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Dunedin police have now confirmed the man caught playing an instrument while driving was blowing on his bagpipes.

Police earlier told the Otago Daily Times the driver was caught this morning playing what looked to be a clarinet or wind pipes, but this afternoon confirmed he was playing the chanter part of his bagpipes.

Dunedin road policing acting sergeant Bryce Johnson said the man was pulled over on Crawford St during a regular road checkpoint.

"The driver didn’t have their hands on the wheel at the time, and he was clearly playing the instrument while driving the car."

The act was "foolish to say the least", he said.

"We are also concerned with the amount of drivers using mobile phones while driving. These too are major distractions for people.  Neither of these things are a good idea.

"Always keep both hands on the wheel at all times, watch your speed and following distances and stick to the road rules."

The piper was warned for his actions.

During the hour-long road check point, eight drivers who were stopped were ticketed for various offences and five of the drivers stopped were warned.