Mississippi Driver's Handbook 2026

12 What if my license expires while I am out-of-state due to military service? If you are out-of-state due to military service at the time your valid license expires, you may renew the license at any time within ninety days of being discharged from military service or upon returning to the state. You must provide proof of your military service and of your discharge or return to the state by affidavit. A delinquent fee is not required. An examination is not required, unless the Department of Public Safety has reason to believe the licensee is no longer eligible to receive a license. For any licensed driver who qualifies for a LICENSE RENEWAL, the license may be renewed UP TO SIX MONTHS prior to the expiration date. MILITARY PERSONNEL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS Non-resident military personnel and their families are allowed to drive in Mississippi provided they hold a valid driver’s license from another state. Similarly, out-of-state college students are allowed to drive in Mississippi with their out-of-state license. The same policy applies to auto license plates. Military personnel and college students can renew or replace their driver’s license or identification card online. Visit the Department of Public Safety website for more information. NON-CITIZEN LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS If you are a non-citizen, you must meet all requirements for a driver’s license or identification card except for providing a social security card. To obtain a Regular Driver’s License, you must have a Permanent Resident/Green Card status with the Immigration/Homeland Security Department OR valid immigration papers indicating your legally permitted length of stay in the United States. For ORIGINAL licenses or identification cards you must present: original Permanent Resident Card (no photocopies allowed) OR valid immigration papers + passport OR I-94 + passport AND birth certificate (translated by a university) two proofs of residency For RENEWALS, you must present: original Permanent Resident Card (no photocopies allowed) OR valid immigration papers + passport OR I-94 + passport AND driver’s license or identification card For non-citizens, their regular license or identification card will be valid for four years or until your legal status expiration date [if less than four years away]. The standard license fee applies, regardless of how long the license is valid. 13 You must pass the same Computerized Exam required for a Regular Driver’s License to be eligible for a Regular Learner's Permit. If I pass the Computerized Exam and receive my Learner's Permit, do I have to retake the Computerized Exam to apply for my Regular Driver's License? Your Computerized Exam score is valid for two years. If you provide an affidavit whereby a parent, teacher, or guardian has certified that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours and attest to your proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle before two years have passed, you do not have to retake the Computerized Exam. If you wait longer than two years you will have to retake the Computerized Exam. You will also need to submit a School Attendance Affidavit. TYPES OF LICENSES & PERMITS REGULAR LEARNER’S PERMIT You must be at least fifteen years old to apply for a Regular Learner’s Permit. You must hold the Learner’s Permit for one year before you can upgrade to a Regular Driver’s License. [If you turn seventeen before you have held the Learner's Permit for one year, you are eligible to apply for a Regular License.] The Regular Learner’s Permit is valid for two years. It entitles you to drive a motor vehicle when accompanied by a licensed driver aged twenty-one years or older who is physically occupying the seat next to you. 14 A Class D license is required when you are operating a vehicle commercially and the vehicle is under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. You do not need a commercial license to drive a pick-up truck, regardless of what the truck is used for, unless you are transporting hazardous materials in an amount that requires a placard. SCHOOL BUS LICENSE You must be at least twenty-one years old before you are eligible for a license to drive a school bus per the Mississippi Department of Education. RESTRICTIONS If you require some type of aid or special equipment (such as eyeglasses) in order to pass the exam for a license or permit, then your license will be restricted accordingly. To operate a motor-driven cycle, you must obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement to go along with your Driver’s License. To receive the Motorcycle Endorsement, you must complete a computerized test on the operation of a motorcycle and a skills test. You may obtain a Mississippi Motorcycle Operator's Manual from the nearest driver’s license station or online. When applying for a motorcycle endorsement, advise the examiner so that the proper test will be administered. If you hold an out-of-state license which is valid for the operation of motorcycles, the computerized and skills tests may be waived. NOTE: A crash helmet must be worn if operating or riding any motorcycle or motor scooter upon the public roads or highways of this state. The helmet must comply with minimum guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Administration. LICENSE, CLASS D MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT 15 Additionally, whether or not you have been convicted of certain violations will determine eligibility for a Regular Driver’s License. What if I am fifteen and one- half years old when I receive my Learner’s Permit? Do I still have to wait a year before I quality for a Regular Driver’s License? Yes. If you are issued a Learner’s Permit at age fifteen and one- half, you will be eligible for your Regular Driver’s License at age sixteen and one-half. You must always have your Driver’s License in your possession while operating a motor vehicle. REGULAR DRIVER’S LICENSE (CLASS R) You are eligible for a Class R Regular Driver’s License if you provide all required documentation, and: • pass the written examination • pass the vision examination • provide documentation showing completion of Driver's Education (beginning July 1, 2027) • if you are under 17 you must provide an affidavit for Road Test Waiver whereby a parent, teacher, or guardian has certified that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours and attest to your proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle • meet the physical requirements, AND: • You have reached the age of sixteen and have held a Learner’s Permit for one year. OR • You have reached the age of seventeen or older, regardless of previous permits or licenses held. OR • You have held an out-of-state driver’s license for at least six months. What if I am sixteen years old when I begin the application process? If you first apply at age sixteen, you will be issued a Learner’s Permit. When you turn seventeen, you will be eligible for a Regular Driver’s License. What if I am seventeen years old (or older) when I begin the application process? If you first apply at age seventeen or older, you may apply directly for a Regular Driver’s License. You may complete the Computerized Exam on the same day. 16 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS To obtain a license of any type, you must complete an application form furnished by the Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau. The completed application must contain: • your full name, date of birth, home address, and social security number • a physical description and a brief history of your physical and mental condition • information about your driving experience and record PROOF OF RESIDENCY PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION If you are eighteen years old or older and are applying for an original license, you must show • TWO pieces of documentation to prove you live in this state. (If you are under twenty- one years old, you may use documentation for your parent’s residence.) Each proof of residency must contain a physical address. No post office box numbers will be accepted. Acceptable proofs of residency include, but are not limited to, items such as: electric bill, water bill, or bank statement (no blank checks); lease or rent agreement or mortgage papers; notarized letter from employer stating address of applicant and including employer’s telephone number; Mississippi driver’s license of parent or guardian (if applicant under twenty-one years of age). SIGNATURES You must sign your application after completing it. If you make a false statement on the application, your driving privileges may be suspended. If you are under seventeen years old, your application for a permit or license must include the signature of both of your parents (if both are living and both have legal custody of you). If both parents are not living or do not have legal custody of you, your application must include the signature of your legal guardian or your employer. If you do not have a custodial parent, legal guardian, or employer, your application must be signed by a responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligations imposed on them by law. Two proofs of identification are required before a license or permit can be issued: • SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (If you no longer have your social security card, you must obtain a new one.) • CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE (If you currently hold a driver’s license from another state, you must also provide the out-of- state license or a lost license affidavit.) CERTIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE If you are under eighteen years old, you must provide proof of your enrollment in school. Request a Certification of Attendance form from your school. This form must not be over thirty days old. If you are home-schooled, obtain a blank Certification of Attendance from the Department of Public Safety website. Your parents’ signature must be on this form. If you are under eighteen years old and are married, you may show a marriage license instead of a School Certification of Attendance. DRIVER'S EDUCATION Beginning July 1, 2027, you must provide signed documentation showing the completion of a Driver’s Education and Training Program certified the State Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety. Whomever signs your application will be liable for your negligence or willful misconduct and must have their signature NOTARIZED. Any person who signs your application may later file a verified written request that your license or permit be cancelled. 17 THE EXAMINATION Before you can be issued an original Mississippi driver’s license, you must meet three requirements: pass the Vision Exam, pass the Computerized Exam, and provide the Affidavit from a parent, teacher, or guardian certifying that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours and attesting to your proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle. Beginning July 1, 2027, you will also have to provide documentation showing completion of a certified Driver's Education course. The exam is designed to answer the following questions: • Do you know the Mississippi traffic laws and rules of safe driving? • Can you read, understand, and follow signs and signals? • Are you a safe and skillful driver? • Do you understand and have the proper attitude toward the rights of pedestrians and other drivers? • Do you understand how to keep your vehicle in safe condition? • Are you physically and mentally capable of driving safely? The Computerized Exam is based on the information in this manual. It especially focuses on Mississippi traffic laws, safe driving rules, and driver’s license requirements. To prepare for the exam, study this manual carefully. VISION EXAM Your eyes will be checked to make sure you see well enough to drive safely. COMPUTERIZED EXAM If you are under the care of a physician for any reason, a certificate concerning your physical or mental condition may be required before you take your examinations. What if I fail the Vision Exam? If your eye test indicates that you may need glasses, you must have your eyes tested by an eye specialist or optometrist. You will be given a vision form (DE26) to be filled out by your eye specialist or optometrist. What if I am reading impaired? If you are reading impaired, have someone teach you the contents of this manual. The Computerized Exam includes a headset, and the machine will read the questions and answers aloud for you. 18 REMEMBER: Safe driving takes common sense, courtesy, and self-control. Always drive defensively. Always treat pedestrians and other drivers with the same respect you want them to show you. COMMON TERMS computerized exam- a multiple-choice question test you must pass as one of the requirements for a Mississippi driver’s license highway- every roadway or place of travel, including the streets of municipalities intersection- the place where roads come together or cross (crosswalks are counted as part of the intersection) motor vehicle- an automobile, motorcycle, or other kind of vehicle which is run by an engine or motor in the vehicle itself (except vehicles on rails, electric bicycles, golf carts, and low-speed vehicles) non-resident- any person who does not live in Mississippi operator- any person who is driving a motor vehicle on the highway right of way- the privilege of the immediate use of the highway school bus- every vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, or privately owned and operated for compensation, for the transportation of children to and from school stop- complete cessation of movement traffic- pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances, either singularly or together, while using any highway for the purpose of travel 19 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT Your vehicle must be equipped as follows: BRAKES Your vehicle must have a foot brake AND a parking brake. The foot brake must be strong enough to stop the vehicle within thirty feet at a speed of twenty miles per hour. The parking brake must be strong enough to stop the vehicle within fifty-five feet at twenty miles per hour. HORN Your vehicle must have a horn which can be heard two hundred feet away. It is against the law to have any siren or exhaust or spark whistle on a vehicle. Noise making devices are illegal. LIGHTS Your vehicle must have two headlights [one for a motorcycle] and at least one taillight. The lights must meet the following standards: • It is recommended that with your headlights you should be able to see a person five hundred feet ahead under good weather conditions at night. • The taillight on your vehicle must be red and must be visible five hundred feet behind you. In addition to two headlights, your vehicle may have no more than one spotlight and no more than three auxiliary lights. It is against the law for any of these lights to be either red or blue. At no time should you have more than four lights (not including headlights) burning at once. MUFFLER The muffler on your vehicle must be in good working order and must operate constantly to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or a similar device on their vehicle. REARVIEW MIRROR Mississippi law does not require you to have a rearview mirror, but it is recommended for you to have one. (If you drive a truck with a body that blocks your view of the road behind, you are required by law to have a side mirror.) WINDSHIELD WIPERS Windshield wipers must work. TIRES Your tires must be properly inflated, have good tread, and be free of breaks, cuts, and decay. 20 SQUATTED VEHICLE LAW It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle on the streets or highways of Mississippi if, by alteration of the suspension, frame or chassis, the height of the front fender is raised four or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. • The height of the fender shall be a vertical measurement from, and perpendicular to, the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender. • "Fender" means the pressed and formed part mounted over the road wheels of a motor vehicle to reduce the splashing of mud, water or similar substances. • "Squatted vehicles" means vehicles whose front fenders have been raised four or more inches greater than the rear fenders. The described modification makes a vehicle appear as if it is "squatting" on its back tires. 21 SAFETY TIP: Before driving, use a tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure. Your tire pressure should match the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) located in the vehicle owner's manual or the driver's side door jamb of the vehicle. Once a month, or before any long road trip, check your tires for wear and damage problems. To check for appropriate tire tread, use the penny test: 1. Take a penny and hold Abraham Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger. 2. Select a point on your tire where the tread appears to be lowest and place Lincoln's head into one of the grooves. If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you are driving with a safe amount of tread. If the tread is below that, your car's ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced. SAFE DRIVING BASICS Driving is one of the riskiest tasks that you will do during your lifetime. The safety and well-being of many other people will depend on your calm and responsible behavior as a driver. Vision Good vision is important for safe driving.If you cannot see clearly, you will have trouble identifying traffic and roadway conditions, spotting potential trouble, and responding to problems in a timely manner. If you are required to wear corrective lenses: • Always wear them when driving. • Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at night. Fatigue Fatigue is physical or mental tiredness that can be caused by physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness, or lack of sleep. Fatigue can affect your vision and increase the time it takes you to make decisions. Avoid driving if you are tired or fatigued. • Getting adequate sleep—most people need 7 to 9 hours to maintain proper alertness during the day. • Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips. • Arrange for a travel companion. • Check the labels of your medications and be aware if they cause drowsiness. • Do not use alcohol or other drugs when driving.

