In a startling first for British law enforcement, a driver has been prosecuted and banned from the roads after being filmed operating his Tesla while fully immersed in Apple's new virtual reality headset.
The 39-year-old motorist was caught on camera by another driver, cruising along the M40 motorway with the high-tech Apple Vision Pro goggles clearly visible on his head. The witness's footage, which quickly circulated online, shows the man behind the wheel with his hands off the controls, seemingly engrossed in a virtual world while his car was in motion.
Thames Valley Police investigated the incident, which occurred near Handy Cross, High Wycombe. The force confirmed it was the first such case they had encountered involving this new piece of technology.
A Reckless Decision on the Motorway
Prosecutor Baldev Atwal outlined the sheer danger of the driver's actions to the court. "He was not in proper control of the vehicle due to wearing this device on his head," Atwal stated. The court heard how the Apple Vision Pro headset effectively obscured the driver's vision, creating an immense risk for himself and every other road user.
Despite the clear evidence, the defendant initially tried to deny the charges, claiming he was merely testing the headset's spatial computing features. He argued the headset's 'passthrough' mode, which uses cameras to show the real world, meant he could still see the road.
The Sentence: A Ban and a Fine
Magistrates at Wycombe Magistrates' Court were unconvinced by his defence. They found him guilty of driving a motor vehicle when not in proper control. The sentence was swift and clear:
- A 10-month driving ban
- A fine of £600
- Ordered to pay £620 in court costs
- A £240 victim surcharge
This case sets a crucial legal precedent, sending a powerful message that such reckless use of technology behind the wheel will be met with severe penalties. Police and road safety groups are urging all drivers to ensure their full attention remains on the road, not on any screen or headset.
