Double demerit for mobile phone use starts in Queensland

New penalties to deter phone-happy drivers on Queensland's roads are to come into effect.

From Tuesday, police will issue double demerit points for drivers busted using a mobile phone behind the wheel two or more times in a year.

That means a $353 fine and six demerit points for those caught.

Police are also encouraging Queenslanders to dob in drivers for using their mobile phones as part of the crackdown.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the new penalty was an important safety measure given driving while distracted by a mobile phone can be 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.