NATCHEZ — Natchez residents have until the month of July to stop texting while driving.

Gov. Phil Bryant has signed into law House Bill 389, which prohibits drivers from typing, sending or reading text messages, emails or social media messages.

House Bill 389 becomes effective July 1 and the bill will allow for a fine of $25 per violation.

The fine will increase to $100 per violation on July 1, 2016.

Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said the sheriff’s office looks to implement the new law once it takes effect in July.

“We haven’t had a real big problem with it,” Mayfield said. “ But with the new law out there, there may be more cases.”

Mayfield said the new law will help drivers be cautions when on the highway.

“With the new law coming, hopefully, it will remind people not to text while driving,” he said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed.”

Natchez Police Department Capt. Tom McGehee said texting while driving is defined as distracted driving.

“I’ve seen the issues behind texting while driving,” McGehee said. “You can’t do two things right at the same time.”

However, McGehee said although putting a stop to texting and driving is important, there are other issues the department is looking to crack down on such as not wearing a seat belt while driving.

Mississippi has become the 45th state to ban texting while driving.

Mississippi was one of the only six states that did not prohibit texting while driving, although it previously banned texting for beginning drivers under 18 and for school bus drivers.

The new law will not apply to voice-operated or hands-free devices.

Making and receiving phone calls will still be legal.