Traffic Safety Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi Safety Laws

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

Seat Belts

The Department of Public Safety 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.

Child Car Seat Laws

All children under 7 years old are required to ride in properly-fitted child restraint seat at all times. Children 4 to 6 years old may use a booster seat IF they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall, OR weigh at least 65 lbs. Children under the age of 4 years old MUST be secured in a child restraint safety seat. If you're in the market for one, you can shop for a car seat any time online. Before ordering, be sure to read our articles on How To Buy a Child Safety Seat and How To Install a Child Safety Seat.

Electronic Devices and Texting

By law, all MS driver's are prohibited from texting and driving. This also includes banning the use of social media and similar cellphone applications while driving.

Helmets

Motorcycle Riders

The DPS requires all operators and passengers of motorcycles and scooters to 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

All 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.

Unattended Motor Vehicles

If you leave your vehicle unattended in Mississippi, you must:

  • 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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