22 BEFORE YOU DRIVE To prepare to drive, you should: • Make certain you have your driver’s license. State law requires drivers to present a driver’s license upon request. • Adjust your seat to a comfortable position so that you can reach the wheel and pedals easily. • Fasten your seat belt. • Adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see the roadway behind. • Adjust your sideview mirrors as well. While You Drive Two Hands on the Wheel Both hands should be placed on the outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides, at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, to maintain control of the vehicle. Placing your hands at 2 and 10 o’clock positions is no longer recommended because it can be dangerous in a vehicle equipped with airbags. Your grip on the steering wheel should be firm but gentle. Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands and keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of the steering wheel. Pay careful attention to the following: • Children: They may act without thinking, especially when playing with or chasing a ball. Slow down and proceed with caution around schools, playgrounds, residential areas, and other areas where children may be walking, bicycling, or playing. • Bicyclists: Do not assume any cyclist has training in bicycle safety. • Cars parked on the side of the street: The door might open and obstruct your lane. • Signals that other vehicle(s) may be pulling out into the flow of traffic. • Sudden turns and stops by other drivers. • Reckless drivers: Get out of their way if possible. While Driving Long Distances • Take a break every one hundred miles. • Do not follow the same vehicle or group of vehicles for long periods. You may become too relaxed and lose your concentration. • Keep your eyes moving to avoid going to sleep at the wheel. • Keep the interior of your car as cool as possible. 23 Do not use cell phones for phone calls or texting while driving. AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can cause crashes resulting in injury, death, or property damage. Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel presents obvious driving risks. Mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous. Cellphone Use Drivers distracted by cellphones cause thousands of accidents each year. If you must make a phone call while driving. A hands-free device is recommended. Texting on your cellphone while driving is not allowed. Writing, sending or reading text messages is not allowed. Reading or posting to a social networking site using a hand-held mobile telephone is not allowed. • Hand-held mobile telephone- a mobile telephone or other portable electronic communication device with which a user engages in a call or writes, sends, or reads a text message using at least one hand. The term "hand-held mobile telephone" shall not include a voice-operated or hands-free device. • Motor vehicle- a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public highways. • Social networking sites- any web-based service that allows individuals to construct a profile within a founded system, articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and communicate with other users of the site. • Text messages- include a text-based message, instant message, electronic message, and email, but shall not include an emergency, traffic, or weather alert or a message related to the operation or navigation of the motor vehicle. • Voice operated or hands-free device- a device that allows the user to write, send, or read a text message without the use of either hand except to activate, deactivate, or initiate a feature or function. • Writing, sending, and reading- the manual entry, sending, or retrieval of a text message, respectively, to communicate with any person or device. 24 REMEMBER: You are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner. Emotional Distractions: If you are preoccupied with personal problems, you may become too distracted to handle your vehicle safely. Domestic quarrels, financial concerns, or illnesses can cause distractions which make accidents more likely. If you have just had an argument or are worried, ill, angry, frightened, or grief-stricken, let someone else drive. • Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. • Avoid eating while driving. • Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up. • Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel. • Avoid using Headphones and Loud Music. Never wear stereo headphones while you drive, and never play your car stereo or radio loudly while driving. You may be unable to hear warning signals such as whistles and sirens. Visual Obstructions & Other Distractions: • Your windshield must be free of any signs or unofficial stickers. • Vehicles may not have signs, posters, stickers, or glass material that cause a mirrored effect on the windows. • Avoid hanging decorative items from your rearview mirror. • Keep the front seat clear of objects that can fall during sudden movement. 25 PAVEMENT MARKINGS The pavement on all main highways is marked to help you drive safely. These markings include center lines, lane lines, and directional arrows. Their placement depends upon the type of highway and the traffic conditions. You must observe and comply with these markings. LANE LINES, CENTER LINES, & BARRIER LINES A broken yellow line separates traffic lanes that move in the opposite directions. Crossing into the oncoming lane is permissible ONLY for passing and only when it is safe to pass. A broken white line means travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line. A vehicle may cross the line to change lanes when it is safe to do so. A broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line separates traffic lanes that move in opposite directions. If the broken line is closest to your lane, you may pass with caution. If the solid line is closest to your lane, passing is forbidden. A double, solid yellow line separates travel lanes moving in opposite directions. Passing from either side of a double yellow line is PROHIBITED. A double, solid white line means travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line. Crossing a double white line is PROHIBITED. A single, solid white line means travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line. Crossing a single white line is discouraged. 26 DIRECTIONAL ARROWS Pavement arrows mark the direction of traffic movement. When you approach intersections marked by directional arrows, look for the arrow that marks the lane you want to follow. If you get in the wrong lane, keep going in that lane until it is safe to turn off and get back on the correct street or highway. An arrow pointing to the left means you MUST turn left if you travel in this lane. ONLY ONLY ONLY A straight arrow means you MUST continue straight if you travel in this lane. An arrow pointing to the right means you MUST turn right if you travel in this lane. A two-headed arrow that points both straight AND to the left means that you may continue straight OR turn to the left if you travel in this lane. A two-headed arrow that points both straight AND to the right means that you may continue straight OR turn to the right if you travel in this The center lane above is painted to indicate TURN LANE ONLY. A vehicle may use this lane ONLY in preparation to turn left or right across the opposite lanes. The turn lane is NEVER used for passing. CROSSWALKS Painted crosswalks are placed at intersections and at other locations where there is regular pedestrian traffic. Approach crosswalks with care. Never stop your car on any part of a crosswalk. Pedestrians using crosswalks should check in both directions before crossing the street. However, drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—even if the crosswalk is not marked. 27 TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS You must be able to recognize and obey traffic signs and signals. The U.S. is currently converting to an international style, which uses pictures and symbols rather than words. This change will be gradual: New designs will be accompanied by word messages until the public is familiar with them. STANDARD SHAPES AND COLORS Signs have eight standard shapes and eight standard colors. Each one has a specific meaning. RED: Stop. If you see red on a traffic device, STOP. GREEN: Directional guidance and permitted movement. OCTAGON: Exclusively for STOP signs. HORIZONTAL RECTANGLE: Usually for guide signs. YELLOW: General warning. EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE: Exclusively for YIELD signs. BLUE: Motorist services guidance. PENNANT: Warning of NO PASSING ZONE ahead. BLACK: Regulation. DIAMOND: Exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazard on or adjacent to roadway. WHITE: Regulation. VERTICAL RECTANGLE: Usually used for regulatory signs (such as speed limits). ORANGE: Construction or maintenance warning. PENTAGON: School crossing signs and warning of school zones ahead. BROWN: Public recreation and scenic guidance. ROUND: Warning of railroad crossing ahead. 28 REGULATORY SIGNS The STOP sign is the only sign with eight sides. It requires you to come to a COMPLETE STOP before entering an intersection. After stopping, you MUST yield to any traffic close enough to be a hazard. The DO NOT ENTER sign might include the words “do not enter,” or it might only include the white bar across the red circle background. Either way, it means you may not enter this lane of travel. The WRONG WAY sign tells you that you are traveling in the opposite direction from the other cars in your lane. You are in danger of causing a head- on collision. You must leave the roadway and turn around as soon as possible. This sign means no LEFT turns are allowed at this intersection. This sign means no RIGHT turns are allowed at this intersection. This sign means YOU MAY NOT TURN AROUND in an intersection, in the center of a street, or in a high- way median. This sign means NO TRUCKS are allowed on this street or highway. Usually, if a traffic signal is red, you may turn right AFTER you stop completely and make sure the way is clear. However, signs like these mean RIGHT TURNS ARE NEVER ALLOWED while the traffic signal is red. You must wait for the green light to turn right. The YIELD right-of- way sign is an equilateral triangle. It means you MUST let other vehicles on the roadway have the right-of-way. 29 REGULATORY SIGNS This sign means This sign means KEEP LEFT. KEEP RIGHT. This sign means you MUST TURN LEFT. This sign means you MUST TURN RIGHT. This sign means you may ONLY TRAVEL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ARROW. This sign designates HANDICAPPED PARKING ONLY. Parking is only allowed for vehicles with an official indicator such as a handicap license tag or temporary hangtag. For information on obtaining a handicap tag, contact your County Tax Collector's Office. This sign indicates the MAXIUM SPEED ALLOWED under ideal driving conditions. This sign means you may ONLY use the center lane TO MAKE TURNS. The center lane is not available for normal travel or passing. This sign means that crossing into another lane to pass a vehicle is PROHIBITED. 30 WARNING SIGNS TRAFFIC SIGNAL ahead. INTERSECTION / CROSSROADS ahead. RIGHT LANE ENDS. Merge to left. STOP ahead. “T” INTERSECTION ahead. LEFT LANE ENDS. Merge to right. YIELD ahead. SIDE ROAD ahead (on right). ACCESS LANE/RAMP MERGES INTO ROAD- WAY (from right). RAILROAD COSSING ahead. SIDE ROAD enters from angle ahead. NEW LANE ENTERS ROADWAY. (No merging necessary.) TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. DIVIDED HIGHWAY ahead. DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS; TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ahead. TRAFFIC CIRCLE / ROUNDABOUT ahead. 31 WARNING SIGNS SHARP TURN (left) ahead. CURVE (left) ahead. WINDING ROAD ahead. The road is SLIPPERY WHEN WET. SCHOOL CROSSING: This sign warns that children must cross the street on their way to and from school. The sign is sometimes located several blocks from the school. SCHOOL ZONE: Fifteen miles per hour when passing a school during recess or while children are arriving at or leaving school during opening/closing hours. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. Remember that pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, whether the crosswalk is marked or not. If traveling in a lane marked with this sign you MUST CONTINUE ONTO THE EXIT. This sign often accompanies a STOP sign at an intersection. It tells you that although you must stop for your stop sign, this is NOT a four-way stop. Other traffic lanes have the right of way and will not stop.

