No, applying makeup while driving is not explicitly prohibited in Mississippi, but it may violate broader distracted driving laws. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) enforces regulations under §63-3-1201 of the Mississippi Code, which prohibits any activity diverting attention from safe operation. Courts have interpreted this to include grooming behaviors, though enforcement remains discretionary. Local ordinances in cities like Jackson or Gulfport may impose stricter penalties, particularly under municipal distracted driving ordinances enacted in 2024.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Mississippi
- Primary Distraction Statute (§63-3-1201): Prohibits operating a vehicle while engaged in any activity that impairs full control, including grooming. Violations are punishable by fines up to $250 for first offenses.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities such as Biloxi and Tupelo have adopted supplementary distracted driving rules, allowing officers to cite drivers for “careless or negligent” conduct, which may include makeup application.
- Secondary Evidence Standard: While not a standalone offense, applying makeup may be cited as contributory negligence in accident investigations, per MDPS traffic collision protocols updated in 2026.
Enforcement trends indicate a preference for citing makeup use under reckless driving statutes when it coincides with erratic lane deviations or collisions. The MDPS’s 2025 distracted driving awareness campaign explicitly lists grooming as a high-risk behavior. Drivers should note that even if not explicitly banned, such actions undermine the “reasonable care” standard required under Mississippi’s negligence framework.