More than 550,000 drivers around the UK are at risk of losing their licence and could do so simply by touching their mobile phone.
More than half a million motorists have six penalty points on their licence, with experts warning that one text could see them banned from driving.
Under new rules first introduced in March 2022, the fine for using a handheld mobile device now stands at £200 and six penalty points.
A staggering 547,287 drivers already have six points on their licence and will be banned if they are caught using their phone at the wheel.
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Almost 100,000 drivers have nine points on their licence and are even closer to losing their ability to drive, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request from the DVLA.
This also represents an eight per cent increase compared to August 2022, with experts saying something must be done.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy, campaigns and standards for IAM RoadSmart, said: “It is astounding that there are more than half a million drivers just one touch of their phone away from a driving ban.
“Anyone with six points on their licence that is tempted to text or take a selfie on their phone is not only risking a ban but is a potential danger to themselves and other road users.
“A pinging phone can be a massive distraction, so it is best to put it out of sight, out of reach and on silent.”
Anyone who collects 12 or more penalty points on their licence within a three-year period faces an automatic six-month driving ban.
There are more than two million drivers with three points on their driving licence, with drivers keeping the penalties on their licence for between four and 11 years.
Experts highlighted how there is a need for drivers to change their behaviours at the wheel or they could be involved in a serious accident.
Nicholas Lyes continued, saying: “Drivers with any number of points on their licence, but especially those with six or nine should not only evaluate their driving skills but think about the risk a driving ban could have on their livelihoods.
“Thankfully, education and training courses can play a role in making people safer drivers, along with changing behaviours and attitudes - something IAM RoadSmart offers across the UK and would encourage police forces to recommend to drivers.”
He added that many motorists are starting to believe that driving standards are “deteriorating” and this warning should act as a wake-up call for drivers.
Lyes called on the Government to introduce new enforcement measures to help motorists remain safe on the roads.
He also called for an updated road safety strategy to be published to set out how drivers should act in response to the growing number of changes in motoring.
The Government also expanded the definition of “using” a phone to include illuminating the screen, checking notifications, sending a text and taking a picture.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Using a phone when at the wheel can land drivers with a fine worth £200
PA
One new exemption was created which allows motorists to hold and use a device while making a contactless payment when the vehicle is stationary, such as at a drive-through.