32 GUIDE SIGNS ROUTE MARKERS Interstate Route (Interstate Highway) United States Route (US Highway) State Route (State Highway) Auxiliary Markers DESTINATION, DIRECTION, and DISTANCE MARKERS These signs indicate travel distance to towns and cities. For example, from the sign on the right, Hattiesburg is 3 miles ahead while Jackson is 93 miles ahead. This sign indicates a place where you may exit an interstate highway. You would use this lane to access US Highway 59 North, toward Hattiesburg. You would use one of these lanes to access Interstate 55 North toward Jackson. 33 Give construction workers a “brake.” Reduce your speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly. Do not tailgate in work zones. WORK ZONE SIGNS These are generally diamond or rectangular shaped or orange with black letters or symbols. These construction, maintenance, or emergency operation signs alert you to work zones ahead and warn you that people are working on or near the roadway. These warnings include workers ahead, reduced speed, detours, slow-moving construction equipment, and poor or suddenly changing surfaces. FLAGGER AHEAD WORKERS AHEAD ROAD CONSTRUCTION AHEAD ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD DETOUR In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag to tell you which direction to travel or to slow down to stop. You must follow their instructions. Barriers, such as drums, cones, and tubes (panels), are used to keep traffic out of hazardous work zones. Along with signs and road markings, barriers guide you safely through the work zone. Barriers may be used to keep drivers from entering closed roads or other areas where it is dangerous to drive. Temporary traffic signals may be used in work zones. You may see a warning sign showing a symbol of a traffic signal. Stop at the white line, if present. BARREL CONE TUBE BARRIER ROAD CLOSED 34 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES This emblem identifies SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES (vehicles that travel twenty-five miles per hour or less). Watch carefully for these vehicles both day and night Be alert for slow moving vehicles, especially in rural areas. A fluorescent or reflective orange and red triangle displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, farm equipment, or construction equipment means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. Use caution when approaching a slow-moving vehicle and be sure it is safe before you pass. Farm machinery—Watch for tractors, combines, and other farm equipment moving across the road and traveling on state highways in rural areas. Pass with caution and remember that the operator of the farm machinery may not hear approaching vehicles. Animal-drawn vehicles and horseback riders—In some rural areas, you may be sharing the road with animal drawn vehicles and horseback riders. They have the same rights to use the road as a motor vehicle and must follow the same rules of the road.They are subject to heavy damage and injury to the occupants if hit by a vehicle. Pass with caution. Do not use your horn or “rev” the engine because this may scare the horse and cause a crash.To avoid other possible crashes, you should anticipate left turns made by animal- drawn vehicles into fields and driveways.Warning signs will be posted in areas where you are likely to find animal-drawn vehicles and horseback riders. Be alert. 35 RAILROAD CROSSINGS Always be especially alert at railroad crossings. The approaches to public railroad crossings are usually marked with warning signs and pavement markings. The crossings themselves are marked with one or more of the following. Pavement markings warn and direct drivers and regulate traffic. In front of railroad crossings, the pavement is marked with a large X and two R’s. A solid yellow line is used to prevent passing in advance of the crossing, and a white line is painted on each side of the track. This round yellow sign, with a black “cross buck” and two R’s, means a railroad crossing is ahead. In rural areas, this sign is normally posted 500 to 900 feet in front of the tracks. It tells you to look, listen, and slow down because you may have to stop. This white “cross buck” sign is posted at most railroad crossings. If there is more than one track, the number of tracks is shown on a sign below the cross buck. Flashing light signals are used with the “cross buck” sign at many railroad crossings. ALWAYS STOP when the lights begin to flash. The lights mean a train is coming. Remain STOPPED until the lights stop flashing. Then you can proceed safely. Gates are used with flashing light signals at some crossings. ALWAYS STOP when the lights begin to flash before the gates lower across your side of the tracks. Remain STOPPED until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. Regardless of signage and whether lights are flashing, the following MUST STOP at ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS: a SCHOOL BUS carrying even one child, a VEHICLE FOR HIRE carrying passengers, or a vehicle carrying EXPLOSIVES OR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. These vehicles MUST STOP within fifty to ten feet of the outer rail of any crossing. After coming to a complete stop, the driver must check both directions for any approaching train before proceeding. 36 IF YOU ARE STUCK ON THE TRACKS, GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE! If your vehicle is physically on the train tracks at a grade crossing and the lights begin to flash, you may only have 20 seconds to escape before the train makes it to your location. Twenty seconds is the minimal amount of time that it takes a train to reach the grade crossing once the warning lights activate. If this happens to you, remember the word “GO,” as in GET OUT of your vehicle! Once outside, run in a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction that the train is coming, then immediately dial 911. If you are stuck on the tracks, and there are NO WARNING LIGHTS, or the warning lights HAVE NOT ACTIVATED, GET OUT of your vehicle and immediately dial 911 and the ENS (Emergency Notification System) number located on the blue sign described above. Provide the location, crossing number (if posted), and the road or highway that intersects the tracks. Be sure to specify that a vehicle is on the tracks! REMEMBER! ALL drivers must ALWAYS STOP WITHIN fifty to ten feet of the outer rail of any railroad crossing when you see ANY of the following: • a lowered crossing gate, a flashing electric signal, a posted STOP sign, • a flag person giving you a signal, or • a rapidly approaching train. You MUST stop even if you do not see a train. You must remain stopped until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer flash. It is against the law to drive around any lowered gates at a crossing. Use common sense at any railroad crossing. Watch for vehicles that must stop whether or not a train is coming. Do not shift gears as you drive across tracks. Always check carefully for a second train following close behind the first. STAY ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND NEVER TRY TO “BEAT” A TRAIN. If a traffic officer directs you to proceed over a railroad crossing, follow the order immediately. IF A VEHICLE BECOMES STRANDED ON A RAILROAD TRACK, OR IF YOU NOTICE A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON OR NEAR A RAILROAD CROSSING, look for the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign situated at every highway-rail grade crossing. The sign is located on the black and white cross buck or on the metal box near the crossing. The toll-free number is answered by railroad dispatchers who can attempt to stop all train traffic at the crossing during an emergency. The sign also includes an identification number for your exact location. By following the information on the sign, you can report unsafe conditions such as: 1. malfunctions of warning signals, crossing gates, and other safety devices at the crossings 2. disabled cars, trucks, or other vehicles blocking the railroad tracks at the crossings 3. the presence of trespassers on the tracks or along the right of way at the crossing 4. any other information relating to an unsafe condition at the crossing. 37 TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS A SOLID RED LIGHT means you must make a complete stop and remain stopped until the light turns green. EXCEPTION: You may turn right while the light is red. But first, you must STOP COMPLETELY and yield to other traffic and pedestrians. You may NOT turn on red if a sign prohibits you. Before turning right on red you MUST first stop completely: Only yielding before turning is not enough and is illegal. A SOLID YELLOW LIGHT means the light will soon turn red. Slow down and prepare to stop. If a green light turns yellow as you are approaching, slow down and prepare to stop. A SOLID GREEN LIGHT means you may go if it is safe to do so. You must yield to any pedestrians and to any traffic already in the intersection. EXCEPTION: If you are turning left, the solid green light means you must YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. A GREEN ARROW means you may turn in the direction of the arrow if you are in the proper lane. Oncoming traffic will have a red light when your turn arrow is green, giving you a protected turn. A YELLOW FLASHING ARROW means you may turn in the direction of the arrow if you are in the proper lane. You must YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. Oncoming traffic will have a green light when your turn arrow is flashing, so you do NOT have a protected turn. A YELLOW SOLID ARROW is the same as a SOLID YELLOW LIGHT. It indicates that the light is about to change to red. Slow down and prepare to stop. REMEMBER: ANY TIME you travel through an intersection, you must YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS. You must also YIELD TO ANY TRAFFIC ALREADY IN THE INTERSECTION. 38 Some TRAFFIC SIGNALS direct a traffic lane (or two side-by-side lanes) from which you may travel straight OR turn left. All guidelines for yielding to traffic and pedestrians still apply. RED LIGHT: You must stop. You may NOT turn left, and you may NOT continue straight. GREEN ARROW: You may turn left from turn lane. + RED LIGHT: You may NOT continue straight through the intersection. You must stop and wait. GREEN ARROW: You may turn left from turn lane. + GREEN LIGHT: You may continue straight through the intersection. YELLOW ARROW: Use caution. The signal is transitioning from a green arrow (protected turn) to an unprotected turn or to a red light. GREEN LIGHT: You may travel straight. You may turn left only if the way is clear. This is an unprotected turn, and you must YIELD to oncoming traffic. YELLOW LIGHT: Use caution. The signal is transitioning from green to red. Slow down and prepare to stop. REMEMBER: For left turns, the yellow flashing arrow and the solid green light mean the same thing: YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. 39 A FLASHING RED LIGHT means you must STOP completely and proceed with caution, yielding to the right-of- way at intersections. A FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT means you must SLOW DOWN and exercise caution. Sometimes you will encounter a traffic light that is malfunctioning. If you approach a malfunctioning traffic light with FLASHING YELLOW LIGHTS, you should SLOW DOWN and exercise caution before crossing the intersection. If you approach a malfunctioning traffic light with a NO FUNCTIONING LIGHTS, you must STOP completely and proceed with caution, following rules or yielding right of way at intersections. REMEMBER: ANY TIME you travel through an intersection, you must YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS. You must also YIELD TO ANY TRAFFIC ALREADY IN THE INTERSECTION. 40 LANE DIRECTION CONTROL Some traffic lanes are marked by signals that indicate which lanes are available for use. For example, in the image below, the far-right lane is CLOSED. The far left and middle lanes are OPEN. When signals like these are in use, you may travel ONLY in a lane marked by a green light. NEVER travel in a lane marked with a red light. TRAFFIC OFFICERS Traffic signs and signals help control the movement of traffic and prevent accidents. You should always follow them UNLESS an officer is directing traffic. If officers are directing traffic, you MUST follow their directions. An officer will usually signal you to stop by holding up one hand, palm toward you, and then giving a long blast on the whistle. The officer will usually signal you to start or to continue by motioning with one hand and giving a series of short blasts on the whistle. At night an officer may signal with a flashlight. