New Sheriff in Mississippi County to Crackdown on Texting While Driving

Tickets for texting while driving may start to rise in Harrison County.

Since Troy Peterson became sheriff in January, deputies have written a total of 22 tickets — 13 citations filed in Justice Court and nine courtesy citations.

Peterson tells The Sun Herald more tickets can be expected after July 1, when the penalty rises from $25 to $100.

The law prohibits drivers from sending or receiving text messages, emails or social media posts, but it allows all drivers but school bus drivers to send and receive phone calls.

The anti-texting law appears to be open to interpretation. Some police officials say it’s a civil law, not enforceable by police.

Peterson sees it differently.

Sgt. Damon McDaniel says Gulfport police are not writing the texting tickets.