Driving while holding a mobile phone will lose you four demerit points from early next year as the NSW gets tougher on distracted drivers.

The current penalty for driving while using a mobile phone when not permitted is the loss of 3 demerit points and a fine.

And during the double demerit holiday season drivers will be penalised 6 demerit points for illegally using their mobile phones from December 24 to January 3.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant and Minister for Roads Duncan Gay announced the measures in the lead up to the holiday season in an effort to improve road safety.

Mr Gay said the $319 current fine has remained the same, but using your phone illegally while driving now cost more points.

“I’ve been looking at what more I can do to deter people using their mobile phones while driving – particularly after seeing recent figures,” Mr Gay said.

“Last year there were about 35,000 fines handed out for the illegal use of a mobile phone – that is just too many.

“I am not a fan of draconian fines but we need to see these stats go down – and if this doesn’t deter motorists, then I’ll hit them in the hip pocket.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to get the message out – using your mobile phone while driving can kill.”