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING These signs mean pedestrians may leave the curb and cross the street. These signs mean pedestrians may NOT leave the curb. If the sign is flashing, pedestrians MUST NOT LEAVE THE CURB. Pedestrians should continue crossing if they began to cross the intersection before the sign changed to flashing. Pedestrians using crosswalks should check both ways before crossing the street. 41 The maximum speed for any vehicle in a SCHOOL ZONE is 15 mph. The maximum speed for a SCHOOL BUS while transporting children to and from school on regular routes is 45 mph. The maximum speed for a SCHOOL BUS while on the interstate is 65 mph. Speed makes accidents, especially fatal accidents, more likely. If you hit a stone wall at 40 mph, the impact is the same as if you drove off a four-story building. LEGAL SPEEDS The speed limits below usually apply. However, speed limits may change for a variety of reasons. Always monitor the posted speed limit signs and glance frequently at your speedometer. You should always know how fast you are traveling. Use common sense when driving. Adjust your speed based on the situation and conditions. Reduce speed on curves, when approaching intersections, when on a narrow or twisting road, or when traffic is congested. If the weather or visibility is poor, slow down accordingly. Posted speed limits are intended for ideal conditions. SPEED LIMITS FOR PASSENGER AUTOMOBILES (including 1/2-ton trucks, unloaded) ROADWAY TYPE MAXIMUM SPEED MINIMUM SPEED Interstates 70 mph 40 mph Four-lane Highways (State & U.S.) 65 mph 40 mph Two-lane Highways (State & U.S.) 55 mph Natchez Trace Parkway 50 mph RULES OF THE ROAD & SAFE DRIVING

42 SIGNAL LIGHTS Use your vehicle’s signal lights (“blinkers”) to alert other drivers each time you intend to turn, change lanes, pass, or enter or exit a parallel parking space. The best way to notify other drivers that you intend to turn or pass is to use your signal lights well in advance. If the vehicle ahead of you signals for a turn, activate your signal ONLY IF YOU ALSO INTEND TO TURN. Do not signal to warn others that the vehicle in front of you is turning. Do not use your left signal to let a vehicle behind you know it is safe to pass. The driver behind you is responsible for determining whether it is safe to pass. ARM SIGNALS Arm Signals are used by bicyclists, motorists whose signal lights are malfunctioning, and drivers of some antique vehicles and farm equipment. If you are using arm signals, be sure to extend your arm fully and signal continuously for at least one hundred feet before you slow down, turn, stop, or change lanes. LEFT TURN: Extend your arm and hand straight out. This signal is also used when changing from the right lane to the left lane or when starting from a parallel parking position. RIGHT TURN: Extend your arm and hand upward, with your arm bent at the elbow. This signal is also used when changing from the left lane to the right lane or when preparing to enter a parallel parking space. SLOW DOWN OR STOP: Extend your arm and hand downward, with your palm facing the rear. 43 FOLLOWING Following too closely to another vehicle is dangerous and the main cause of rear-end collisions. @ 10 MPH leave at least ONE car length @ 20 MPH leave at least TWO car lengths @ 30 MPH leave at least THREE car lengths @ 40 MPH leave at least FOUR car lengths @ 50 MPH leave at least FIVE car lengths When you are following another vehicle, allow at least one car length between you for every ten miles per hour of speed. This will help give you room to slow down or stop if the vehicle in front of you changes speeds suddenly. It is also important to maintain distance so that you can see around the vehicle ahead of you. When you follow a large truck or bus, allow yourself even more room. If you are taking part in a motorcade, such as a funeral procession, allow enough space between you and the next car so that other vehicles may safely pull into those spaces. Be careful not to follow too closely. Measure your speed against the other vehicles so that everyone is moving along smoothly. 44 Thinking & reaction distance (perception) BRAKING The chart below shows the shortest total stopping distances under ideal conditions. If the weather is bad, the road is slick, or if you are tired or intoxicated, then the distances will be drastically different. The yellow segments show the distance required for thinking prior to activation of brakes. The red segments show distance from the application of brakes to stop. Application of brakes The total distance required for stopping is indicated across the top of each entry. Total distance required to stop The braking distances shown here assume ideal conditions: good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement. 45 Which lane should I drive in? If you drive on a street or highway with more than one lane for your direction, drive in the extreme RIGHT lane except to pass or turn left. (If there is no designated turn lane, use the lane next to the center for turning left.) On a two-way highway, which pavement markings mean I can cross the center line to pass another vehicle? You may never cross a double yellow line to pass a vehicle. If there is a single, broken, yellow line, you may cross that line for passing (if the oncoming lane is clear and it is safe to pass). If you are on a highway divided by BOTH one solid yellow line AND one broken yellow line, you may cross the lines for passing ONLY if the broken yellow line is closest to your travel lane (and if the oncoming lane is clear, and it is safe to pass). You are in a traffic lane whenever you are driving on any street or highway. These lanes may or may not be marked, but they exist just the same. A street or highway’s number of lanes corresponds to the number of cars (or lines of cars) that could travel on it side-by-side. One-lane street or highway = room for one car Two-lane street or highway = room for two cars Three-lane street or highway = room for three cars Four-lane street or highway = room for four cars If lanes travel in opposite directions, they will be separated by pavement markings (lines), barricades, or medians. The image on the top right shows a four-lane highway divided by double yellow lines. Green arrows indicate the direction of travel and are not pavement markings. Some travel lanes have adjacent parking lanes. For example, the image on the right shows a two-lane street with a parking lane on one side. NEVER CROSS a double yellow line (not even to pass a slow-moving car). You will be driving into oncoming traffic. Always drive in a single lane. Never change lanes unless the movement can be made safely. On a four- lane highway, drive in the right lane except when passing or preparing to turn left. TRAFFIC LANES 46 Use this lane for Use this lane for overtaking, passing, or when preparing to turn left. Use this lane for overtaking, passing, or when preparing to turn left. Use the center turn lane when preparing to turn left. Use this lane for travel. Use this lane for travel. Use the center turn lane when preparing to turn left. LANE USE: FOUR LANES OR MORE Use this lane for travel. Use this lane for travel. Use this lane for overtaking, passing, or preparing to turn left. Use this lane for overtaking, passing, or preparing to turn left. TUR N LANE ONLY LANE USE: TWO LANES PLUS CENTER TURN LANE 47 PASSING OTHER VEHICLES PASSING ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY: Passing is allowed in some areas of two-lane highways. Pay close attention to the center line markings: SOLID DOUBLE YELLOW LINE NO PASSING from either direction. SOLID YELLOW LINE + BROKEN YELLOW LINE Vehicle traveling alongside the BROKEN yellow line MAY cross the lines to pass. Vehicle traveling alongside the SOLID yellow line MAY NOT CROSS the lines to pass. See the diagrams on the previous page for examples. PASSING ON A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE: It is never legal to move across the center line of a four-lane highway to pass another vehicle. However, on interstates and four-lane highways, passing is allowed from both the left and right lanes (traveling in the same direction when lanes are divided by a BROKEN WHITE LINE). PASSING ON THE LEFT: When you decide to pass another vehicle on the left, be sure that the lane ahead is clear before you move. Do not tailgate a vehicle that you intend to pass. Drop back far enough so that you can see around it before you try to change lanes. Watch for safe clearance both ahead and behind. Signal your intentions before you move into the left lane. Check carefully and move cautiously but quickly into the left lane. Do not pull back into the right lane until you are well past the other vehicle. Before moving back into the right lane, make sure that you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. PASSING ON THE RIGHT: You may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right in the following situations: • When the vehicle you are passing is making or is about to make a left turn. • On an interstate with multiple lanes traveling in your direction. • On a four-lane highway of adequate width where there are no obstructions or parked cars. • On any one-way highway of adequate width. If you do pass on the right, do so only when conditions permit you to do so safely. Under no circumstances are you allowed to drive off the pavement or on the shoulder to pass. OTHER SAFE PASSING GUIDELINES: Do not pass on hills, curves, or within one hundred feet of bridges, viaducts, overpasses, railroad crossings, crosswalks, intersections, or any place where your view is obstructed in any way. When being passed on a two–lane or three-lane highway, keep to the right. Do not increase your speed until the other car has completely passed you. 48 This car may cross center lines to pass. (The oncoming lane must be clear.) DOUBLE YELLOW LINE means NO CARS MAY PASS in this area (from either direction). PASSING ON THE LEFT: TWO-LANE HIGHWAY This car MUST NOT PASS (because it is in the travel lane closest to the solid line). This car MUST NOT PASS (because the car is traveling in the lane closest to the solid line). This car may cross center lines to pass. (The oncoming lane must be clear.) 49 At times you will have to turn your car into a confined space. To do so safely, follow this procedure: 1. Start from the extreme right side of the road, give the correct signal, and turn the steering wheel sharply to the left while inching forward. 2. When you have turned the wheels completely to the left, drive slowly forward to within a few inches of the left curb or edge of the road. 3. Then turn sharply to the right while inching backward. When you have turned the wheels completely to the right, back slowly to within a few inches of the curb. 4. Turn your wheels to the left and pull forward. Repeat these steps as needed until you have completed the turn. TURNING AROUND 3 1 4 2 50 When approaching an intersection and traffic is blocked ahead of you, you should stop before reaching the crosswalk and wait for traffic to move. The diagrams on the following pages show the correct methods for making safe turns. Study them carefully. More accidents occur at intersections than anywhere else. Often there is a failure of communication among drivers, or someone takes an unnecessary chance when turning. To make a safe turn, follow these guidelines: 1. Know where you want to turn. If you are not sure, drive slowly and read the street signs or road markers. Avoid last minute turns. 2. Signal what you intend to do. Give pedestrians and other drivers advance notice of your intentions. 3. Get into the correct lane as soon as possible. 4. Look around you in all directions before you change lanes or turn. Do not assume that other drivers will see you. 5. Slow down well before you reach the crosswalk of the intersection. Keep the wheels of your vehicle straight until the turn has started. Complete the turn at a consistent speed. Do not push down on the brake or clutch while you are turning. Do not shift gears while entering the intersection. 6. Stay in your lane throughout the turn. Finish the turn in the proper lane. TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS 51 STEP 5: When it is safe, return to the right lane. DO NOT CUT CORNER. STEP 4: Obey any traffic signal or sign. When travel is permitted, look both ways before entering intersection. Then enter just to the right of center. STEP 3: Keep close to the center line and keep your wheels straight while waiting to turn. STEP 2: At least one hundred feet from the intersection, turn on your left signal and slow down. STEP 1: Well ahead of turn, check for traffic and move safely into the left lane. Use your signal to indicate you are changing lanes. DO NOT SWING INTO RIGHT LANE. X X HOW TO MAKE A LEFT TURN

