Teen Text-N-Drive Ban

A new Mississippi Law (starting July 1) will ban anyone with an intermediate license or learner’s permit from sending text messages while driving. Anyone caught texting while driving could face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $500. If there's an accident, the fine would be up to $1,000.

The law — signed this past week by Gov. Haley Barbour — also will add six months to the minimum age for teenagers to get their driver’s licenses. The intermediate license, allowing some unsupervised driving, will become available at 16. An unrestricted license can be obtained six months later.