Mississippi Truck Driver Phone Law
In Mississippi the federal 392.82 hand-held ban binds you regardless of state law. No holding, dialing, or reaching for the phone. Mississippi's rule for everyone else covers only texting and social media, enforced as a primary offense with a flat $100 civil penalty (§63-33-1). Talking on a hand-held phone is legal for the four-wheeler beside you, but never for you under federal law.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Mississippi’s rule for all drivers
In Mississippi the federal 392.82 hand-held ban binds you regardless of state law. No holding, dialing, or reaching for the phone. Mississippi's rule for everyone else covers only texting and social media, enforced as a primary offense with a flat $100 civil penalty (§63-33-1). Talking on a hand-held phone is legal for the four-wheeler beside you, but never for you under federal law.
- Hand-held: Texting ban only
- Texting: Statewide ban on texting and social-media use, primary enforcement (§63-33-1) — a flat $100 civil penalty. No all-driver hand-held ban; hand-held calling is legal for the general public. Learner- and intermediate-permit holders face tighter phone limits.
- Fine: Texting or social-media use: a flat $100 civil penalty (§63-33-1). No license points for the general public; talking on a hand-held phone is not restricted for most drivers.
- Points: Mississippi's texting law is a civil penalty with no license points for the general public (§63-33-1). CSA governs your CDL: hand-held use is a serious violation, and two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify you for 60 days (federal).
Mississippi Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Mississippi?
What is the phone fine in Mississippi?
Is texting while driving illegal in Mississippi?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-63/chapter-33/section-63-33-1/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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