52 STEP 5: Continue in the right lane. STEP 4: Obey any traffic signal or sign. When travel is permitted, look both ways before entering intersection. Then enter, keeping as close as possible to the right. STEP 1: If you are not already in the right lane, move into the right lane well ahead of the turn. Check for traffic, use your signal, and move safely. STEP 3: Keep close to the right side of the lane and keep your wheels Straight while waiting to turn. STEP 2: At least one hundred feet from the intersection, turn on your right signal and slow down DO NOT SWING INTO LEFT LANE. HOW TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN X 53 ONLY Some roadways allow vehicles in multiple lanes to turn at the same time. Similarly, some lanes permit drivers to either continue straight or to make a turn. The diagrams on this page show intersections with side-by-side turn lanes AND with lanes that permit turning OR continuing straight. Always follow directional arrows. If you choose to turn, be certain to stay in your lane. ONLY MULTIPLE TURN LANES & LANE OPTIONS 54 Be careful not to turn the wrong way onto a one-way street. When two drivers approach an intersection and both drivers want to turn left, each driver should turn to the left of the other. Leave from the left lane and enter into the left lane. A good rule to remember when traveling on a one-way street is to always turn from the lane nearest the curb. (Pavement markings or signage may permit turning from additional lanes.) The diagram on the left shows two intersecting one-way streets. At this intersection, turning right is permitted from one street, but not from the other. Conversely, turning left is permitted from one street, but not from the other. These restrictions keep drivers from traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY TURNING LEFT OF CENTER ONE-WAY STREETS 55 The most dangerous place on a highway is an intersection. Follow these guidelines as you approach and cross intersections: • Always approach any cross street or road with extreme caution. • If you cannot see the entire intersection as you approach, slow down and proceed cautiously. Be sure to look in both directions as you cross. • If traffic is blocked when you approach an intersection, stop before you reach the crosswalk and wait for traffic to move. • Slow down as you approach the intersection (and stop if required). Gradually increase your speed as you clear the intersection. • As you cross, drive defensively. Do not assume that pedestrians or other drivers understand your intentions. INTERSECTIONS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY RIGHT OF WAY "Right of way" is the privilege of immediate use of the highway. The person who has right of way may move ahead (whether in an automobile, on a bicycle, or traveling as a pedestrian). The person who does not have right of way must yield and wait. Several important rules determine who has right of way and who shall yield and wait at intersections or other places where two or more drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians meet. The first rule is to always use your common sense. Your right of way is important but is not worth an accident. In any right of way situation, be patient and use caution. Determine your right of way before you enter an intersection. If another driver yields to you, proceed immediately. If not, slow (or stop) your vehicle and let them proceed. In crosswalks, PEDESTRIANS ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY, whether the crosswalk is marked or not. Vehicles already inside an intersection also have right of way. You must yield to BICYCLES exactly as you would to any other vehicle. 56 The vehicle signaling to turn across the traffic lane must yield and wait. The vehicle intending to travel straight through has the right of way. FOUR-WAY STOP At a four-way stop, right of way is determined by which vehicle arrives first, and by where the vehicle is located relative to the others. The first vehicle to arrive has right- of-way. If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has right of way. Do not slam on your brakes to “stop first.” Yield to the driver on right. TWO-WAY STOP At a two-way stop, the cross-traffic with no stop signs has the right of way. Vehicles arriving at stop signs must wait until the way is clear before proceeding. When the way is clear, the first vehicle to arrive at a stop sign has the right-of- way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle intending to travel straight across has right of way. The vehicle intending to turn across the traffic lane must yield and wait. The vehicle on the right has the right of way. If you approach an intersection with a stop sign or signal, you MUST bring your vehicle to a COMPLETE STOP at the crosswalk. You MUST YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY TO ANY VEHICLE OR PEDESTRIAN IN THE INTERSECTION. You may carefully proceed if your way is completely clear. 57 DRIVEWAYS & UNMARKED ENTRANCES When entering a street or highway from a driveway or other entrance point, you must stop and yield to oncoming traffic, even if no stop sign is present. UNMARKED INTERSECTION If you encounter a highway intersection with no traffic signs or signals, yield to approaching traffic, then proceed only when it is safe. ROUNDABOUTS A roundabout or traffic circle is a circular intersection with design features that promote safe and efficient traffic flow. Vehicles travel counterclockwise around a raised center island, with entering traffic yielding the right of way to circulating traffic. When using roundabouts or traffic circles: • Slow down to enter the roundabout or traffic circle. • Yield to the traffic in the roundabout or circle. • Enter the roundabout or traffic circle in a counterclockwise direction. • Proceed to the appropriate exit, signal intent, and exit. YIELD TO ONCOMING CAR(S) ALREADY IN THE CIRCLE. This sign warns of a roundabout or traffic circle. MERGE CAREFULLY IF THE WAY IS CLEAR 58 SCHOOL BUS SCHOOL BUS Be especially careful when sharing the road with school buses. Each time you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing and/or with its stop sign extended, Mississippi law states that YOU MUST: COME TO A COMPLETE STOP at least ten feet away from the bus. REMAIN STOPPED until the children have crossed the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, and its stop sign is retracted. You must stop for the school bus regardless of your direction of travel. One exception to the procedures above is for drivers traveling on a DIVIDED HIGHWAY. If you are traveling on a highway with FOUR or more lanes, with at least TWO lanes of travel in opposite directions, then: If you are traveling in the SAME direction as the stopped school bus, you must still follow the procedures above. Come to a complete stop. Proceed only AFTER the children have exited the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, AND the school bus stop sign is retracted. If you are traveling in the OPPOSITE direction as the stopped school bus, you may continue to travel on your side of the divided highway without stopping. If the school bus stops in a loading zone that is part of the highway or adjacent to the highway, and where pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway, you do not have to stop. YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO SCHOOL BUSES 59 YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO PEDESTRIANS Watch for pedestrians exiting parked cars or walking between parked cars. Watch for pedestrians entering crosswalks as you prepare to turn. People who are blind or who have visual impairments can be vulnerable pedestrians. Be on the lookout for pedestrians carrying a white cane, which may have a red tip. Take every precaution and extend every courtesy to keep them safe at intersections and crosswalks. Come to a complete stop if necessary. Although not required by law, common courtesy is to yield the right of way to funeral processions. A person walking across the street within a crosswalk, whether or not the crosswalk is marked, ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY. As a driver you must be extremely careful around pedestrians. Always keep your vehicle under control and be prepared to yield to those on foot. 60 Parking on a blind curve or in any other potentially dangerous place is illegal. You may be arrested, and your vehicle may be towed. If your vehicle breaks down, you will not be arrested; but you should move it out of the way as quickly as possible. In general, when you park your vehicle: • Put the gear in park (automatic transmission) or low (standard transmission) • Set the parking brake firmly • Turn off the ignition. Prohibited Parking You may not stop and leave your vehicle parked and unattended in any of the following places: • In front of a public or private driveway • Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or within seventy-five feet if it is so posted • Within ten feet of a fire hydrant • On a sidewalk • On a crosswalk • Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection • Inside an intersection • Within thirty feet of the approach to any traffic control device • Within fifteen feet of the nearest rail of any railroad crossing • On any bridge or elevated structure • In any highway underpass • On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of the road or the curb • Alongside any obstruction when your parking would add to traffic congestion • At any place where traffic signs prohibit stopping Parking on a Highway Outside of business or residential districts, you must park off the roadway. If you must park along a highway, take measures to keep other cars from running into yours. Be sure to: • Pull all the way off the roadway. • If possible, leave at least twenty feet for other vehicles to get by. • Park so you can be seen from at least two hundred feet in both directions. • Leave your parking lights or emergency flashers on if it is night. PARKING 61 PARALLEL PARKING The images below (STEPS 1-4) show how to maneuver into a parallel space. For vehicles parked parallel, tires should be within twelve inches of the curb. Use extreme care when exiting your vehicle from the street side. Unload your vehicle from the curb side. STEP 1: Select a space large enough to accommodate your car. Use your signal to show you intend to enter the space. Stop alongside the car in front of the space. STEP 2: Make sure you will not interfere with oncoming traffic. Cut your wheels sharply to the right and back slowly toward the curb. Stop when your front tire aligns with the back bumper of the car ahead. STEP 3: Cut your wheels sharply to the left and continue backing. Be careful not to bump into the car behind you. STEP 4: Pull forward into the center of the space, leaving room in front of and behind your car. Align your car within twelve inches of the curb. EXITING A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE The driver leaving a parking space does not have the right of way. Be careful not to cause a traffic accident. Before you drive the vehicle out of the parking space, be certain the way is clear of any traffic or pedestrians. You must YIELD to any oncoming traffic. When leaving a parallel parking position look back over your shoulder to be sure you can safely drive the vehicle out of the parking space and into traffic. Use your signal before entering the travel lane. When leaving a diagonal or straight-in parking position, wait until the area behind the vehicle is clear and keep a proper lookout by looking back while backing up. Always look back over your shoulder while backing up. Never rely on your rearview mirror alone.

