Texting drivers: Penalty points and fines to double

Drivers caught using handheld mobile phones in Britain are to face "much tougher penalties", with fines and points doubling, the government says.

Under new rules expected to come in next year, drivers will get six points on their licence and face a £200 fine.


Newly qualified drivers could be made to retake their test the first time they are caught.


But Darrell Martin, whose brother was killed by a driver on his phone, said the penalties did not go far enough.


The new rules, which will apply to England, Scotland and Wales, could also see more experienced drivers going to court if they offend twice, and facing possible fines of up to £1,000 and at least a six-month driving ban.


The penalties, which will increase from three penalty points and a £100 fine, will be accompanied by a high-profile government Think! campaign.


The Department for Transport said it expected the changes to take effect in the first half of 2017.


In Northern Ireland, drivers are currently given three penalty points and a £60 fine for the offence.


The Department for Infrastructure said there were no plans to change this, but it "will continue to monitor changes being made in Britain to see what can be learned".