New Zealand has finally got into line with most of the rest of the world by announcing a ban on the use of handheld mobile phones by drivers.

From November, drivers will be fined $80 and lose 20 demerit points for using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Currently there are no penalties in place.

The decision to impose the ban follows the recent publication of statistics that found mobile phone use by NZ drivers contributed to 411 crashes involving injury and 26 fatal accidents between 2002 and 2007.

"Handheld mobile phone use has grown to become a significant problem," Transport Minister Steven Joyce said last week. "Texting and driving, in particular, is a total no-brainer."