62 PARKING ON A HILL To park safely on a hill, follow the diagrams below. In a downhill position, turn your wheels sharply to the right, whether or not there is a curb. In an uphill position with no curb, turn your wheels sharply to the right. In an uphill position with a curb, turn your wheels sharply to the left. DOWNHILL No Curb Wheels toward right. With Curb Wheels toward right. UPHILL No Curb Wheels toward right. With Curb Wheels toward left. 63 USING YOUR HEADLIGHTS DRIVING AT NIGHT Visibility is greatly reduced at night. This makes it necessary to reduce your speed and to exercise caution. You can only see as far as your headlights reach. Be careful not to “over-drive” your headlights: do not drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance you can see. If you meet a vehicle at night with bright or blinding headlights, the safest thing to do is to dim your lights and keep your eyes on the right side of the road. If you meet a vehicle at night with one headlight missing, drive to the far right of your lane. The glare of oncoming headlights and off-street advertisements may be a serious distraction. Never attempt to compensate for this difficulty by wearing darkened glasses. At night, or on dark days, the use of such glasses will only further reduce your vision. You are required by law to use your low beams when you approach within five hundred feet of an oncoming vehicle or when you are following within five hundred feet of another vehicle. You should use your lights between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when you cannot see clearly ahead for a distance of five hundred feet. Do not drive with only your parking lights turned on. If you need lights, use your headlights. Use the high beam only when driving in the open country without other cars nearby. Even with the high beam, speed should be lower than by day. Always use the lower beam when approaching another car so as not to blind the driver. Always use the lower beam when driving where there are streetlights, when following another car, and when driving in fog during the night or day. Using high beams while driving in fog reduces visibility. 64 Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the backseat. BUCKLE UP. IT’S THE LAW. SEAT BELTS, CAR SEATS, AND CHILD RESTRAINTS Mississippi law requires the following: Drivers and all passengers of motor vehicles shall wear a properly fastened seat belt, regardless of whether the passenger is in the front seat or back seat of the vehicle. When a passenger motor vehicle is operated in a forward motion on a public road, street or highway within this state, every operator and every passenger shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system. Children under the age of four years old must be properly secured in a child passenger restraint device (car seat) that meets applicable safety standards. Children at least four years old but under seven years old who are less than 4 feet 9 inches in height or who weigh less than sixty-five pounds must be properly secured in a belt-positioning booster seat system that meets applicable safety standards. Violators of the safety belt and child restraint law can be fined. Please follow the following recommendations: The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must be buckled up. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until the child reaches the maximum height or weight for a convertible seat. This is usually three to five years old depending on the seat and the child’s growth. Children weighing forty to sixty-five pounds should use a booster seat designed for motor vehicle use. 65 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS & EMERGENCIES In the event of hazardous road conditions and emergencies, follow these guidelines: In rainy conditions be especially careful. Many drivers pull off the road during a heavy downpour, but not everyone realizes that the opening minutes of rain or drizzle are actually the slickest and most dangerous. The first water to hit the road loosens accumulated dirt and grease. This immediately forms a mixture which quickly coats the road with a dangerously slick film. Slow down when rain begins to fall. When water is on the roadway, reduce your speed. High speeds under such conditions can cause your vehicle to hydroplane out of control. Most automobile skids are caused by driving too fast for the weather and road conditions. Hydroplaning— Hydroplaning occurs when the steering tires start to ride up on any pooled water, similar to the action of water skis. The best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet with pooled water or water puddles. Flooded roadways—Do not drive through large bodies of standing water on a road. If you see a flooded roadway, find another route to get to your destination. If your vehicle starts to skid, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid, but only if you can do so without running off the road or hitting something. Remember that braking suddenly will increase the skid. Never use the clutch when you are trying to stop a skid. If you have a flat tire or blowout, do not apply your brakes suddenly. Take your foot off the accelerator. Then apply the brakes slowly and cautiously. If you have plenty of stopping distance, allow the vehicle to stop by itself. If you run off the pavement, use the brakes lightly before returning to the roadway. If your car becomes disabled, pull over to the extreme right shoulder. If you must walk to seek help, always walk on the left side of the highway, facing oncoming traffic. Be EXTREMELY careful crossing any highway, and NEVER cross any interstate. 66 To report an emergency traffic situation on an interstate or highway in Mississippi, dial *HP (*47) on a cellular phone to be connected toll free to a Mississippi Highway Patrol dispatcher. Be prepared to state your emergency and provide the location (highway and/or mile marker) where assistance is needed. Only report actual emergencies to *HP. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT If you are involved in an accident: • Stop at once and help anyone who has been injured. Dial 911 to report injuries if necessary. • Report immediately to the proper law enforcement authorities if the accident involves injury, death, or apparent property damage exceeding $500.00. • Give all other parties involved in the accident your name, address, license plate number, and insurance information. For your own protection, be sure to get the same information from them. When the officer arrives at the accident scene, you must show Proof of Insurance and Insurance Policy number. Additional information about Mississippi’s vehicle insurance requirement is provided later in this manual. If you do not have proof of insurance, you may be cited for a violation even if you are not at fault for the accident. Remember: Whether or not you are at fault in an accident, you must report it unless there are no injuries and the property damage amounts to less than $500. If you are injured so badly that you cannot make an immediate report, any one of your passengers may do so. These reports are confidential. 67 YIELDING RIGHT OF WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES Any ambulance, fire engine, or police car flashing red or blue lights or signaling with a bell or siren always has the right of way on any street in any traffic situation. If possible, pull your vehicle over to the extreme right shoulder of the road until the emergency vehicle has passed. If you are at an intersection, proceed through the intersection, and pull over to the extreme right shoulder. If an emergency vehicle with lights or siren activated is parked along the side of a four-lane highway, merge into the lane away from the emergency vehicle if it is safe to do so. If merging into an adjacent lane is not safe, slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. You MUST yield right of way. WHAT TO DO AND EXPECT WHEN PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT Law Enforcement officers are responsible for conducting traffic stops when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or a criminal violation. Being stopped by an officer can be a stressful experience for the driver, any passengers, and for the officer. Knowing what to do during the stop will help ensure your safety and the safety of others. When you see emergency lights behind you, it is important for you and your passengers to stay calm and cooperate. Remember to: • Activate your turn signal and pull off or to the side of the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so. • Turn off the engine and any audio devices. • Stay in your vehicle unless directed by the officer to exit. • Turn on your interior lights if you are pulled over at night to assist with visibility. Officers may use a spotlight for additional visibility. • Keep your hands on the steering wheel or in a visible location so they are easily observable. • Follow all instructions the officer gives you or your passengers. 68 The officer may approach either side of the vehicle. When the officer approaches the vehicle, remember to: • Lower the corresponding window so you and the officer can better communicate. • Let the officer know if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact. • Wait for the officer’s instructions before reaching for your driver’s license or vehicle documents. When conducting the stop, the officer will typically: • Explain why you were stopped/ask questions about your trip. • Ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. If the documents are out of your reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for the officer’s acknowledgment before reaching to retrieve the documents. • Show their law enforcement credentials if they are not in uniform. If they do not show their credentials, you may ask to see them. In some cases, the officer may: • Ask you to exit the vehicle. In this case, keep your hands visible, exit the vehicle, and stand in a location as directed by the officer. • Take any one of many possible actions, including but not limited to, issuing a warning, issuing a traffic ticket, or making an arrest. The officer will typically explain whatever action is being taken. If they do not, you may ask them to do so. If you have questions, respectfully ask the officer to clarify. If you disagree with the officer’s decision or course of action, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer. Rather, you may seek to contest the decision in court through established legal channels. Your acceptance and signature on a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt. If you believe the officer acted inappropriately or have questions regarding their conduct, you may call or contact the officer’s agency and request to speak to a supervisor. This is best done as soon as possible after the stop. Following these procedures can help make a traffic stop a safe experience for all parties involved. This video from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration provides helpful information on What to Do & Expect When Pulled Over by Law Enforcement. 69 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DRIVING ENTERING & EXITING THE INTERSTATE To enter the interstate, drive along the ramp and obey the posted ramp speed. As you reach the end of the ramp, increase your speed in the acceleration lane until you reach the speed of the interstate highway traffic. It is dangerous to merge at a speed that is slower or faster than the flow of traffic. To merge into a travel lane, yield to any approaching vehicles and never turn suddenly into the main flow of traffic. First, give the proper signal, and then slowly merge into the traffic. Switch off your turn signal after you merge. To exit the interstate, be sure you are in the correct lane at least one-quarter mile from your exit. Most exits are on the right and require you to exit from the right-hand lane. However, some exits are on the left and require you to exit from the left-hand lane. Watch the signs to be certain of your exit’s location. Before exiting the interstate, check for vehicles beside and behind you, signal your intentions, and move into the deceleration lane. Do not slow down until you have safely moved into the deceleration lane. Then reduce your speed to the posted limit and turn off your signal. If you take the wrong exit, continue off the exit. If you miss your exit, do not stop and back up. Continue to the next exit. If you take the wrong exit, continue off the ramp. Never stop, back up, or turn around on an exit ramp. Entering a Multi- Lane Highway Exiting a Roadway 70 LANE USE, PASSING, AND CHANGING LANES Use the proper lane at all times. The right lane is intended for through travel while the left lane is intended for passing. On the interstate, passing on either the right or left is permissible. Be sure to stay in the right lane if you are traveling more slowly than the other traffic. When being passed, do not speed up. When passing, do not drive alongside any vehicle longer than it takes you to pass. It is dangerous to drive in another vehicle’s “blind spot.” When traveling in an interstate’s right lane, watch for vehicles entering the right lane from access ramps and acceleration lanes. In order for vehicles to enter the right lane safely, merge left when safe to do so. To change lanes, check your rearview and side mirrors and check your blind spot for vehicles beside and behind you. Then signal your intentions clearly. When you are sure it is safe, move into the lane you wish to drive in. Follow the same steps when returning to your former lane. Be sure to switch off your turn signal after changing lanes. This car is in the center car’s blind spot. The center car’s driver side mirror will not reflect a vehicle in this area. BLIND SPOTS This car is in the center car’s blind spot. The center car’s passenger side mirror will not reflect a vehicle in this area. SPEED LIMITS & FOLLOWING DISTANCE The speed limit for interstate driving is seventy miles per hour for both day and night. All speed limits are for ideal road and weather conditions. Adjust your speed according to circumstances. Be mindful of the posted minimum speed limit. Following too closely is extremely dangerous, especially on the interstate. Tailgating another vehicle is a main reason for collisions on the interstate. If you are driving at seventy mph, stay at least seven car lengths from the vehicle ahead. If you are driving fifty mph, stay at least five car lengths from the vehicle ahead. ACCIDENTS & BREAKDOWNS If you are involved in an accident or your car breaks down, move your vehicle off the pavement onto the extreme right shoulder or as far to the right as is practical. At night, leave your lights on and use your emergency flashers. If your vehicle breaks down, let others know that you need help by turning on your emergency flashers. If you are stranded on the interstate, never get out of your vehicle into the main flow of traffic. Do not stand beside your vehicle. Never walk along or across the interstate. Never attempt to hitchhike. Stay inside your vehicle, lock the doors, and wait for reliable help. Remember: A blind spot exists immediately behind large tractor-trailer rigs. If you cannot see the side mirrors on a large truck, the driver cannot see you! 71 INTERSTATE INTERCHANGES (EXITS & ENTRANCES) The diagrams below indicate the correct way to use the four principal types of interstate interchanges. All ramps and exits are normally marked clearly. If you are unsure how to enter the interstate, pull off the road, and stop to check for the correct route. Do not proceed until you are sure how to use the ramp.

