Hand-held mobile telephones; increase civil penalties for texting while driving.

SB 2801 increases fines for drivers using handheld phones to text or check social media while operating a vehicle in Mississippi. It sets a $250 base fine (doubled to $500 if involved in a crash) for violations in school or work zones, and a $100 base fine (doubled to $200 in crashes) elsewhere. Law enforcement must document phone use in crash reports, and no additional state assessments apply. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting drivers who text or access social media while driving.