Mississippi Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records in Mississippi are primarily maintained by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Driver Service Bureau. However, some records are also maintained in the courts of the state. Drivers in Mississippi may be cited for various traffic offenses, including reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signals, DUI, and speeding. About 9.6% of drivers in the state have a prior speeding citation on their driving record.

While Mississippi does not employ a traditional point system for traffic violations, each moving violation is recorded on the driver's record. Accumulating multiple violations may lead to consequences such as license suspension or revocation, especially in situations where serious offenses like DUIs are involved.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Mississippi?

Traffic violation records are generally considered public information, accessible under the Mississippi Public Records Act. Records of traffic crimes maintained by the municipal and justice courts are also publicly accessible under the Public Records Act unless sealed by a court order.

While the traffic records are generally public, certain personal information contained within them is protected. Under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), details such as a driver's name, address, and social security number are restricted and may only be disclosed under specific circumstances, such as for law enforcement purposes or with the individual's consent.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Mississippi?

You may look up traffic ticket information in Mississippi via the website of the court with jurisdiction over the matter. For instance, the Jackson Municipal Court and the Southaven Municipal Court provide online tools for users to search traffic ticket information. Typically, a search may be conducted with a citation number or driver's license information.

You may also use third-party websites to search for traffic ticket information. These platforms, such as PublicRecords.us, collate public records from multiple official sources into a database that may be searched by the public.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

Traffic violation fines in Mississippi may be paid through the following options:

• Online: Many municipal and justice courts in the state provide traffic fine payment services on their websites that may be used to complete payment of fines. Alternatively, if a district court has jurisdiction over the ticket, you may use the Capital Complex Improvement District (CCID) online ticket payment portal to pay your traffic fine.
• Mail: You may mail your payment, typically by check or money order, to the address listed on your citation or court notice. You will need to include your citation number on the check or money order
• In-Person: You may also pay traffic fines at the court clerk's office listed on your traffic ticket. Accepted payment methods usually include cash, credit or debit card, money order, or certified check.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your driving record online through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) license renewal portalfor a fee of $14.31. When completing the request online, you will need your Mississippi driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your full name as it appears on your license, and your date of birth. Payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit cards.

You may also obtain a certified copy of this record by mail or in person at a local driver's license office. To request your driving record by mail, submit a completed and notarized DPPA-2 form and a certified cashier's check or money order of $11 (made payable to the Department of Public Safety) in a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

A Mississippi driving record typically contains three years of information for standard (non-commercial) drivers. The motor vehicle records typically contain information about license history, traffic violations, accidents, DUI and major offense reports, and license actions.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Mississippi?

Moving violations in Mississippi occur when a driver contravenes state traffic laws while in the act of driving. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Reckless or careless driving
• DUI
• Failure to yield

The penalties for moving violations include fines that vary based on the severity of the offense. In addition, penalties may include license suspension, especially for repeated offenses or serious violations like DUI, and mandatory driving courses, which are required for certain violations.

Non-moving violations typically occur when a vehicle is stationary or involves administrative infractions. Examples include:

• Expired registration or license plates
• Illegal parking
• Failure to provide proof of insurance
• Broken or missing vehicle equipment, such as headlights and brake lights
• Seatbelt violations

The penalties for non-moving violations include fines, but they are usually lower than those for moving violations. In cases of expired registration or insurance issues, the vehicle may be impounded. Also, a court appearance may be required for certain violations.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction remains on your driving record for five (5) years from the date of conviction. Mississippi records high drunk-driving-related accidents, which cause the state to enforce strict laws on DUI offenses. Any subsequent DUI offense within five years of a prior DUI conviction is punished with enhanced penalties. The state has a DUI arrest rate of 348 and a DUI road fatality rate of 8.2 incidents per 100,000 drivers.

The following penalties apply for DUI convictions in the state:

• First Offense (Misdemeanor)
• Fines: $250 to $1,000
• Jail Time: Up to 48 hours (may be substituted with attendance at a victim impact panel)
• License Suspension: 90 days to 1 year; eligible for an ignition interlock-restricted license
• Additional Requirements:
• Completion of the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP)
• Proof of insurance (SR-22) for three years. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required to prove that a driver has the minimum required auto insurance coverage.
• Second Offense (Within 5 Years)
• Fines: $600 to $1,500
• Jail Time: 5 days to 1 year
• Community Service: 10 days to 1 year
• License Suspension: Up to 2 years; may be eligible for reinstatement after 1 year with an ignition interlock device
• Additional Penalties:
• Mandatory alcohol/drug assessment and possible treatment
• The vehicle may be seized and forfeited
• Third Offense (Within 5 Years) - Felony
• Fines: $2,000 to $5,000
• Jail Time: 1 to 5 years
• License Suspension: 5 years; eligible for reinstatement after 3 years with an ignition interlock device
• Additional Penalties:
• Mandatory alcohol/drug assessment and possible treatment
• The vehicle may be seized and forfeited
• A felony conviction results in the loss of certain civil rights
• Fourth or Subsequent Offense - Felony
• Fines: Up to $10,000
• Jail Time: 2 to 10 years
• License Suspension: 10 years; eligible for reinstatement with an ignition interlock device
• Additional Penalties:
• Permanent felony record
• The vehicle may be seized and forfeited.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Mississippi?