72 BEWARE OF BLIND SPOTS FOLLOW SAFELY PASS SAFELY RIGHT TURNS ROAD SAFETY WITH LARGE VEHICLES When traveling on interstates and highways used by large trucks and tractor-trailers, follow these guidelines: Large vehicles have limitations which motorists may be unaware of. The most significant of these are blind spots—areas around the oversized vehicle where the driver's ability to see and react to other vehicles is restricted. To avoid being in the driver's rear blind spot, do not follow the vehicle too closely. Instead, position your vehicle so that the professional driver can see your vehicle in his side mirrors. Remember, if you cannot see the side mirrors on the front of the oversized vehicle you are following, the driver cannot see you. When following a large vehicle at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights from the vehicle behind can blind the driver when they reflect off the vehicle's large side mirrors. If you are stopped behind a large vehicle on an upgrade, leave additional space in case the vehicle drifts backwards slightly when it starts to move. Remember to keep to the left in your lane so the driver can see that you are stopped behind the vehicle. Do not follow too closely. An average tractor-trailer weighs approximately 80,000 pounds. Oversized vehicles take longer to stop. When passing a large vehicle, first check to your front and rear, then move into the passing lane only if it is clear and while in a legal passing zone. • On a level highway, it takes 3 to 5 seconds longer to pass a large vehicle than to pass a car. • On an upgrade, it may be easier to pass a large vehicle, as it often loses speed. • While on a downgrade, the large vehicle's momentum will cause it to go faster, so you may need to increase your speed in order to pass. Simply waiting to pass when it is safer to do so is always an option. Before returning to the lane of the vehicle you have passed, be sure to move back only when you can see the front wheels of the truck meeting the pavement in your rearview mirror. Remember to maintain your speed once you have completed the passing maneuver. When a large vehicle passes you, help the driver by keeping to the far side of your lane. Never speed up when an oversized vehicle is passing you. When you meet a large vehicle coming from the opposite direction, keep as far to the right as possible to avoid a sideswipe crash and reduce the wind turbulence. Remember that wind turbulence pushes vehicles apart; it does not pull them together. Large vehicles require more space to make a turn and need to swing to the left of the lane when preparing to make a right turn. To avoid a crash, do NOT pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility that it might be making a right turn. 73 SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES According to Mississippi law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle when riding on public roads. Any person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of a motor vehicle. RULES FOR DRIVERS RULES FOR CYCLISTS Drivers must: • Yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would yield to oncoming motorists. • Leave a safe distance of at least three feet between the vehicle and bicycle when passing the bicycle. • Only pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction in a non-passing zone when it is safe to do so. • After passing a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction, make a right turn only if the turn can be made with reasonable safety. • Do not “cut off” a cyclist by turning in front of them. NOTE: When passing a bicyclist, use extra caution in order to pass safely. Do not try to share the lane with a bicyclist when passing. Reduce speed, move into the next lane and pass in the normal manner, just as you would pass a motor vehicle. If there is oncoming traffic, slow down behind the bicyclist and pass when the oncoming traffic has cleared. Leave plenty of room while passing. The wind effects from a moving vehicle can cause a bicyclist to lose control if the vehicle passes too closely. Cyclists must: • Observe all traffic laws, including stopping for stop signs, stop lights, and obeying any other road signs. • Use arm/hand signals for turning. • Ride as far to the right in the lane as is safely possible. Generally, this means riding two to four feet from the right edge of the road. A bicyclist may move to the left/farther into the traffic lane when: o overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in same direction as the bicycle o unsafe conditions are present on the right side of the lane, such as broken or missing pavement, pedestrians, animals, parked cars, or road hazards (gravel, tree limbs, broken glass, etc.) o the cyclist intends to travel straight through an intersection and the right lane is for right turns only or the cyclist intends to turn left. or An experienced bicyclist can ride 20- 25 miles per hour and may be closer than you think. 74 Follow the tips below to improve your safety when traveling by bicycle. WEAR A HELMET! This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury. Note that depending on local laws, riding without a helmet may be illegal. TRAVEL WITH THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC. Never ride a bicycle facing oncoming traffic. RIDE PREDICTABLY. Do not weave in and out of traffic or back and forth on the road. ENTER ROADWAYS CAREFULLY. Yield to oncoming traffic just as you would if traveling by car. Be certain your path is clear before riding out of alleys or driveways or from behind parked cars. BE VISIBLE. Wear bright clothing. A bright headlight, taillight, and reflective vest or clothing should be used if riding at night. USE A LUGGAGE CARRIER, BASKET, OR SADDLE BAGS (PANNIERS) for carrying items. NEVER RIDE TWO PEOPLE on a bicycle built for one. NEVER HITCH your bicycle to another vehicle. USE COMMON SENSE. Even though you have a right to ride on the road, use common courtesy. If traffic conditions make it difficult for motorists to pass you, pull off the road periodically to let the motorists pass safely. Do not let long lines of cars back up behind you for extended periods. State law does permit bicyclists to ride side-by-side, but bicyclists riding two abreast should not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. When riding on a multi-lane roadway always ride within a single lane. TIPS FOR SAFER CYCLING 75 VALID MISSISSIPPI DRIVER’S LICENSE LICENSE PLATE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (CERTIFIED TITLE) WINDOW TINT CERTIFICATE & DECAL REQUIRED VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION Mississippi residents’ vehicles must have a Mississippi license plate and certificate of title. Vehicles must have adequate insurance. Each of these requirements is described below. You must have your valid driver's license while driving. You must purchase your license plate/tag in the county where you live. Contact your local Tax Collector for information about this purchase. For information on tags for heavy trucks, contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue at 601.923.7200. If you have moved to Mississippi, you must obtain a Mississippi license plate within thirty days. You are required by law to mount your Mississippi license plate (tag) on the rear of your vehicle. Trailer hitches, tag emblems, or any other decoration must not obscure any part of any letter, numeral, or any combination of letter/numeral on your plate (tag). You must also have a tag light which makes the letter, numeral or any combinations of letter/numerals on your license plate (tag) visible at sixty feet at night. Every vehicle must have a Certificate of Title. Title applications are furnished by new and used car dealers for the vehicles they sell. Title applications must be supported by a bill of sale and two years’ tag receipts. If you are bringing a vehicle into Mississippi, you need only present your out-of-state title to apply. You must obtain a Mississippi tag within thirty days. All licensed motor vehicle dealers and all county tax collectors must be qualified, by law, to accept title applications. Banks, finance companies, and other financial institutions may also qualify as designated agents by the Mississippi State Tax Commission. Any vehicle registered in Mississippi that has an after-market window tint film applied, must have the windows inspected by an official Mississippi Window Tint Inspection Station. Windows with aftermarket tinting must have a window tint inspection certificate and decal. The window tint compliance certificate and decal cost is $5.00. The window tint decal must be affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield. The compliance certificate must be kept on the dashboard or inside the dash compartment. The windshield of the vehicle must have affixed to it a label certifying that all the windows of the vehicle have a light transmittance of 28% or more. 76 MINIMUM INSURANCE AMOUNTS $25,000 single person, single vehicle accident $50,000 two or more people, single vehicle accident $25,000 property damage of others in any single accident PROOF OF INSURANCE & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY ACT The Safety Responsibility Act helps guarantee all Mississippi licensed drivers take financial responsibility for accidents they may cause. According to Mississippi law every motor vehicle operated in this state must have liability insurance. PROOF OF INSURANCE The insured parties are responsible for making sure a current, valid insurance card is kept inside each vehicle. You can be cited and fined if you have an accident or are involved in a traffic stop and cannot provide proof of insurance. You may provide proof of insurance in electronic format by displaying the electronic image on a cellular phone or any other type of electronic device. What if I have an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance? Your driving privilege may be suspended. To avoid suspension you must: • Show that you had an adequate insurance policy in effect at the time of the accident; or • Show that you have either a certificate of deposit or securities valuing $15,000.00; or • Show that you have a Certificate of Self-Insurance supplemented by an agreement to pay the same judgments in the same amounts as you would have had to pay under an owner's insurance policy. (A self-insurer must own a fleet of more than 25 vehicles.); or • Deposit cash, or a negotiable security, or a corporate surety bond in an amount judged sufficient by the department to pay all damages; or • Present a release of liability, a final adjudication of non-liability for damages, or show payment of your damages by the other party. In addition, if you were the driver at fault in an accident that caused injuries or damage(s) to another person or property, and you did not have liability insurance at the time of the accident, then you are required to purchase liability insurance and to file proof of insurance. The proof of insurance must: • show that you now have the minimum liability coverage required in Mississippi and • be provided by a liability insurance company licensed in Mississippi and • remain in effect for a period of three years from the date of the accident. 77 Driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs is not only dangerous, but also illegal. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE & IMPLIED CONSENT Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Mississippi. Mississippi’s Implied Consent Law provides the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. ALCOHOL & THE DRIVER Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. Alcohol can affect your personality, temperament, and judgment. Tests show that even two beers can markedly decrease a person’s reflexes and reaction time. If your reactions slow down only a half-second, and you need to hit the brakes while traveling fifty- five miles per hour, your vehicle will travel an extra forty-four feet before stopping. That additional distance could be the difference between life and death. If you drink alcohol, do not drive a vehicle. Never let another person who has consumed alcohol get behind the wheel of a vehicle. MARIJUANA & THE DRIVER Marijuana, like alcohol and other drugs including prescription medication, slows down reflexes and impairs judgment. Smoking medical cannabis in a motor vehicle or operating or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle while under the influence is a violation of Mississippi’s laws and can result in arrest. Driving under the influence of any drug – including medical cannabis and other prescription drugs – impairs a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle and can result in arrest. 78 What if I refuse to take a breath or chemical test? You have the right to refuse the officer’s request. If you refuse: You must surrender your driver’s license to the officer immediately. The officer will give you an official receipt for your license, which will serve as your temporary permit to drive, valid for only forty-five days. The officer will forward your driver’s license, along with the officer’s sworn report, to the Commissioner of Public Safety, who will review your case. Your license will be administratively suspended for ninety days for refusing the breath or chemical test. Suspension times increase for subsequent refusals resulting in a conviction or non-adjudication. How much is too much? (And what happens if I’ve had too much?) Under the Influence intoxicating alcohol if: 21 years old or older BAC registers .08% or more under the age of 21 BAC registers .02% or more. If your blood alcohol content reaches or exceeds your minimum limit, the officer will demand your license. The officer will give you an official receipt for your license, which will serve as your temporary permit to drive, valid for only 30 days. IMPLIED CONSENT When you operate a motor vehicle in the state of Mississippi, you are giving your implied consent to testing for the presence of intoxicating substances in your body. This means that if a law enforcement officer has good reason to suspect that you are operating your vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating substance, the officer can request you take a breath or chemical test. These tests measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). Mississippi has Zero Tolerance for underage drivers under the influence of alcohol. 