What Car Q&A January 2009 - Munching on the move

Munching on the move
Is it illegal to eat while driving?
Unlike the use of mobile phones, there are no specific laws that say that you can't chew a chocolate bar at the wheel.

However, you could still be prosecuted for ‘driving without due care and attention’ or for ‘failing to maintain full control of a vehicle’. The same applies to changing a CD or tuning your radio when on the move.

The Highway Code rightly describes eating and drinking as a dangerously distracting activity that should be avoided when you’re at the wheel of a car. We’d strongly recommend pulling over if you need to eat, even if it’s just a snack.