Motorcycle Laws in Mississippi
There is a real sense of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle in Mississippi, but this activity also comes with real responsibilities. Whether you ride for commuting, recreation, or both, an in-depth understanding of Mississippi motorcycle laws is key to protecting your safety and your legal rights if the unexpected happens.
If a negligent driver violates these laws in a way that injures you or someone you love in a motorcycle crash, a motorcycle accident lawyer is here to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us now to explore your legal options in a free, no-obligation case review.
Licensing Requirements for Motorcycle Riders in Mississippi
State law requires all motorcycle riders to hold a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle permit or endorsement to operate a motorcycle on public roads (MS Code § 63-1-6). To obtain an endorsement, you must first obtain a temporary motorcycle permit, pass the Mississippi motorcycle test, and pay the applicable fees.
The test covers both knowledge and skills. Applicants must demonstrate a solid understanding of motorcycle laws in Mississippi and safe riding practices before the state grants a full endorsement.
The minimum age to drive a motorcycle on a temporary permit in Mississippi is 15. Permit holders may ride only under the direct supervision of a licensed rider who is at least 21 years old. They also cannot carry passengers, ride on controlled-access highways, or operate between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The minimum legal age for a motorcycle license with a full endorsement, free of those restrictions, is 16.
Riders who have questions about how to get a motorcycle license in Mississippi can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for additional details.
Mississippi’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Under MS Code § 63-7-64, every person who operates or rides on a motorcycle or motor scooter on Mississippi public roads must wear a helmet that meets the minimum federal safety standards.
The Mississippi motorcycle helmet law applies to riders of all ages, with one narrow exception: riders who are 18 or older may ride without a helmet during parades, provided the parade speed does not exceed 30 miles per hour. Outside of that limited circumstance, helmet use is mandatory for everyone on a motorcycle or motor scooter in Mississippi.
So, do you have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Mississippi? Yes, unless you qualify for that narrow parade exception. Violations of Mississippi’s helmet law can result in traffic citations punishable under MS Code § 63-9-11. Beyond the legal penalties for not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Mississippi, there are serious crash risks associated with riding without a helmet.
The risks extend beyond physical safety, too. If you suffer head injuries in a motorcycle crash and were not wearing a helmet, the defense may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries. So, if you are wondering, “Will not wearing a helmet affect my motorcycle accident claim?” the answer is yes, possibly. Mississippi courts and insurance providers can reduce your compensation in proportion to your share of fault, and helmet use may be a factor in that equation.
Equipment and Safety Regulations in Mississippi
Mississippi’s motorcycle safety laws set clear standards for how motorcycle operators must equip their bikes to operate legally on public roads. Key equipment and safety requirements include the following:
- Headlamps – Every motorcycle must carry at least one and no more than two headlamps that comply with the standards set out in MS Code § 63-7-31.
- Rear and Stop Lamps – Motorcycles must display a rear red lamp visible from 500 feet and a stop lamp visible from 100 feet, per MS Code § 63-7-13 and MS Code § 63-7-27.
- Brakes – Motorcycles must have at least one brake operable by hand or foot (MS Code § 63-7-51).
- Muffler – MS Code § 63-7-55 requires every motorcycle to have a properly functioning muffler to prevent excessive noise. Muffler cutouts and bypass devices are prohibited.
- Mirror – If a motorcycle’s construction or load obstructs the rider’s rear view, it must have a mirror that offers a clear view of the road for at least 200 feet to the rear (MS Code § 63-7-57).
- Lighting Colors – MS Code § 63-7-23 governs permissible lighting colors for motorcycles. Front-facing lights must display white or amber, and rear-facing lights must display red.
If you choose to ride a motorcycle that does not meet these equipment standards, it could put you at risk and complicate any injury claim that follows a crash.
Mississippi’s Lane Splitting and Sharing Laws
Is lane splitting legal in Mississippi? There is no state law that explicitly authorizes lane splitting, which is the practice of riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Because no law permits it, law enforcement can treat lane splitting as a traffic violation.
Even without a Mississippi motorcycle lane splitting law, riders should always stay within a single lane to avoid the legal and safety risks that lane splitting presents.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in Mississippi
Mississippi requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance coverage in certain minimum amounts. Under MS Code § 63-15-3, those minimum requirements include the following:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Riders must carry proof of insurance coverage at all times (MS Code § 63-15-4). Failure to produce proof of insurance upon request is a misdemeanor that can result in a $100 fine and a one-year suspension of driving privileges.
Alcohol and Drug Policies for Riders in Mississippi
Mississippi applies the same DUI standards to motorcycle riders as to all other motor vehicle operators. A rider 21 or older with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is considered legally impaired under state law. Riders under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance standard. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
Mississippi’s Age Limits for Motorcycle Passengers
Mississippi law does not set a specific motorcycle passenger age limit. The state’s passenger restrictions are listed as “none specified” in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s summary of state motorcycle safety laws. Mississippi law does prohibit motorcycle riders who hold only a temporary permit from carrying passengers at all, but there is no explicit passenger age restriction for motorcycle riders with full endorsements.
While no minimum age requirement exists under state law, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Motorcycle Operator Manual does provide safety recommendations for riding with passengers. Specifically, the Department advises riders to confirm that any passenger can reach the footrests and hold on to the rider’s waist, hips, belt, or the motorcycle’s passenger handholds while riding.
Can a child ride on the back of a motorcycle in Mississippi? The law does not prohibit it outright, but it is worth noting that riders are fully responsible for their passengers’ safety. There is no state statute defining the legal age for children to ride on the back of a motorcycle, so parents and guardians must use sound judgment before allowing their kids to ride along.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
The vast majority of motorcycle wrecks are preventable. In most cases, negligent drivers are primarily responsible. In others, factors like unsafe roads or defective equipment are contributing factors.
Common examples of causes and contributing factors include the following:
- Drivers who fail to check their surroundings before changing lanes
- Negligent left-hand turns at intersections
- Speeding and reckless driving by other motorists
- Distracted driving, including phone use behind the wheel
- Road hazards such as gravel, potholes, and debris
- Drivers who are impaired by substance use or fatigue
- Failure to adjust to poor road conditions or reduced visibility
- Dooring incidents in urban areas
- Defective motorcycle parts or equipment
What a Mississippi Lawyer Can Do for Your Motorcycle Wreck Case
A motorcycle crash can leave you with serious physical injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about your future. When the stakes are this high, you need and deserve representation from an attorney who knows how to demand the recovery you deserve.
The team at WNW has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across Mississippi, including one $300,000 payout in a motorcycle crash case involving a severe leg injury. That track record reflects what we bring to every case we handle: preparation, persistence, and a genuine commitment to results.
Our attorneys prepare every case as though it will go straight to trial. That level of preparation allows us to create the leverage we need to pursue maximum compensation, whether the case resolves through negotiation or in the courtroom. We do this because insurers tend to take our attorneys more seriously when they see we are actually ready to try a case.
From the moment you contact WNW, our attorneys prioritize real conversations. We take the time to fully understand your situation so we can develop a strategy that fits your case, not a formula. We communicate clearly and consistently, so you are always informed about your case status and feel understood and taken seriously throughout the process. When you need to talk, we are available.
If your case demands a fight, we can go the distance, no matter how difficult it may be.
Contact a Motorcycle Wreck Lawyer in Mississippi Today
If you were hurt in a preventable motorcycle crash, do not wait to get legal help. Contact WNW today for a free, no-obligation consultation and let us fight for the recovery you deserve. Your case review is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
When You Need a Win, turn to WNW.
