The government has strengthened laws to allow drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel to be more easily prosecuted.
Officials say it's part of plans to further improve road safety.
The new rules come in from January 1, 2022
It is already illegal to text or make a phone call (other than in an emergency) using a hand-held device while driving.
From 2022, the Government said laws will go further to ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games.
This will mean anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
Drivers will still be able to continue using a device ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat-nav, if it’s secured in a cradle. They must, however, always take responsibility for their driving and can be charged with an offence if the police find them not to be in proper control of their vehicle.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held. By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users."
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