Drivers will face fines of £200 and will get six points on their licence if they are caught on their mobile phone while driving

What is the Law?

It has been illegal to touch a mobile phone – even with a hands free set – while driving since 2003.

The law applies even when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic as your engine is still running.

You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency, and it is unsafe or unpractical to stop.

You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and two-way radios when you’re driving or riding.

But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised.

How many points do you get on your licence?

Previously, drivers caught on the phone received three penalty points.

But now government legislation has doubled to six points.

And as new drivers only start with six points for their first two years on the road, a conviction will mean an instant ban.

The number has fallen 84 per cent in 5 years, with just 16,900 receiving fixed penalty notices in 2015 compared to 123,100 in 2011.