Bill > HB187

This bill amends Mississippi's existing law regarding mobile telephone use while driving by changing the classification of texting while driving from a civil violation to a traffic violation and increasing the penalty. The bill defines key terms such as "hand-held mobile telephone," "text message," and "voice-operated or hands-free device," and explicitly prohibits drivers from physically holding or supporting a hand-held mobile telephone while writing, sending, reading text messages, or accessing social networking sites while driving. The legislation raises the fine for violations from a previous sliding scale to a flat $100 fine and requires the Department of Public Safety to maintain detailed records of citations, including demographic information about the driver and details about any associated crash or additional traffic violations. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to reduce distracted driving by more strictly regulating mobile device use behind the wheel. The bill distinguishes between prohibited hand-held device use and permissible hands-free or voice-operated device interactions, providing clarity about what constitutes a violation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0187.xml