As British Summer Time starts this weekend, UK motorists are being urged to check and update their car clocks to reflect the time change, or risk facing fines and penalty points. According to LancsLive, while most personal devices adjust automatically, vehicle clocks often need to be reset manually—a detail that could have serious consequences if ignored.
Why the Clock Change Matters for Drivers
When the clocks move forward one hour on Sunday, March 30, many people focus on adjusting alarms and home devices. However, neglecting to update the time in a vehicle can lead to more than just inconvenience. Experts from Pentagon Motor Group have highlighted that a failure to display the correct time in your car could contribute to unsafe driving behaviours or distractions—potentially attracting a £200 fine and six penalty points if a driver is caught checking their phone or smartwatch behind the wheel to verify the time.
Driving with an inaccurate car clock might seem like a minor oversight, but it can disrupt schedules, cause confusion, and even encourage illegal behaviours, such as using mobile devices while in motion.
The Legal Risk of Checking Your Phone or Smartwatch
The use of mobile phones or smartwatches while driving remains strictly prohibited under UK law. The penalties—£200 fine and six penalty points—are especially severe for new drivers, who could face an immediate licence revocation within their first two years on the road.
Smartwatches, although worn rather than held, are considered just as dangerous due to their capability to display notifications, emails, and other distractions. With an estimated 31% of drivers using smartwatches, the risk of misuse is substantial.
According to government guidance on gov.uk, the only legal exceptions for mobile use include:
- Calling 999 or 112 in an emergency
- Making a contactless payment in a stationary vehicle
- Using the phone while safely parked
How to Safely Adjust Your Car Clock
For drivers unsure how to change their car’s clock, numerous online resources are available. Social media platforms like TikTok host tutorials tailored to specific makes and models—such as the example from @carsofglasgow1 for Jaguar owners. Alternatively, checking the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website can provide step-by-step instructions.
The key is to make the adjustment before driving to avoid any distraction or legal risk while on the road.
Small Detail, Big Consequence
While it may seem like a trivial task, setting your car clock accurately plays a practical role in maintaining focus, keeping appointments, and avoiding distractions. With the clock change marking the start of longer, brighter days, it’s also a timely reminder for drivers to stay alert and compliant with the law.
Failing to do so could result in penalties that far outweigh the few seconds it takes to reset your dashboard display.
