the road. "While glancing at your smartwatch isn't automatically illegal, looking at it, using voice commands or touching it are all potential distractions," said the RAC. This is where the fines and driving license points come in."If the police think you are using your watch as a handheld device, you could be charged the same penalty as using your mobile phone. That's a minimum of six penalty points and a £200 fine," said the RAC. That penalty can be reduced if it is determined you weren't using the watch, but were driving without proper control of the vehicle.Charges Will Be More Severe if a Smartwatch Causes an AccidentImage Credit: Joseph Morris/UnsplashThe RAC also stated that things could become much more serious for the driver if the watch was the reason your vehicle damaged another one, or caused harm to another person. This could see you charged with either careless driving (not exercising due care) or dangerous driving (driving in a way far below the standard).AdvertisementAdvertisement"The rule [for smartwatches] is simple - if it distracts you, don't do it. Set your watch to do not disturb and drive safely," said the RAC. Stricter rules on mobile phones were introduced by the government in 2022, making it easier for the police to prosecute if an incident involved a mobile phone. It's clear that the law hasn't caught up to advances in technology just yet, with these rules only just coming into force in recent times.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.