Foreign drivers who break the law in the UK can now be given fixed penalty fines.
Offenders will also get points on their UK driving record and could be banned from driving in England and Wales.
Previously police were only able to arrest foreign motorists for serious offences such as drink-driving.
The police can now collect on-the-spot payments from offenders who cannot provide a satisfactory UK address.
Fixed penalty fines range from £30 to £200. For instance, those caught speeding or using their mobile while driving face a fine of £60.
Within the new rules the Department for Transport also revealed that, for the first time, examiners from the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency will be able to issue fixed penalty notices to heavy goods vehicle drivers from both the UK and abroad.
Jim Fitzpatrick, Road Safety Minister, said: "We want to keep our roads as safe as possible and these tough new measures mean that any driver who breaks the rules of the road - putting themselves and others at risk - will have to face the consequences.
"The only way for drivers and hauliers to avoid tough penalties will be to obey our traffic laws and ensure their vehicles are fully roadworthy."
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