Mississippi's basic speeding law is codified under Section 63-3-505 of the state code. It requires motorists to reduce their speed when it is unsafe to drive at the absolute speed limit due to weather or road conditions. Where speed limits are not posted on Mississippi roads, state law sets absolute speed limits such as:

• School zones: 15 mph
• Residential and urban areas: 25-30 mph
• Two-lane state highways: 55 mph
• Four-lane highways (non-interstate): 65 mph
• Interstate highways: 70 mph

Note that the state allows municipalities to establish lower absolute speed limits.

Standard speeding violations in Mississippi are generally treated as misdemeanors, and they typically result in fines ranging between $100 and $300. However, if the violation takes place in a school zone or construction area, the fines may be doubled. For example, fines in school zones are often doubled, and speeding in a marked work zone may lead to higher fines, even if no workers are present at the time.

More serious speeding offenses, such as traffic violations that endanger people or property, may be charged as reckless driving. This is considered a criminal offense and may lead to higher fines, license suspension, and in some cases, jail time.

Drivers who commit repeated speeding violations may also face license suspension or revocation, particularly if the Department of Public Safety determines there is a pattern of unsafe driving. Commercial drivers are subject to stricter rules, and all traffic violations are recorded on their driving record.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Mississippi?

A speeding ticket typically remains on your driving record for three years from the date of the offense.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may fight a Mississippi traffic ticket in the following ways:

• Faulty or Inaccurate Speed Measurement: You may challenge the accuracy of the speed detection method used by the officer, such as radar, LIDAR, or pacing. If the equipment was not properly calibrated or the officer was not trained to use it correctly, the ticket may be dismissed.
• Mistaken Identity or Vehicle: This defense applies if the officer misidentified your vehicle due to poor visibility, multiple similar vehicles in the area, or confusion during a traffic stop. You may argue that another vehicle committed the violation.
• Necessity or Emergency: You may assert that you violated the traffic law due to an emergency situation, such as transporting someone to the hospital. Courts sometimes accept this defense if the action was necessary to prevent greater harm.
• Lack of Proper Signage or Notice: If speed limits or traffic control devices such as stop signs were missing, obscured, or not legally posted, you may argue that you did not receive adequate notice of the rule you are accused of breaking.
• Officer Did Not Observe the Violation Clearly: This defense is based on arguing that the officer's line of sight was obstructed or the conditions, such as weather or distance, made it unlikely that the officer could clearly observe the alleged violation.

While these are defenses you may use in court to contest a traffic ticket, you should consider hiring a lawyer to represent you in a traffic case in certain situations. These situations include when the violation could result in license suspension, significant fines, points on your record, or increased insurance premiums. Therefore, consider hiring an experienced traffic attorney when charged with a serious traffic offense, such as reckless driving, DUI, driving with a suspended license, or leaving the scene of an accident.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

In Mississippi, out-of-state traffic tickets are governed by two important interstate agreements: the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC). Together, these agreements ensure that traffic violations committed by Mississippi residents in other states and by out-of-state drivers in Mississippi, carry consequences across state lines.

If you have been issued an out-of-state traffic ticket in by taking the following steps:

• Consult with an Attorney: If the violation is serious or you are unsure of the best course of action, consulting with a traffic attorney experienced in the laws of the issuing state may provide guidance and potentially mitigate consequences.
• Gather Evidence and Prepare Your Defense: Collect any documentation, photos, witness statements, or expert evaluations such as GPS data or speedometer calibration that support your case.
• Attend a Defensive Driving Course: Depending on the state's laws and the nature of the offense, completing a defensive driving course may reduce or dismiss the ticket. Eligibility and requirements differ by state.

How Do Mississippi Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Although many traffic laws are shared by states in the nation, driving in Mississippi comes with its own unique traffic regulations. Some of these laws include the following:

• No Point System: Unlike many states, Mississippi does not use a formal driver's license point system to track violations. Instead, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety may suspend or revoke licenses based on the nature and frequency of traffic offenses, especially for repeat violations or serious infractions like DUI.
• Texting and Phone Use While Driving: Mississippi bans texting while driving, but unlike some states, it does not prohibit all handheld phone use for non-commercial drivers.
• Radar Use Restrictions: Unlike many states, Mississippi limits radar use for speed enforcement. Only the Mississippi Highway Patrol can use radar on state highways outside municipal limits, and cities with fewer than 2,000 residents cannot use radar for speed enforcement.