Motorists given warning that common driving mistake could leave then with £200 fine

Many motorists enjoy listening to their favourite tunes or a podcast while on the road, but they've been cautioned that changing their music during a drive could land them in hot water with the law. With modern technology, drivers are increasingly connecting their phones to their vehicles to play music or podcasts.

It might be tempting to grab the phone to skip a track, alter a playlist, or choose a podcast while driving or halted in traffic. However, this is now illegal following recent amendments.

Drivers are prohibited from touching their phones in any capacity while at the wheel, even when stuck in traffic or waiting at traffic lights. This is now viewed similarly to making calls or sending texts while driving.

Simply pressing the 'next' button on the home screen to change a song could now get drivers into trouble, as it diverts their focus from the road. Motorists caught doing so could face fines of £200 and six penalty points.

The regulations regarding phones were tightened in 2022, but research indicates that many drivers still don't fully comprehend them. A recent poll revealed that 55% of people incorrectly believed they could use their phone if stopped in traffic, reports Birmingham Live.

Nicholas Shaw, director of operations at Dayinsure, warned: "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." He added, "Drivers doing this are an increased crash risk and could be pulled up and fined if caught."