Motorists are being urged to read up on the new laws that are coming into force later this month.
The rules surrounding the use of mobile phones whilst in the car are being cracked down on and comes as the Department for Transport said that 17 people were killed in the UK during 2020 which involved driver being distracted by using their hand held devices.
In addition, a further 114 people were seriously injured and 385 were slightly injured in similar collisions.
At present, drivers can only be penalised for 'interactive communication' using a hand-held device whilst driving - such as texting or phone calls - other than in an emergency.
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However this is all set to change as from Friday (March 25), drivers in the UK will not be allowed to handle any mobile device while in control of a car whether it's to check the time, your notifications or scroll through your music playlist, social media and apps.
You will also not be allowed to take any photos or videos.
This includes using it whilst being stationary in traffic such as at traffic lights or motorway queues.
Anyone caught using their phone whilst driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
The only exemption for this would be using the device to make an emergency phone call though drivers are encouraged to use their 'hands free' options such as when making a phone call.
These rules will not apply when using your phones to pay at a drive-thru restaurant or toll road.
The Department of Transport said in a statement: “There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology.
“This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.”
Keith Hawes, director of Nationwide Vehicle Contract, said: “The changes to mobile phone driving laws are vital to improving the safety of Britain's roads. Drivers must take these rules seriously to help reduce the number of tragic deaths caused by violations.
“It is not just mobile devices that drivers should be cautious of. Despite no new rules being enforced on the use of internal infotainment systems, they can be a potential distraction for drivers.
“Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be. If you are found to be not properly in control of your vehicle as a result of using dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices you could still be prosecuted.“
