Bill > SB2801

This bill increases the civil penalties for drivers caught writing, sending, or reading text messages, or accessing and posting to social networking sites, using a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a motor vehicle in Mississippi. Specifically, violations occurring in school or work zones will now carry a $250 fine, doubled if the driver is involved in a crash, and violations outside of these zones will result in a $100 fine, also doubled if a crash occurs. The bill also clarifies that "hand-held mobile telephone" excludes voice-operated or hands-free devices, and defines "text message" to include instant messages, electronic messages, and emails, but excludes emergency alerts or navigation-related messages. Importantly, law enforcement officers will not be permitted to initiate a traffic stop based solely on a violation of this texting-while-driving law.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2801.xml