UK drivers face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence if they misuse their phone while driving.

Previously UK laws banned drivers from texting or making a phone call (other than in an emergency) while using a handheld device.

But from March 2022 the laws were extended and drivers are no longer allowed to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games on their phones when driving.

Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.

Drivers can still use devices such as sat navs and mobile phones using satellite navigation, if they are secured in a cradle.

But motorists must take responsibility for their driving and can be prosecuted if the police find them not in proper control of their vehicle.

President of the AA Edmund King said at the time of the law change said they had campagined for years for the expansion of the rules.

“By making mobile phone use as socially unacceptable as drink-driving, we are taking big steps to make our roads safer," he said.

“To help ensure drivers get the message, we also need more cops in cars to help catch and deter those still tempted to pick up.”

RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “As our phones have become more sophisticated, the law has not kept pace and this has allowed some drivers who have been using their handheld phones for purposes other than communicating to exploit a loophole and avoid the maximum penalty.

“It’s absolutely vital that the new law is vigorously enforced otherwise there’s a risk that it won’t deliver the sort of behaviour change that will make our roads safer.”