New drivers could lose their licence if using a phone while driving

Some serious news from TG: from today, if you use your phone while driving a car (which of course you should never do anyway), you’ll get six points on your licence and a £200 fine – a doubling of the penalty.

Furthermore, new drivers (someone within two years of passing their test) risk having their licences revoked completely.

It’s part of a new raft of measures that come into force today whereby motorists using their phone whilst driving will face tougher punishment.

Those drivers who are caught using their phone twice – or who accrue 12 points on their licence – will face magistrates’ court, risk being disqualified and could get a fine of up to £1,000.

The rules apply even if you’re stopped at traffic lights, or queueing in traffic. Use your phone as a sat nav? Make sure it’s properly mounted, because if you’re holding it, it’s illegal.

The only times you’re allowed to use your phone in your car are if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency (and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop), or you’re safely parked.

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

From 1 to 7 March, there’ll be extra patrols across the country with an increased focus on people using their phones while driving.

AA president Edmund King said: “Too many drivers are addicted to their phones. Half of young drivers can’t bear to turn them off in the car. If they don’t switch off their phones they could lose their licence with the new six penalty points.”