Drivers who use mobiles behind the wheel could face much tougher penalties

Motorists caught making phonecalls and checking texts whilst driving will face much tougher penalties from next year.

Under new rules drivers will get six points on their license and face a £200 fine for using handheld devices while behind the wheel.

For a newly qualified driver this could mean having to go through a driving test all over again.

The new rules will apply in Scotland, England and Wales and could lead to experienced drivers going to court if they offend twice.

The current penalty is three points and a £100 fine.

The Department for Transport has confirmed the changes are expected to go ahead in the first half of 2017.