LONDON, Dec 20: Motorists caught talking on a hand-held mobile phone or sending a text while driving could be jailed under guidelines published on Thursday.

In the most serious cases, they could be charged with dangerous driving, which carries a two-year maximum sentence and an unlimited fine, according to a BBC report.

Currently, motorists face an automatic 60-pound fine and three points on their licence under the lesser charge of careless driving.

Director of Public Prosecutions Ken Macdonald said earlier this year that drivers who flout the law and drive dangerously should face tougher penalties.

“There is widespread public concern about the use of mobile phones and other hand-held electronic equipment while driving,” he said. No one at the Crown Prosecution Service could be reached immediately for comment.

Using a hand-held mobile while driving was banned in 2003, but thousands of drivers flout the law each day.—Reuters