Is it legal to drive while wearing Apple Vision Pro?

Virtual reality (VR) has been the next big thing for quite a few years, but gaming aside, this new technology has kicked off with a whimper rather than a bang. Now Apple has officially thrown its hat in the ring, VR might finally be ready for prime time.

As is Apple's way – think MP3 players, smartphones, tablets and smartwatches – Apple Vision Pro is not the first VR headset on the market. Instead, Apple is looking to polish the experience in order to win over mainstream users where other VR makers have stumbled.

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If you're wondering what 'virtual reality' is, allow us to explain.

It gets confusing because some people use 'virtual reality' and 'augmented reality' interchangeably, but they're very different experiences.

Virtual reality completely blocks your view of the world around you, instead whisking you away to a computer-generated world. Hi-def screens in front of each eye offer a slightly different view of the virtual world to create a sense of depth.

Meanwhile, augmented reality – also dubbed 'mixed reality' – is see-through. It lets you see computer-generated objects superimposed over your view of the real world, like a fighter pilot's head-up display.

Apple Vision Pro is technically virtual reality because the headset is not transparent. Even so, it can replicate augmented reality thanks to external cameras that let you see the outside world.

To complete the effect, in a slightly creepy way, Apple Vision Pro displays your eyes on the outside of the headset.

While Apple Vision Pro is available in the United States, it's yet to officially go on sale in Australia (although some local sites are selling imported versions).

Even so, the device is already sparking debate around the legality of using it while carrying out everyday tasks like driving.

Apple Vision Pro's sharp picture, high frame rate and low latency in augmented reality mode make it possible to interact with the real world.

Even so, Apple is adamant Apple Vision Pro shouldn't be worn behind the wheel: "Never use Apple Vision Pro while operating a moving vehicle, bicycle, heavy machinery, or in any other situations requiring attention to safety".

A clip of someone seemingly getting arrested for wearing Apple Vision Pro while driving a Tesla Cybertruck has already gone viral, although the clipmaker later claimed it was a short 'skit' and he wasn't arrested.

In response to the viral video, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg issued a reminder on Twitter that addressed the laws related to using Tesla's semi-autonomous driving capabilities, but not the general legality of wearing the Apple headset while behind the wheel.

"Reminder — ALL advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times," Mr Buttigieg tweeted.

The law always struggles to keep up with new technology. While the Australian Road Rules don't specifically name-check augmented reality, if you read between the lines, it's pretty clear you'll be in trouble if the police pull you over while you're using Apple Vision Pro or similar. 

In 2023, the Victorian Government updated the rules for distracted driving to include "wearable devices such as smart watches, smart glasses and wearable head-up displays":

When driving (except when parked) you must not:

Likewise, NSW's driver distraction laws around mobile phones, digital screens and GPS don't specifically mention augmented reality.

Even so, good luck talking your way out of a fine, if not a negligent or dangerous driving charge for "driving without the due care and attention reasonably expected of a driver".