MS HB711

Prohibits motor vehicle operators from using hand-held mobile telephones while driving in the outermost lane of a multi-lane roadway.

Violation of the hand-held phone restriction in the outermost lane is classified as a misdemeanor punishable under Section 63-9-11.

Defines "hand-held mobile telephone" as a device requiring at least one hand to make calls or write, send, or read text messages, excluding voice-operated or hands-free devices.

Maintains existing civil penalties for texting and social media use while driving (not specific to outermost lane): $25 for violations before July 1, 2016, and $100 for violations after that date.

Becomes effective July 1, 2020.