Using a mobile phone to carry same penalty as driving under the influence

The government's traffic control authority (DGT) has proposed increasing the amount of points lost for using a mobile phone while driving to six.

If this goes ahead, the use of a mobile, or any other electronic communication device (including a GPS), at the wheel, will hold the same penalty as the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

The DGT explained that alongside drugs and alcohol, using a mobile phone is among "the most dangerous behaviour" seen on the roads today.

It added that changes needed to be made to communicate to drivers that these infractions are the most serious in terms of road safety.