Children, schools and families secretary Ed Balls has been given three penalty points and a fine of £60 for using his mobile phone while at the wheel.
Although cases like this may not result in the need for convicted driver car insurance, points on a licence can result in higher premiums.
Mr Balls was stopped near Milton Keynes and said breaking the law was "a stupid thing to do", according to the Daily Mail.
He is currently the Labour candidate for Morley and Outwood, having officially finished his role as MP for Normanton when parliament was dissolved earlier this month.
But road safety groups said his actions while driving were shocking, because his three children were in the car.
"It was a mistake. Of course I am sorry about it," Mr Balls is quoted as explaining. "I deeply regret it."
Insurers may often raise prices for customers dependent on their experience or previous convictions.
