{"id":374414,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:13","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-traffic-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-07T09:04:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T14:04:48","slug":"mississippi-traffic-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-traffic-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi Traffic Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mississippi Traffic Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n


\r\nReciting the state’s traffic regulations<\/a> by memory probably isn’t the coolest party trick. Yet, knowing the law can help you avoid serious problems behind the wheel.<\/p>\r\n

Driving in Mississippi requires you to understand and obey the rules of the road. Otherwise, you could lose your driving privileges or risk causing a car accident<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, learn more about the laws and traffic tickets. You can also find more information through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety<\/a> and FindLaw’s traffic law resources<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Driving Laws in the Mississippi Code<\/h2>\r\n

Title 63<\/a> of the Mississippi Code lists the rules for driver’s licenses, motor vehicles, and more. The table below links to a few basic state laws on public roads.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Drinking and driving violations<\/th>\r\nOperation of vehicle while under influence<\/a> (MS Code 63-11-30)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving without a license\/suspended license<\/th>\r\nRequirement of motor vehicle operator’s license<\/a> (MS Code 63-1-5)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving without insurance\/insufficient insurance<\/th>\r\nMotor vehicle safety \u2014 responsibility<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 15)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Driving without registration\/expired registration<\/th>\r\nMotor vehicle titles<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 21)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Illegal U-turn<\/th>\r\nTurning at intersections<\/a> (MS Code 63-3-703)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Leaving the scene of an accident\/hit and run<\/th>\r\nAccidents and Reports<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 3, <\/i>Article 9)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mechanical violations and unlawful vehicle modifications<\/th>\r\nEquipment and Identification<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 7)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Reckless driving<\/th>\r\nReckless driving<\/a> (MS Code 63-3-1201)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Running a red light\/stop sign<\/th>\r\nTraffic signs, signals, and markings<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 3, Article 7)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Seat belt\/child Restraint Violations<\/th>\r\nMandatory use of safety belts<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 2)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Speeding<\/th>\r\nRestrictions on Speed<\/a> (MS Code Title 63, Ch. 3, <\/i>Article 11)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

What Are the Speed Limits in Mississippi?<\/h2>\r\n

State law says you should generally drive 65 mph or less on public roadways unless there is a different posted speed limit<\/a>. But the law might require you to go slower depending on the conditions, such as on a route with sharp curves or many pedestrians.<\/p>\r\n

Mississippi also sets a minimum speed. You can’t drive slower than 30 mph on federal highways unless there’s a good reason, such as slowing down for an emergency vehicle. If the highway maximum speed limit is 70 mph, the minimum speed limit is 40 mph.<\/p>\r\n

Traffic Violations and Law Enforcement<\/h2>\r\n

If a police officer notices a problem with your vehicle or driving, they’ll probably pull you over<\/a>. Most traffic stops end with a ticket, but some can end in an arrest.<\/p>\r\n

Minor tickets like parking citations usually won’t affect your criminal record. More serious offenses<\/a>, such as careless driving or driving under the influence<\/a> (DUI), involve criminal law. Many of these offenses are misdemeanors in Mississippi. Yet, factors like your driving history or injuries could raise the charge to a felony.<\/p>\r\n

You have rights when you face traffic charges. The state adopted the Traffic Violations Procedure<\/a> to set rules for fines and other penalties. Police officers, court clerks, and other officials must follow the processes in this chapter to respect drivers’ rights.<\/p>\r\n

Mississippi License Suspension and Revocation<\/h3>\r\n

If you break state traffic laws, you’ll get a violation on your driving record. Mississippi doesn’t use a license point system like some other states, but you can still lose your driver’s license<\/a> under certain conditions.<\/p>\r\n

For example, the first time you get a DUI, you will face an automatic 120-day license suspension<\/a>. Under the Implied Consent Law<\/a>, you could also face suspension for 90 days or one year if you refuse to take a DUI test<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

You can also lose your driving privileges if you commit too many violations. The state can suspend your license if you show a pattern of "a disrespect for traffic laws and a disregard for the safety of other persons" (MS Code 63-1-53<\/a>). The law doesn’t set an exact number of violations that trigger a revocation or suspension.<\/p>\r\n

Out-of-State Traffic Tickets<\/h3>\r\n

On a road trip outside Mississippi, check and obey the other states’ traffic laws<\/a>. A traffic offense can affect your record and license here in your home state.<\/p>\r\n

Most states share motorists’ records through the Nonresident Violator Compact<\/a>. This agreement compels Mississippi to suspend your driver’s license until you resolve the ticket in the other state (MS Code 63-1-103<\/a>).<\/p>\r\n

Connect with a Mississippi Traffic Lawyer<\/h2>\r\n

Small tickets can add up to a big problem down the road. Protect your license by challenging inaccurate tickets or unjust traffic stops. A local attorney<\/a> can share their knowledge of Mississippi’s state laws. They can help you understand the options you may have for your defense.<\/p>\r\n

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