The penalties for various motoring offences are going up today.
From today anyone caught breaking a speed limit, using a mobile phone while driving, or not wearing a seat belt will get THREE penalty points - up from the usual two.
People who are brought to court for not paying those fines will then be given five penalty points instead of the usual four.
Elsewhere, the penalty for people who fail to stop at a school crossing goes up from one penalty point to two.
Other rules kicking in today mean newly-qualified drivers will have to display a new 'N' plate on their car for two years, to show they are a 'Novice' driver.
