Bill > HB1459

This bill amends Mississippi law to prohibit drivers from using a "hand-held mobile telephone" – defined as a phone or electronic device used for calls or text messages that requires at least one hand to operate – while driving in the far-left lane of a multi-lane highway or interstate with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. The bill clarifies that "hand-held mobile telephone" does not include "voice-operated or hands-free devices," which allow users to write, send, or read text messages without using their hands, except to activate or control features. This prohibition specifically applies to writing, sending, or reading text messages and accessing or posting to social networking sites. However, drivers are permitted to use voice-operated or hands-free devices in any lane, and the restriction does not apply to emergency responders, emergency communications, or compliant commercial operations. Violations are civil offenses with penalties of $25 for offenses before July 1, 2016, and $100 for offenses after that date, with no additional state assessments. The Department of Public Safety will maintain records of citations issued under this law.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1459.xml