MS SB2648

Creates Section 63-3-217 of Mississippi Code to prohibit any person from operating a motor vehicle on a highway while using a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant to send or receive written messages while the vehicle is in motion.

Exempts law enforcement, emergency vehicle operators, persons reporting dangerous behavior, persons in physical danger, parked vehicles, emergency communications to hospitals/E911/law enforcement, vehicle diagnostic systems, and vehicle navigation systems from the texting prohibition.

Establishes texting while driving as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $500, with an additional fine up to $1,000 if the violation occurs during a motor vehicle accident.

Requires law enforcement officers investigating motor vehicle accidents to note on the accident report whether texting was involved at the time of the crash.

Repeals Section 63-1-73 (previous texting prohibition for temporary and intermediate license holders) and takes effect July 1, 2011.