What is the Speed Limit in Mississippi

Author: Jason Coles

Updated On:

Updated On:

Speed limits are certainly one of, if not the last thing that springs to mind when traveling to such an awesome state as Mississippi. However, the state’s traffic authority sets out clear guidelines that must be followed in order to avoid receiving a traffic ticket, points on your license, subsequent insurance increases, and even jail time!

If you are moving to Mississippi from another state, visiting or relocating from another country, or simply driving through the state or commuting, knowing the correct speed limit in Mississippi is incredibly important knowledge to have and abide by.

Speed limit in Mississippi

Knowing the correct speed limits is not only about avoiding punishment. It is also about driving safely on the roads to prevent accidents with another motorist or passerby. Driving within the speed limit helps reduce the possibility of crashes and promotes efficient use of the road.

Traffic laws, including speed limits and other motor vehicle-related laws, are established by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The state speed limits are defined by two different types of speed limits, basic speeding Mississippi law, and absolute speed limits.

The basic speeding law prohibits driving “at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual hazards then existing”. This quote means that motorists must always drive at a safe speed for the conditions and environment they are driving in.

An example would be that if you were driving on a 70 mph road on a windy, dark, and snowy evening, you would be required to slow down your speed to significantly less than the signed speed limit of 70 mph. This is because the weather and road conditions would be considered dangerous, and if you were caught driving at the signed limit, you may be slapped with a fine.

Speed Limits in Mississippi

The absolute speed limit in Mississippi is the speed limit you see signposted on roadways, literally what you see is what you get. If the weather conditions are good and safe, you may go at the maximum speed limit. Surpassing it will likely cost you fines, and other penalties.

Mississippi does not have the highest maximum speed limit in the U.S., in fact, there are 16 other states that all have a higher maximum speed limit. The maximum speed limit at which you can travel on certain roads in Mississippi is 70 mph.

Here are the different speed limits to look out for in Mississippi:

  • 25 mph is the speed limit in residential areas (always double-check the posted speed limit).
  • The school speed zone speed limit is at least 10 mph less than the posted speed limit in the area. You cannot overtake another car in a school zone or a school bus.
  • 45 mph is the maximum speed limit for trucks and trucks with trailers during inclement weather.
  • 55 mph is the maximum speed limit for undivided roads.
  • 65 mph is the maximum speed limit for divided roads.
  • The urban highway speed limit in Mississippi is 70 mph.
  • Rural highways in Mississippi are 70 mph.
  • What is the highest speed limit in Mississippi? Interstate highways and rural interstates in Mississippi are 70 mph, trucks that drive on an interstate highway must abide by the limit of 70 mph too (Mississippi truck speed limit).

When driving through residential areas and not a state highway, something to be aware of is schools, hospitals, and construction zones as these areas often have temporarily lowered speed limits (at least 10 mph lower than the designated speed limit) and enforce these limits very strictly. You don’t want to receive a hefty fine for not being aware of this.

Speed Limit in Mississippi

Usually, in Mississippi, the cost of a speeding ticket depends on where the violation took place and how much you surpassed the signed speed limit. However, generally speaking, a speeding offense will cost the driver anywhere from $150 to $300 in fines, with offenses committed in school or road work zones being typically higher.

Unlike many other states, Mississippi does not invoke a point system, however, the state does record each speeding violation onto your driving record. It is simple – if you accumulate too many moving violations, the state will suspend your license, and if it carries on, expect to receive even harsher penalties.

When visiting, passing through, or relocating your family to the state of Mississippi, it is understandable to have your mind focused on fun things to do. Although, knowing what is the speed limit in Mississippi is – and adhering to the signed limits – will ensure your time is well spent and minimize the chance of you being fined or getting into an accident.

Speed Limits in the US

Mississippi

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Jason Coles

Jason Coles is the Founder of Foreign USA and its Chief Content Writer and Editor. Recognized as a prolific business plan writer by many prominent immigration attorneys in the U.S. who refer his services to their clients regularly, Jason has written over 1,340 business plans across the past 17+ years for start-up companies and franchises looking to expand their footprint in the United States. Jason is considered a seasoned expert in his field. He creates detailed business plans for his clients that include five-year financial projections, market and industry analysis reports, demographic studies, organizational charts, job descriptions, employee hiring plans, and more.