In one embodiment, a method for selective activation of vehicle multimedia functions may include receiving a passenger occupancy signal indicative of an occupancy of a passenger seat from a passenger detection sensor. A gear signal indicative of a gear ratio of a transmission may be received from a vehicle gear sensor. Access to a medium interaction level function of a vehicle multimedia system may be prevented, when the passenger occupancy signal indicates that the passenger seat is unoccupied and the gear signal indicates that the gear ratio of the transmission corresponds to a motive gear. Access to the medium interaction level function of the vehicle multimedia system may be allowed, when the passenger occupancy signal indicates that the passenger seat is occupied with a passenger and the gear signal indicates that the gear ratio of the transmission corresponds to the motive gear.