Mississippi Safety Laws

Before you check out the Mississippi safety laws DMV.org outlines below, take note of the following resources that may help you stay up to date:

• The Mississippi Driver's Manual.

• Title 63: Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations.

• The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) and driver license locations.

• The Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.

Seat Belts

Mississippi Code 63-2-1 requires all passenger vehicle drivers and front-seat passengers to wear safety belts.

Exemptions include:

• Drivers and passengers with disabilities or medical conditions that make safety belts impossible or dangerous to use. These drivers and passengers much have written documentation from their physicians.

• Drivers and passengers of vehicles designed for farm use.

• On-duty drivers of United States Postal Service vehicles and on-duty meter readers.

For more information about wearing seat belts in Mississippi, refer to Chapter 002 of Title 63.

Child Car Seat Laws

Per Mississippi Code 63-7-301, if a child is under the age of four, he or she must ride in federally approved child safety seats.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. Before ordering, be sure to read our articles on How To Buy a Child Safety Seat and How To Install a Child Safety Seat.

Cell Phones and Texting

To date, there are no laws prohibiting the use of cellular phones while driving in Mississippi. Actually, Mississippi Code 63-3-212 currently prohibits all counties, municipalities, and political subdivisions from enacting such laws.

However, the state does ban texting for all learner permit and intermediate license holders.

Helmets

Motorcycle Riders

Mississippi Code 63-7-64 requires all operators and passengers of motorcycles and scooters must wear American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators-approved helmets.

Bicycle Riders

Bicycle riders should check with local authority regarding bicycle helmet laws. Too, Bike Walk Mississippi is a great place to stay up to date with bicycle-related goings-on in Mississippi.

Headlights

According to Mississippi Code 63-7-11, drivers must use their headlights from sunset to sunrise, and whenever insufficient light makes it difficult to see others at a distance of 500 feet.

For more information about lighting equipment, including spot lamps, auxiliary driving lamps, and signal lamps, refer to Chapter 007 of Title 63.

Unattended Motor Vehicles

Mississippi Code 63-3-909 clearly outlines what you must do before you leave your vehicle unattended in Mississippi.

In short:

• Turn off the engine.

• Lock the ignition.

• Remove the key.

• Set the brake and turn the wheels to the curb (if you're on a grade).

Unattended Children and Pets

A child's natural curiosity. A pet's usual rambunctiousness. Extreme hot and cold temperatures. Shady folks with cruel intentions. They're all reasons to never leave your child or pet unattended in a motor vehicle. When you do so, you put them at risk for injury, death, and kidnapping (or, petnapping).

If you need to dash in the store for a gallon of milk or in the office to drop off a fax, but can't take your child or pet in with you, take him or her home first. The extra time will be worth a saved life.

See a child you believe is endangered? Call 911 and stay with the vehicle.

Reporting Unsafe and/or Drunk Drivers

Call 911 to report an unsafe or drunk driver. If it's not an immediate threat, contact the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.

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