MHP Will Step Up Enforcement During Holiday Period

The Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the 2016 Fourth of July holiday enforcement period on Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m. and conclude Monday, July 4 at midnight. With the anticipation of heavy traffic flow throughout the state, all available troopers will be assigned saturation patrols in an effort to maximize visibility and reduce traffic crashes. Motorists should be aware of the fine increase concerning texting while driving in Mississippi which also goes into effect July 1. The fine will increase from $25 to $100 and will be strictly enforced to combat distracted driving. Safety checkpoints will be established during the period to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and promote seatbelt usage. 

In 2015, MHP investigated 138 crashes with two fatalities and made 125 DUI arrests on state and federal highway systems throughout the holiday period. Troopers  are asking motorists to help keep the roadways safe.