CAR PLAY CRACKDOWN Apple’s New CarPlay Update Could Cost Drivers £200 Fine and Six Points for Distraction Offences

Apple’s New CarPlay Update Could Cost You £200 and Six Points! The latest iOS upgrade brings flashy new features to Apple CarPlay—but experts warn it’s a distraction disaster waiting to happen. Touching or even glancing at your screen while driving could push you over the legal limit, landing you with fines and penalty points.

Why The Latest CarPlay Update Is Riskier Than Ever

UK law is crystal clear: using a handheld phone, sat nav, or any device while driving—even at traffic lights or in stop-start traffic—is illegal. Apple CarPlay was designed to make phone use safer by embedding controls into your car’s display. But car maintenance pros at Fixter say this new update might tempt drivers into breaking the law.

• The iOS upgrade adds music and podcast controls, message previews, real-time notifications, and custom dashboards.
• Playlists can be changed, messages replied to, and the screen personalised at a glance.
• These tempting features can easily drag your eyes and hands off the road.
• Police can pull you over and slap on fines—even if your car is stationary.

8 Must-Know Rules To Keep You Legal and Safe on CarPlay

1. Hands off the screen: No scrolling, tapping, or typing while driving—changing songs could still get you fined.
2. Don’t fiddle at red lights: Interacting with your device while stopped breaks the law.
3. Use hands-free only: Don’t hold your phone to answer—stick to hands-free setups.
4. Set up before you drive: Get your navigation and playlists ready before hitting the road.
5. Let Siri take control: Use voice commands to handle messages and music safely.
6. Know the stakes: Illegal phone use means a £200 fine and six points; new drivers risk losing their licence, and commercial drivers could face up to £2,500 fines.
7. Rules apply even when stationary: Whether in start-stop traffic or supervising a learner, the law still stands.
8. Hands-free isn’t a fail-safe: Police can still stop you if they believe you’re distracted, even with Bluetooth or dash mounts.

Set Up Before You Set Off

“CarPlay is brilliant, but safety and legality come first,” warns Fixter. “If police suspect you’re distracted by your car’s tech, you could face heavy penalties. The golden rule: sort everything out before you start driving, and keep your eyes on the road.”