Mississippi Motorcycle Laws
Riding a motorcycle on the open highway is one of the great thrills of life. We can’t blame anyone for wanting to take up riding a bike as a hobby.
However, Mississippi closely regulates motorcyclists, so you need to understand the law before you hit the open road.
Below, we highlight some of the more important Mississippi motorcycle laws so that you won’t get arrested.
Key Takeaways
Mississippi Motorcycle Laws: What You Should Know
Mississippi has specific legal requirements for motorcycle riders. Here’s what to keep in mind.
- Endorsement Required:
Mississippi Code § 63-1-6 requires a motorcycle endorsement on your license, valid for four to eight years. - Helmets Are Mandatory:
Riders must wear a crash helmet meeting federal safety standards, or face fines and possible jail time. - Basic Equipment Rules Apply:
Motorcycles need at least one brake and between one and two headlamps. - Following the Law Doesn’t Guarantee Safety:
Even compliant riders can be seriously injured by another driver’s negligence.
Licensing Requirements
Mississippi Code § 63-1-6 states that no one can drive or operate a motorcycle without getting an operator’s license that includes a motorcycle endorsement. There are exemptions for people who rent scooters near a university, which can be found at section 63-1-6.1.
To obtain an endorsement, you first need a driver’s license in Mississippi. Then you can obtain a permit that is temporary.
Mississippi motorcycle laws also require that you take a motorcycle knowledge test and have your bike inspected, whereupon you can receive an endorsement that is good for 4 or 8 years.
Motorcycle Endorsement
Riding a motorcycle without a valid endorsement in Mississippi can result in a fine of up to $100 and a jail sentence of no more than ten days.
We’re Here to Help
Riding Safely Starts With Knowing the Law
Understanding Mississippi’s motorcycle laws is important, but if you’ve been hurt in a crash, even when you followed every rule, it’s easy to feel like the odds are stacked against you. Our team at Harris Law Firm will help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Safety
You need to have a bike that is safe for the open road. The state has several laws that relate to bike safety:
- The Mississippi helmet law can be found in section 63-7-64. It states that no person can operate or ride on a motorcycle without wearing a crash helmet. The helmet must meet federal standards, in particular the Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218. If you are caught without a helmet, then under section 63-9-11, you can be convicted of a misdemeanor, fined up to $100, and sentenced to up to 10 days in jail. Penalties increase for subsequent convictions.
- Every motorcycle needs one brake, which can be operated by foot or by hand. This should not be a problem, since bikes in Mississippi aren’t sold without brakes.
- Every motorcycle must have at least one headlamp. There can be no more than two headlamps, which provide adequate lighting.
After buying a bike, you should have a mechanic check it to make sure it is in good working order. Too many accidents are caused by motorcycles that are defective or are not working properly. If a defective motorcycle contributes to an accident, a Mississippi personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Injured Riders Have Rights Too
Following the Rules of the Road Doesn’t Always Protect You
Even licensed, helmeted riders get hurt by drivers who aren’t paying attention. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, let our team help you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation you’re owed.
Operate Your Motorcycle Safely
All riders need to follow the rules of the road. To this end, the state requires that riders follow the Motorcycle Operator Manual created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. You should know this manual and all the rules of the road.
Always follow the law. Many motorcyclists are rightfully upset when motorists don’t yield the right of way or slow down when approaching intersections. At the same time, motorcyclists need to follow the rules if they want others to.
Injured in a motorcycle accident?
If you were recently in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t face it alone. We want to hear from you, simply fill out the form below and we will contact you to set up a consultation. We just need some brief information:
Injured in a Crash? Contact Us
Motorcycle accidents have many causes. Sometimes a defective bike contributes to a crash. In other situations, a negligent driver plows straight into a motorcyclist, causing injury.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should meet with a Mississippi attorney. At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, we have the experience and resources to negotiate favorable compensation for your injuries. Please contact us online today for a free consultation, or call us at (662) 262-8093.
Common Questions
Mississippi Motorcycle Laws: Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re researching Mississippi motorcycle laws, these are the questions we hear most often from riders.
Yes. Mississippi Code § 63-1-6 requires a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license, which is valid for four to eight years. Riding without the proper endorsement can result in a fine of up to $100 and up to 10 days in jail.
Yes. Mississippi law under § 63-7-64 requires riders to wear a crash helmet that meets federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218. Violating the helmet law is a misdemeanor that can carry a fine of up to $100 and up to 10 days in jail, with increased penalties for repeat violations.
Mississippi requires motorcycles to have at least one brake, whether foot or hand operated, along with at least one headlamp and no more than two. Riders are also encouraged to follow the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Operator Manual for safe operation.
Following the law doesn’t prevent other drivers from making mistakes that cause serious injury. If you were riding legally and still got hurt, it’s worth speaking with an attorney about your right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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