MOTORISTS caught using their mobile phones while driving will face tougher punishments from today, Wednesday.

Following the introduction of the new legislation, anyone who is caught driving while using the device will receive a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence. 

Motorists will also no longer be offered the chance to complete the national driver offender retraining scheme training course as an alternative to receiving points on their licence. 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Our message is simple and clear: do not get distracted by your mobile phone while driving.

"It may seem innocent, but holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to yourself and other road users.

“Doubling penalties will act as a strong deterrent to motorists tempted to pick up their phone while driving and will also mean repeat offenders could find themselves banned from our roads if they are caught twice.

“Everyone has a part to play in encouraging their family and friends not to use their phones while driving – it is as inexcusable as drink driving.”

Police forces across the country will be taking part in a week’s enforcement from 1 to 7 March.

This will see extra patrols and an increased focus on cracking down on people using their phones while driving.

About 3,600 drivers were handed penalties in the last co-ordinated enforcement week from 23 to 29 January this year.

As with the previous legislation motorists will still have the option to attend court to contest the offence. 

But if the court rules against the defendant the penalty could be greater.

Can I use my phone when I've stopped at traffic lights?

No, you can't use your phone when you're driving or when you're stopped at traffic lights or in queuing traffic. 

You can only use your mobile phone at the wheel when you're safely parked. 

Or when you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it's unsafe or impractical to stop.

What about if I've got a hands-free kit?

While it's an offence to be seen using a hand held phone, regardless of whether driving has been affected, this is not the case for hands-free phones.

If you’re seen not to be in control of a vehicle while using a hands-free phone you can be prosecuted for that offence.

The penalties for 'not in proper control' are:

£100 fine and 3 points, or

Up to £1,000 (£2,500 if you were driving a bus or a goods vehicle) if it goes to court.

I use my phone as a satnav, is that okay?

The law states you must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times and should not be distracted by maps or 'screen-based information such as navigation'.

Therefore, the best advice is to set up your satnav while you're parked and if you need to adjust it while you're driving, find a safe place to stop.

Click play on the video above to see the advert running alongside the 'Don't text and drive' campaign.