McDonald’s drive-thru warning as customers could be fined £200

McDonald's customers may want to be aware of this

04:00, 24 May 2026

McDonald's customers have been warned(Image: jax10289 via Getty Images)

McDonald's customers have been warned over a behaviour that could result in a GBP200 penalty while using its drive-thru facilities.

This follows a recent mobile phone regulation that took effect in 2022, which could also land motorists with six penalty points on their licence. Drivers cannot use their phones while at the wheel when stationary in traffic, such as at traffic lights or motorway hold-ups. Motorists are only excluded from the new regulation if they are making an emergency call - or if paying for food at a drive-thru using their device.

On its website, McDonald's[1] says: "You must ensure that you obey all UK driving laws when using the McDonald's app.

As you're not allowed to use your phone whilst driving, you should build your order before you leave for the restaurant, or have a passenger place the order to collect when you arrive.

"If you are travelling alone in your vehicle, please ensure that you pull over to a suitable, safe place, stop and switch off your engine before using the McDonald's app." If you're using the drive-thru, you can simply mention that you have an app order at the order post - "give us your name and we'll do the rest".

When the new regulation was initially introduced, the director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts warned the new legislation must be taken seriously by drivers. Keith Hawes added: "The changes to mobile phone driving laws are vital to improving the safety of Britain's roads. Drivers must take these rules seriously to help reduce the number of tragic deaths caused by violations.

"As the world evolves, these adaptations to driving laws are important to keep up-to-date with how technology is used by motorists.

We hope these penalties are a strong deterrent to drivers who use their mobile phones behind the wheel.

"It is not just mobile devices that drivers should be cautious of.

Despite no new rules being enforced on the use of internal infotainment systems, they can be a potential distraction for drivers.

"Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be.

If you are found to be not properly in control of your vehicle as a result of using dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices you could still be prosecuted."

References

1. ^ McDonald's (www.birminghammail.co.uk)