Drivers will soon face tougher new laws when it comes to using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
It is already illegal to text or make a phone call, other than in an emergency, while driving.
But the government is introducing new rules to close grey areas when it comes to music streaming and taking photos.
New laws will ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games, while driving.
Those caught using their hand-held device will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
These new measures - set to be outlined in an updated Highway Code - are aimed at helping prevent dangerous driving, making it easier for police to enforce rules and improving road safety.
It will apply to those driving motorcycles, lorries and buses as well.
Driving with a mobile phone while driving was banned in 2003 - although motorists are still able to use their device “hands-free”.
However, drivers must still remain in control of their vehicle and can be charged with an offence if the police find them to be driving dangerously.
Announcing the proposal for the rule change back in November 2021, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.
"By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users."
At the time, the government said the new rules were expected to come into place in 2022 following a public consultation.
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The Highway Code would then be revised to explain the new measures.
It will also be more clear that being stationary in traffic counts as driving, although there will be an exemption for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while the car is still.
This will cover places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader.
Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake – the road safety charity, said: "Driver distraction can be deadly and using a hand-held phone at the wheel is never worth the risk.
“This important road safety decision by government, coinciding with Road Safety Week, is very welcomed.
"This news is particularly welcomed by families suffering bereavement and catastrophic injury due to drivers being distracted by phones.
“The theme for Road Safety Week is road safety heroes – we can all be road safety heroes by giving driving our full attention."
RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: "We strongly welcome the government’s strengthening of the law on handheld mobile phone use behind the wheel.
"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.
"Our research suggests that more than one in 10 younger drivers admit to taking a photo or video while driving, while 6% say they have played a game."
