Stormzy Receives Nine-Month Driving Ban for Mobile Phone Use

Renowned British rapper Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, has been banned from driving for nine months after admitting to using a mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in west London. The incident occurred on Addison Road, West Kensington, in March 2023.

The 31-year-old artist pleaded guilty via a written letter submitted to Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. District Judge Andrew Sweet criticized his actions as “dangerous and irresponsible,” noting Stormzy’s prior record of driving offences. He already had six points on his licence for previous speeding violations, which contributed to the severity of his penalty.

An off-duty police officer initially spotted Stormzy using his phone and knocked on the tinted passenger window of the Rolls-Royce, reportedly advising him, “Get rid of your tints and get off your phone.” Stormzy initially denied the offence but later changed his plea to guilty.

Stormzy’s driving history includes another incident involving illegally tinted windows on a Lamborghini Urus, stopped in Kingston upon Thames in October 2023. The vehicle’s front windows allowed only 4% light transmission, far below the legal requirement of 70%. Prosecutor Alice Holloway emphasized that such modifications posed a risk to vulnerable road users.

In that instance, police had previously warned Stormzy about the windows before stopping him again. His solicitor, Peter Csemiczky, stated that Stormzy accepted responsibility and had since removed the tints from his vehicle.

In addition to the driving ban, Stormzy was fined £2,010, and six additional penalty points were added to his licence.