A new driving rule is coming into force this month in a crackdown on using hand-held devices while behind the wheel.
The law tightens an already existing rule from 2003 barring motorists from using hand-held devices.
Under the new law from March 25, it is an offence "under virtually any circumstance" to use a hand-held device even if a driver is at a red light or stuck in traffic.
That includes texting, calling, checking notifications, using the internet or taking a picture or video, The Express reported.
The punishment is £200 fine or six penalty points, but there is one exception.
An offender would lose their licence after two offences or, for new drivers who have held a licence for less than two years, a single offence would lead to their licence being revoked.
The House of Commons Library published an overview of the driving law which outlined what the new driving law will entail.
The Government has stated that a specific reason will allow drivers to use their phone when driving and not be punished under the restrictions.
Currently, drivers can use their phone while driving if there is an emergency.
Drivers will be permitted to hold and use a device while driving to make a contactless payment at a payment terminal for goods or services.
The vehicle would have to be stationary, and the item being paid for must be provided at the same time or after the contactless payment is made.
An example of this would be paying for a car park or when paying for a coffee at a drive-through using a phone.
A mobile phone may still be used for navigation, as long as it's kept in a cradle and not in the driver’s hand.
The Government said it would update its website and the Highway Code to reduce any misunderstandings about the law.
It said it would particularly focus on the difference between hand-held and hands-free.
The decision has been met with overwhelming support, with the RAC "strongly welcoming" the law change.
They did acknowledge that it must be enforced properly to really make roads safer.
The Transport Research Laboratory said the law changes are sensible, but more education is needed for drivers to understand the new rules.
Shaun Helman, Chief Scientist at the TRL, said: "The focus on 'hand-held' devices misses the point.
"Drivers' eyes and minds must be on the road and it is not enough to only ensure that their hands are on the steering wheel.
"As a society, we must be braver in what we demand from drivers, from policy and from design in road safety.
"We must ask whether we are happy for people to be driving below their optimum performance level, and if so, how far below?
"In short, how safe is safe enough?"
