Green Vehicle Laws and Regulations in Mississippi

Mississippi's commercial operations carry most of the green vehicle laws and regulations in the state (see Commercial Green Laws and Regulations� below), though there are a couple regulations for private citizens to consider, too.

Keep in mind that green laws, regulations, and incentives can change, so be sure to bookmark this page as well as regularly check with your local Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau (MVL) office, the Alternative Fuels Data Center, and our section on green driver incentives.

Mississippi Green Vehicle Registration and Emissions

You must register your vehicle and renew that registration if you want to operate your vehicle on Mississippi roads—whether or not you drive an eco-friendly vehicle.

However, the state currently doesn’t require emissions testing or smog checks. So, while you must register and renew, you don’t have to bring it in for anything other than regular vehicle inspections (which you can learn more about in our Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspections section).

Natural Gas Tax for Operators

You must pay an annual flat rate privilege tax if you operate a vehicle capable of using compressed or liquefied natural gas if your vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or fewer; if the vehicle weighs more than 10,000 lbs, then the tax is based per every hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas and per diesel gallon equivalent of liquefied natural gas.

NOTE: Depending on your situation, this might apply to you as an individual owner or a business operator.

Also, public utilities that sell and deliver and distributors of natural gas must pay a privilege tax (which is based on the units above).

For more information, refer to Mississippi House Bill 1590 and Mississippi Code 27-59-11.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Decals

If you drive a vehicle that can operate on CNG, you must display a decal from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. You have 15 days from the date of purchase (or conversion) to apply for a decal, which is distributed on an annual basis.

For more information, reference the Mississippi House Bill 1590 and Mississippi Code 27-59-11.

Business and Other Commercial Green Laws and Regulations

The following green laws and regulations apply to businesses and other commercial entities that utilize alternative fuel vehicles. We've summarized these laws and regulations, but provided you with sources to find additional information.

Installation of Alternative Fuel Components in Vehicles: If you install a propane or compressed natural gas (CNG) carburetion system and collect a fee for doing so, you must have an installer’s license from the State Liquefied Compressed Gas Board. For more information, refer to Mississippi Code 75-57-47.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Propane Deregulation: When used as motor vehicle fuel or some related purpose, the transmission, sale, or distribution of CNG and distribution or sale of propane is deregulated. Refer to Mississippi Codes 77-3-3 and 77-3-11 for more information.
Ethanol Labeling Requirement: If gasoline offered by sale contains 1% or more ethanol, it must be labeled “with ethanol” or “contains ethanol.” Learn more at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Regulations (PDF) Subpart 4, Chapter 8, Section 106.

Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles

You might be able to get a car insurance discount for driving an eco-friendly vehicle; you might even be able to get a discount for having green driving habits.

Talk with your current auto insurance agent about possible green vehicle and driving discounts such as:

Hybrid auto discounts.
Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
Economy car discounts.
Low-mileage discounts.

Of course, car insurance discounts vary by the provider and situation. For example, some companies might provide a 10% discount if you own or lease a hybrid vehicle; others might get you up to 30% off on your premium if you maintain low mileage.

Some providers might offer both types of discounts!

If your current Mississippi car insurance provider doesn't offer these discounts, consider shopping around online for a company that will reward your green driving.