Drivers could be hit with a $1000 fine and four demerit points for using their mobile phone while driving in Queensland from tomorrow - the highest penalty in the country for the offence.
The crackdown is part of tougher penalties for illegally using a phone while behind the wheel.
As well as fines more than doubling from $400 to $1000, four demerit points, rather than three, will be handed out.
Research shows using a mobile phone while driving can be as risky as drink driving, according to the Queensland government.
A driver's response time while texting is comparable to that of a driver with a blood alcohol reading of between 0.07 and 0.10.
The increased penalties mean some licence holders, like learners and P-Platers, could lose their licence from just one offence.
Plus, double demerit points will apply to all drivers for a second mobile phone offence within 12 months.
They'll be slapped with another $1000 fine, plus eight demerit points.
Riding a bike while on a phone also carries a $1000 penalty.
Across Australia, it's illegal to hold the phone next to or near your ear with your hand, write, send or read a text message, turn your phone on or off and operate any other function on your phone while driving, even when stopped in traffic.
Hands free kits are allowed, except for P1 provisional licence holders.
As reported by 9News, world-first technology rolled out in Sydney last month caught 3000 drivers using their phones while driving in just a week.
In NSW, the fine for illegal mobile phone use is $344, or $457 in a school zone, plus five demerit points.
In WA, drivers who break the rules are slugged with three demerit points and $400 fine. In the ACT, the fine is up to $577 and four points.
In Victoria, it's $496 and three demerits. Three demerits are also handed out in Tasmania, along with a $300 fine.
South Australia's fine is $534 and three demerits.
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