An increased fine for those caught driving with a mobile phone comes into effect today

The 80-dollar fee has been bumped up to 150-dollars.

The Government says the move is part of its road to zero plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

Between 2015 and 2019 there were 22 deaths on our roads caused by drivers distracted by a mobile.

Forty-thousand fines were also issued last year.

Transport Minister Michael Wood says it'll prompt people to take the issue seriously, and put away the phone while driving.