Senate Bill 2192

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 66-33-2, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE USAGE OF A MOBILE TELEPHONE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IN A REDUCED SPEED AREA IN THE VICINITY OF A SCHOOL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 66-33-2, Mississippi Code of 1972:

66-33-2. (1) For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this subsection, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "Mobile telephone" means a mobile telephone or other portable electronic communication device with which a user engages in a call or writes, sends or reads a text message. The term "mobile telephone" shall include a voice-operated or hands-free device; and

(b) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public highways.

(2) An operator of a moving motor vehicle is prohibited from using or accessing a mobile telephone while driving said motor vehicle through a designated reduced speed area in the vicinity of a school.

(3) A violation of this section is a civil violation, and upon being found in violation, is punishable by a civil penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). No state assessments shall be imposed or collected for a violation under this section.

(4) The Department of Public Safety shall keep and maintain records of citations issued under this section, including whether there was an additional traffic violation by the vehicle operator and whether there was a crash or any damage to a vehicle or passenger at the time of the citation.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.