Although there is no federal (nationwide) law that prohibits texting or using a wireless phone while driving, many states have passed laws that prohibit such activities—and some municipalities (cities, towns) have also passed ordinances that restrict texting, talking, or emailing while driving. For example:

• 25 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned drivers from hand-held phone use while driving.

• 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam have banned texting while driving for all drivers.

• 37 states and the District of Columbia prohibit all cell phone use by novice drivers.

• 23 states and the District of Columbia prohibit school bus drivers from cell phone use while driving.

For more information on state laws, visit the Governor Highway Safety Association page by copying this link and pasting it into your internet browser: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/distracted%20driving

In Mississippi, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers. This ban is enforced as a primary law, meaning that an officer can pull a driver over for the offense without needing to witness some other violation. However, Mississippi does not have a statewide ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving for all drivers. The state does have restrictions on cell phone use for specific categories of drivers. For instance, bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving if passengers are present, and novice drivers, defined as those who hold a learner's permit or an intermediate license, are not allowed to use wireless communication devices while driving. It's important to note that some localities within Mississippi may have their own ordinances that provide stricter regulations on mobile phone use while driving, so drivers should be aware of the laws that apply in the areas where they are driving.