England toughens stance on cell-phone drivers

Starting on February 27th, mobile phone-yakking drivers in the UK will be hit with increased fines and points on their license. Drivers can get fined up to $4925 and receive three penalty points on their license.

British law mandates a hand-free kit for mobile phone talking. Currently drivers receive nearly $60 in fines and no penalty points for talking on a mobile phone.

After reaching 12 penalty points, the British government automatically takes away driver’s licenses for at least one year. Regular traffic infractions like running a red light or speeding are generally worth three penalty points.