That’s what using your phone behind the wheel this long weekend could cost you, with double demerits in place from Friday morning and police in Orange targeting distracted drivers over the next three days. 

Strict new laws slamming people for using mobile phones were introduced in July and this weekend is the first time double demerits have been in affect since the changes were announced. 

Central West Police District chief inspector Peter Atkins said phone use was still a big problem in Orange.

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“Unfortunately people are still using mobile phones in and around Orange,” he said. 

“Operation Slow Down commenced at midnight last night and double demerits are in effect for seatbelts, mobile phones and speeding offences.

“The use of mobile phone carried five points so this weekend you could lose up to 10 points, which is most people is almost their entire license points so it’s a very serious offence, and a very serious safety offence so it's a reminder to not use your phone while driving.”

Chief inspector Atkins said police presence would be beefed up on the weekend. 

“There’ll be extra police on the road in Orange and throughout the region targeting speeding and fatigued drivers,” he said.

Double demerits will be in affect until midnight on Monday.