Illinois lawmakers have advanced legislation that would prohibit drivers from wearing artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses while operating a vehicle, potentially making Illinois the first state in the country to impose such a ban. The bill, passed unanimously by the Illinois General Assembly during the spring session, now awaits the signature of Governor JB Pritzker to become law.

The proposed measure aims to add “artificial intelligence smart glasses” to the list of electronic communication devices that are already restricted for use by drivers under state law. Current rules prohibit the use of hand-held phones, personal digital assistants, tablets, and non-integrated computers while driving, with allowances for hands-free, voice-operated use. The new legislation would exclude smart glasses from these exemptions.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, a key advocate for the bill, emphasized the growing concern about distracted driving linked to the proliferation of high-tech eyewear. These devices, which enable users to record videos, send messages, and engage with content without using their hands, threaten to distract drivers just as smartphones have. “Distracted driving is the drunk driving of our generation,” Giannoulias said. He warned against allowing AI glasses to become “the next excuse for taking your attention off the road.”

While there is no definitive data confirming a rise in crashes directly caused by smart glasses, law enforcement officials and the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles have observed increased usage of such devices in contexts that raise safety concerns. Giannoulias noted that examiners have encountered individuals wearing smart glasses during written and behind-the-wheel driving tests, generating worries about cheating and distraction. “Distracted driving is an epidemic, and these pose the same risks as other electronic devices,” he added.

Nationwide, distracted driving remains a significant public safety issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2024 over 3,200 people were killed and 315,000 injured in accidents involving distracted drivers.

The Illinois bill reflects a broader effort to address emerging technologies that can contribute to driver distraction. If signed into law, it will set a precedent for other states considering measures to regulate the use of AI-enhanced wearable devices on the road.