British grime artist Stormzy has been handed a nine-month driving ban after being caught using his mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in West London.
The 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, admitted to the offence, which took place on Addison Road, West Kensington, in March 2023.
He pleaded guilty via a letter to the court,the case was heard by District Judge Andrew Sweet at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, where Stormzy’s actions were described as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
The judge also highlighted the rapper’s poor driving record, adding six penalty points to his license, which triggered an automatic disqualification. In addition, Stormzy was fined £2,010.
Reports indicate that Stormzy was approached by an off-duty officer who knocked on his tinted passenger window and instructed him to “get rid of your tints and get off your phone.”
This interaction, shared in court accounts, followed the rapper’s initial denial of the charge, which he later reversed by submitting a changed plea.
This incident adds to a series of driving violations for the artist, who has previously faced legal issues related to his vehicles.
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Prosecutor Alice Holloway noted that in October 2023, Stormzy was stopped while driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted front windows, allowing only 4 percent light transmission well below the legal 70 percent.
The car’s dark tints were considered a safety hazard to other road users, though Stormzy eventually removed them.
The rapper’s legal representative, Peter Csemiczky, acknowledged Stormzy’s responsibility for his actions, stating that he had apologized and complied with the law by removing the illegal window tints.
Despite the legal setbacks, Stormzy remains a major figure in the grime scene, known for his cultural impact and music.
Notably, he became the first black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury in 2019. However, his recent legal troubles serve as a reminder that repeated traffic violations have consequences, regardless of one’s celebrity status.
Stormzy did not attend the court hearing, and his absence was noted during the proceedings.














