British grime star Stormzy has been banned from driving for nine months after being caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce Wraith in west London. The 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, pleaded guilty via a letter to the offence, which occurred on Addison Road, West Kensington, in March last year.
District judge Andrew Sweet, presiding at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, criticized Stormzy’s “dangerous and irresponsible” actions, noting that his driving record was “not good”. The judge added six points to the rapper’s licence, resulting in the automatic disqualification, and imposed a fine of £2,0101.
The incident follows a pattern of driving infractions for the award-winning artist. In October 2023, Stormzy was stopped while driving a Lamborghini Urus with front windows illegally tinted to only 4 percent light transmission, far below the legal requirement of 70 percent. At the time, the vehicle’s condition posed a risk to “vulnerable road users”1.
Stormzy’s lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, emphasized his client’s acceptance of responsibility and willingness to comply with the law. “He apologizes and acknowledges his mistakes,” Csemiczky said, adding that the offending tints have now been removed.
Stormzy, a towering figure in the grime scene, has made headlines not just for his music but for his cultural impact. He became the first black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury in 2019. However, this latest legal setback underscores the consequences of repeated traffic violations, regardless of status or celebrity
