A new study by GAP Insurance provider ALA Insurance has revealed that 22% of UK drivers admit to filming themselves while driving, a worrying trend driven largely by the popularity of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
The survey of 1,500 drivers found that nearly one in five have used their phone to record themselves behind the wheel, so-called in-car vlogging, excluding dashcam footage or filming others.
The latest road safety cameras like the one below from South Gloucs. Coucil can look inside a cabin to see if a driver is using a mobile phone behind the wheel for any purpose and a hefty fine and penalty points follow.
Of those, almost half (48%) said they filmed scenic views, 46% used the clips for social media, and 45% recorded themselves talking to the camera – effectively vlogging while driving.
Younger drivers were far more likely to engage in the trend: nearly 1 in 2 drivers under 35 admitted to filming themselves on the road, often for TikTok or Instagram – despite the potential dangers of being distracted behind the wheel, leading to fines, points, or voided insurance policies.
Worryingly, many are unaware of the risks:
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22% of 18–24-year-olds and 13% of 25–34s didn’t realise filming behind the wheel could lead to legal penalties.
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37% of 18–24s and 28% of 25–34s were unaware it could impact their car insurance policy.
By contrast, just 2% of drivers aged 65+ admitted to filming while driving, with a significant 81% of this group aware of the legal dangers.
What does the law say?
Using a mobile phone to take photos or videos while driving is illegal – even when stationary at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Offenders risk a £200 fine and six penalty points, which could result in a licence being revoked, especially for new drivers.
Aimee Anderson at ALA Insurance said, “This trend of filming behind the wheel, particularly for social media, is not only dangerous but could invalidate your insurance or lead to criminal charges. If you’re involved in an accident and it’s found that you were using your phone at the time, your insurer may refuse to pay out damages or cancel your policy.
“Whether it’s for content creation or a casual chat to the camera, distracted driving is never worth the risk. Awareness is key, and we urge all drivers to think twice before hitting record on the road.”
With nearly 1 in 10 drivers unaware of the legal risks and over a quarter oblivious to the insurance implications, ALA Insurance is calling on motorists to prioritise safety over social shares.
