A WORD IN YOUR EAR
New rules mean a £200 fine and six points for using phone at the wheel
DRIVERS caught using a mobile phone now face stricter penalties, with fines and penalty points doubled for the offence.
Motorists stopped while using a mobile had previously been issued with three penalty points on their licence and a £100 fine.
Under new rules which came into force across the UK yesterday, the penalty has been increased to six points and a £200 fine.
Drivers caught using their mobile twice or totting up 12 points on their licence can be banned from the roads and face a £1000 fine.
Motorists can have their licence revoked if caught using a mobile within two years of passing their test.
The tougher penalties are being introduced by the Department for Transport after a series of high-profile cases and research which suggested the practice is widespread.
Scotland Office minister Lord Dunlop said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is utterly irresponsible.
“By doubling the sentence, we are not only providing a firm rebuke to those who endanger others, but helping to protect Scottish motorists and keep our roads safe.”
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.
“We need to break this addiction and the best way is for drivers to go cold turkey – turn off the phone and put it in the glove box.”