Operation Tortoise started at midnight on Wednesday, and drivers will be slugged 10 demerit points and a $448 fine if caught touching their phone while they're behind the wheel.

Local police say they will also be on high alert for drink-driving.

Operation Tortoise will run until midnight on Easter Monday, before Operation Go Slow - which will police Anzac Day and the end of the school holidays - ramps up 24 hours later.

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Double demerits are in force for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and helmet offences, and police will have extra cars in the region.

"Don't drink and drive; don't take drugs and get behind the wheel; wear a seatbelt; and take it easy on the roads by driving to the conditions," Oxley highway patrol Sergeant Michael Buko said.

"We know speeding costs lives ... It is not worth a $1000 fine and losing half your licence, or putting the safety of you and your family, as well as the other road users, at risk for the sake of a minute or two. You will get there, but a minute or two later.

"And it will be worth it, because you'll have your licence, you won't have a massive fine, and everyone gets to their destination safely."