The correlation between cognitive function, mood states, and driving behavior remains unclear. Hence, we aimed to explore this relationship objectively, by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In a cross-sectional design, 28 male 20 to 30-year-old drivers were randomly included in the study. Each participant drove virtually in an fMRI-compatible driving simulator, after auditory and visual induction of positive, negative, and neutral mood; and fMRI was performed meanwhile to explore brain activity alterations. The analysis was performed using SPM software by performing seed-based connectivity analysis. Decreased connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) and right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and increased connectivity in the OFC and parts of aPFC and dorsal ACC was found in positive mood driving in comparison to neutral mood driving. Decreased connectivity in extensive bilateral aPFC regions and increased connectivity in bilateral aPFC, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and some left aPFC regions were found in negative mood driving in comparison to neutral mood driving (Figure 1). Driving speed was significantly lower in positive mood (mean ± SD: 106.49 ± 58.02 km/h) in comparison to negative mood (mean ± SD: 132.85 ± 47.38 km/h). The diminished connectivity in positive mood implies heightened risk aversion, explaining slower driving. Negative mood changes suggest increased vigilance, reshaping neural dynamics. This underscores the interplay between mood, brain networks, and driving behavior, providing valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between emotions and driving behaviors.Figure 1- Functional connectivity differences between A) positive vs. neutral mood B) negative vs. neutral mood driving behavior.