Mississippi’s Cellphone-Use & Texting-While-Driving Laws

Mississippi's distracted driving law prohibits all motorists from text messaging while operating a vehicle. This article covers the specifics of the law and the costs of a texting ticket.

Talking on a Cellphone

Mississippi currently has no restrictions on making or receiving calls or talking on a phone while driving.

Text Messaging and Other Device Use

Mississippi's distracted driving law prohibits all motorists from driving while using a handheld mobile telephone or portable electronic device to:

• write, send, or read a text message, or
• access, read, or post to a social network site.

Text message. For purpose of the distracted driving law, a "text message" includes instant messages, email, and regular text messages.

Exceptions. Mississippi's texting ban doesn't apply to:

• hands-free or voice-operated device use
• emergency, traffic, and weather alerts, or
• messages related to the operation or navigation of the vehicle.

Penalties. A texting ticket carries a $100 fine in Mississippi.

Depending on the circumstances, a texting violation could also lead to a reckless driving conviction. And if a texting offense results in the death of another person, vehicular manslaughter charges are a possibility.