Double demerit for driver phone use in Qld

Chatty Queensland drivers will be hit with double demerit points from Tuesday if they are caught using a mobile phone two or more times in a year.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey says the penalty - a $353 fine and six demerit points - has been put in place because driving while distracted by a mobile phone is just as dangerous as drink driving.

"We've got to start thinking of it like that because people are dying and getting maimed on Queensland roads because people are continuing to use their phones," Mr Bailey said.