Drivers changing music in their car warned they face £200 fines

Many drivers like to have their favourite music or a podcast on as they make journeys but people have been warned they could be breaking the law when it comes to changing their music on a drive. Modern technology now means motorists increasingly hook up their phones to their cars to play music or podcasts.

And it may be tempting to pick up the phone to skip a song, change a playlist or select a podcast while driving or stopped in traffic. But this is against the law following recent changes.

Drivers are not allowed to touch their phones in any way while behind the wheel, even when stuck in traffic or stopped at traffic lights. This is now seen in the same way as making calls or sending messages while driving.

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Simply pushing the 'next' button on the home screen to switch a song could now land drivers in trouble, because it distracts their attention from the road. Motorists caught in the act could be hit with £200 fines and six penalty points.

The rules around phones were tightened in 2022 but research suggests many drivers still don't fully understand them. A recent survey found 55% of people wrongly assumed they could use their phone if stopped in traffic.

Nicholas Shaw, director of pperations at Dayinsure, said: “Many Brits play music in their car through their phones, but drivers must be aware that any use of your phone whilst driving, even for something that seems momentary like changing a song, is a serious offence that could land them in trouble with the law. Using a phone behind the wheel, even just for a second, can be a deadly distraction because it seriously impairs your ability to react to the road.

"Drivers doing this are an increased crash risk and could be pulled up and fined if caught.”