UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines for using navigation apps

The reminder follows a recent incident involving rapper Stormzy, who was fined and given penalty points for using his phone in stationary traffic to type an address into a map app.

Motoring experts have stressed that using mobile devices in this way can result in fines, penalty points, or even prosecution.

UK drivers warned after Stormzy fined for using phone while driving

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Navigation apps are incredibly useful, but this case is a reminder that even just typing in an address into your map app while behind a wheel can still be treated as a serious driving offence.

“A lot of motorists may think there is a difference between texting someone and quickly changing a route or entering a postcode, but if you are holding and interacting with your phone while driving, you are putting yourself at risk.

“The same applies when you are stationary in traffic.

“You are still in control of the vehicle, and traffic can start moving again at any moment.

“That short distraction could be enough for police to decide that you are not properly in control.”

This week, Rapper Stormzy was fined more than £533 after he was caught by police while using a mobile phone at the wheel of his £400,000 Ferrari.

He was pulled over by a Metropolitan Police constable after being spotted typing an address into his phone’s map application while in stationary traffic.

He admitted the offence at the roadside last November near his home in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London.

Stormzy admitted to not having proper control of his vehicle and was fined at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrate Lynn Keane also ordered him to pay £120 costs and a £213 victim surcharge, and handed him three penalty points for his driving licence.

Stormzy was recently fined for using his phone in stationary traffic while driving (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

It is the second time the music superstar has fallen foul of the law for using his phone at the wheel.

In January 2025, Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after an off-duty police officer caught him on his phone while driving a Rolls-Royce in West Kensington.

He was handed a £2,010 court bill after pleading guilty and also admitting a second charge of having overly tinted windows on his car.

What is the UK law for using a phone while driving?

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle, the Government website says.

You cannot use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline, and must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web.

The law still applies to you if you’re:

• stopped at traffic lights
• queuing in traffic
• supervising a learner driver
• driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
• holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode

There are some expections, which are:

• you can use a device held in your hand if: you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
• you’re safely parked
• you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant
• you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely

Laws were tightened in 2022 to make it illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving for almost any reason.

This includes checking notifications, unlocking the phone, or interacting with apps.

Motorists are only permitted to use devices hands-free, such as on a cradle or through a built-in system.

Even then, Mr Conway cautions against taking risks.

He said: “Even when a phone is mounted legally or a driver is using their car’s built-in navigation system, drivers still need to be careful.

“Touching a device in a cradle is not automatically the same as holding a phone, but if an officer believes you are distracted or not in proper control of the car, you could still face penalties.

“According to West Yorkshire Police, pushing buttons or touching a phone in a cradle is not automatically an offence, so long as you’re not holding it.

“Their guidance says that pushing buttons or touching a phone while it’s in a cradle is not strictly prohibited according to the rules, but it’s still inadvisable to touch your phone while driving.

“Even if you avoid prosecution for using a mobile device while driving, police still have the power to issue a careless driving charge if they believe your actions were distracting or dangerous.”

UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines for using navigation apps

Mr Conway explained further: “A careless driving charge could result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

“However, drivers caught with a device in their hand for any reason can get six penalty points and a £200 fine.

“This could rise to £1,000 if the case is taken to court.

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“Drivers who have passed their test within the past two years are also at risk of losing their licence.

“It’s always best to err on the side of caution.

“Set your route before you start your journey and avoid interacting with your device while you’re driving.”

Where do you put your phone to ensure you are not using it when driving? Let us know in the comments.