What do points make?

As from today, 1st March 2017 you will get 6 points on your licence and a £200 fine if you're caught using your mobile phone while driving. If you get caught twice for the same offence you will be required to attend court where you could be fined up to £1000. This new ruling has serious ramifications for new drivers who have held their licence for less than 2 years as being caught just once will mean they have to forfeit their licence and re-take both the theory and practical tests again. Road safety website 'Think" has all the details of the new rules at www.think.direct.gov.uk 
To be clear the new rules apply to not only making phone calls but also following maps, taking or making texts and engaging in social media while behind the wheel. You CAN still use a mobile phone if you are safely parked or to call 999 in an emergency when its unsafe or impractical to stop. Using 'hands free' is not illegal but if it distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely then you can still be prosecuted by the police. The advice being given today is to put your phone away when you get in the car and make your glovebox your phone box! 
It's hoped that these new rules will prevent accidents caused by drivers being distracted by their mobile devices and so save lives.