79 Additional penalties may apply. For example, if you are convicted of a First Offense DUI (or First Offense Zero Tolerance DUI) AND you refused the breath or chemical test, a 90-day license suspension is added to the original penalty. Penalties are also more severe if you receive a DUI conviction while your license is suspended for a previous DUI. An accident resulting in injuries while you are driving under the influence also enhances the penalty. DUI Penalties These penalties apply to drivers 21 years of age and older with .08% Blood Alcohol Content or higher. OFFENSE/CONVICTION FINE JAIL TERM LICENSE SUSPENSION DUI—First Offense (Misdemeanor) $250 - $1,000 Up to 48 hours 120 days DUI—Second Offense within 5 years (Misdemeanor) $600 - $1,500 Not less than 5 days, nor more than 6 months 1 year DUI—Third Offense within five years (Felony) $2,000 - $5,000 Not less than 1 year, nor more than 5 years, custody of MDOC The full period of the person's sentence, and upon release from incarceration, the person will be eligible for only an interlock-restricted license for three years. DUI- Fourth or subsequent offense regardless of time period $3,000 - $10,000 Not less than 2 years, nor more than 10 years The full period of the person's sentence, and upon release from incarceration, the person will be eligible for only an interlock-restricted license for ten years. ZERO TOLERANCE DUI Penalties These penalties apply to drivers under 21 years of age, who have a Blood Alcohol Content of .02% or higher, but LESS than .08%. If a driver is under twenty-one and has a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or higher, the offense is classified as a regular DUI—not as a Zero Tolerance DUI. OFFENSE/CONVICTION FINE LICENSE SUSPENSION Zero Tolerance DUI—First Offense $250 120 days Zero Tolerance DUI—Second Offense within five years Not more than $500 1 year Zero Tolerance DUI—Third Offense within five years Not more than $1,000 2 years or until the person reaches the age of 21, whichever is longer. 80 LICENSE SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, & REINSTATEMENT Your license represents your privilege to drive in Mississippi. Protect this privilege by driving safely and lawfully. If you disobey the laws of the state, or if you prove yourself unable to drive in accordance with those laws, your license may be taken away by the Commissioner of Public Safety. SUSPENSION OF LICENSE The Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to suspend your license without a preliminary hearing if public records or other sufficient evidence indicate that: • You are convicted of an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required. • You have been involved, as a driver, in any accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another person or in serious property damage. • You are a habitually reckless or negligent driver. • You have been frequently convicted of serious traffic violations. • You are mentally or physically incompetent to drive. • You have allowed fraudulent use of your license. • You are convicted of DUI or DWI in another state. • You have committed an offense in another state that would, in Mississippi, have resulted in the suspension or revocation of your license. • You obtained a Mississippi driver’s license while your license in another state was under suspension. • You have failed to pay child support. REVOCATION OF LICENSE The Commissioner of Public Safety must take away your license for a period of one year if you are convicted of any of the following: • manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from a driving accident • any felony in which you used a motor vehicle • failure to stop and render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident • perjury or making any false statement to the Department concerning your ownership or operation of a motor vehicle • three reckless driving convictions within a twelve-month period 81 What payment methods are accepted? You must pay by CASHIER'S check. DO NOT SEND CASH, MONEY ORDER OR A PERSONAL CHECK. Make the check payable to: Department of Public Safety NOTE: If your license was deposited in lieu of bond OR you failed to appear in court, you must show a corrected court abstract from the judge before being reinstated. Where do I send my CASHIER’S check? For suspension due to DUI or unpaid tickets, mail to: DRIVER SERVICEBUREAU PO BOX 1459 CANTON, MS 39046 REINSTATEMENT OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and are now eligible for reinstatement, the following fees and procedures apply. REASON FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION FEE FOR REINSTATEMENT Conviction under Mississippi Implied Consent Law / DUI or Uniform Controlled Substances Act $175 Failure to pay Child Support $25 All other suspensions $100

82 LITTERING It is unlawful for any person to throw, scatter, spill, or place any solid waste in any of the following manners or amounts: and It is unlawful for any person to cause solid waste to be thrown, scattered, spilled, or placed in any of the following manners or amounts: • In or on any public highway, road, street, alley or thoroughfare, including any portion of the right of way thereof, or any other public lands, except in containers or areas lawfully provided. When solid waste is thrown or discarded from a motor vehicle, the operator or owner of the motor vehicle, or both, shall be deemed in violation. • In or on any waters of the state. • In or on any private property, unless prior written consent of the owner has been given and the solid waste will not cause a public nuisance or be in violation of any other state or local law, rule, or regulation. • Raw human waste from any train, aircraft motor vehicle, or vessel upon the public or private lands or waters of the state. 83 CLASS D LICENSE 84 CLASS D—REGULATIONS Most of the driving rules and regulations covered so far in this manual are meant for the ordinary driver. Company drivers must be familiar with many additional rules and regulations, especially those concerning trucks. If you intend to drive a company vehicle, study this section carefully. As a driver of a company vehicle, your responsibilities are more complex than those of an ordinary driver. EQUIPMENT All lights and reflectors must be clean and in working order and be visible five hundred feet from the rear of your truck-trailer. You must have a mechanical or electrical device for giving turn signals. All reflectors on the rear and sides near the rear of your truck-trailer must show a red color. All reflectors on the front and sides near the front must show an amber color. You MUST have two red reflectors on the rear, and you must have a red taillight. You must also have a stop light, which may be incorporated with the taillight. When you apply the foot brake, the stop light must show a red or amber color. Your clearance and side-marker lamps must, when lighted, display an amber color on or near the trailer's front, and must, when lighted, display a red color on or near the rear. Any vehicle which is designed or loaded so that the driver's rear view is obstructed must have a side mirror located so that the driver can see at least two hundred feet to the rear. Your truck's muffler must be in good working condition. You may not use a muffler cutout, bypass, or any similar device. SAFETY & WARNING DEVICES If you operate a bus or truck at night, you must carry at least three flares, fuses, electric flares, or reflectors. If your vehicle becomes disabled, place one of these warning devices approximately one hundred feet ahead of your location, a second one hundred feet to the rear, and a third at the roadway side of the vehicle. In daylight hours, you should use red flags in these same positions. 85 SIZE REGULATIONS WIDTH The total outside width of any vehicle, including the load being carried on that vehicle, cannot exceed eight and one-half feet. The total outside width of a farm tractor shall not exceed ten feet. HEIGHT Under no conditions may any vehicle, loaded or unloaded, exceed a total height of thirteen and one-half feet. This height is permitted only if no company, corporation, local government, government agency, or the State of Mississippi must raise, alter, reconstruct, or change in any way any underpass, trestle, wire, pole, or any other structure. If your vehicle exceeds twelve and one-half feet in height, either you or the vehicle's owner will be held responsible for any damage caused by the excess height. LENGTH Single Vehicle-No single vehicle, loaded or unloaded, may have an overall length in excess of forty feet, including both front and rear bumpers. Semitrailer OR truck and trailer-No semitrailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination and no trailer drawn by a motor vehicle shall exceed a length in excess of fifty-three feet. Semitrailer-trailer OR truck and double trailer—No semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination and no trailer operating in a double trailer combination drawn by a motor vehicle shall exceed a length of thirty feet. EXTENSION OF LOAD Rear—Under normal conditions, the load on the rear of a vehicle transporting forest or agricultural products in their natural state can project no more than twenty-eight feet beyond the vehicle's rear axle. However, if these products cannot be shortened without making them useless for their intended purpose (such as utility poles), a special permit may be obtained from the Mississippi Department of Transportation allowing their transportation. Vehicles with such projecting loads may legally operate only during daylight hours, and only with the load safely secured by at least two chains, two wire ropes, or two nylon straps, one positioned behind the front bolster and one in front of the back bolster. Front—The load on any vehicle operated alone or with the load on the front unit of any combination of vehicles must not extend more than three feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front bumper. WEIGHT For regulations governing gross weights of vehicles and loads, contact the nearest office of The Mississippi Department of Transportation. COMBINATION TOWING No semitrailer or trailer combinations in excess of two units, excluding the towing vehicle, will be allowed to operate on Mississippi highways. No more than two vehicles in any combination may be towed by saddle mounts, and no more than one motor vehicle may be towed by towbar. 86 NOTE: If you use a tarpaulin, canvas, or cover of any kind, you must secure it soundly so that no end, string, or binding flaps as the truck moves down the roadway. EXEMPTIONS TO SIZE REGULATIONS Farm machinery is exempt from size, weight, and height limitations when operated during daylight hours on any state highway within fifty miles of the point of origin. Farm machinery cannot be moved on interstate highways. Such machinery, or the vehicle towing it, must be equipped with front and rear reflector lights and a blinking light clearly visible from the front and rear. If you need to move a load that exceeds any size or weight limitation, you may request a permit to do so from the: Mississippi Department of Transportation Maintenance Division Permit Section P.O. Box 1850 Jackson, MS 39205 WEIGH STATIONS You will find weigh stations located on most main highways. You must pull your truck into these stations so that it can be weighed to determine if it is overloaded. Call 601-359-1148 for additional information. AVOIDING SPILLS You may not put any vehicle on the road unless it is built or loaded so that none of the load can spill, shift, leak, or in any way escape onto the roadway. EXCEPTIONS: Dropping sand onto the roadway to secure traction is permitted. Authorized vehicles spraying water or any other substance to clean the roadway are exempt from this regulation. If you are driving a truck, truck-trailer, or any other open-topped vehicle on a highway or interstate in Mississippi; or you are carrying sand, dirt, gravel, rocks, or any similar material; or your load reaches within six inches or fewer of the top of the bed, then you must: • use a tarpaulin, canvas, or other cover to contain the load, AND • use four, six-inch sideboards, one attached to the front, one to the back, and one to each side of the body. These sideboards must be lowered when you are loading the vehicle, and none of the loads can extend above the body. After loading is completed, you must raise these sideboards and secure them for the trip. 87 SAFE DRIVING FOLLOWING DISTANCE If you are driving a truck, truck-trailer, or other similar vehicle on a roadway outside business or residential districts, you must not follow within three hundred feet of other trucks except when you are attempting to pass. EQUIPMENT CHECKS Check all your equipment, such as tires, lights, brakes, and load during each stop. FLAMMABLE LOADS If your vehicle is carrying explosives or flammable liquids, you must stop at all railroad crossings— even if no signals warn that a train is approaching. Passenger buses and school buses must also stop. If you drive a truck carrying gasoline, oil, or explosives, be careful to avoid fires and explosions. Turn off the ignition when you put gasoline in the tank or unload the truck. Do not smoke at any time on or near the truck. In case of an accident, keep people, especially smokers, away. When driving a truck with such a load, you should keep out of business districts and heavy traffic as often as possible and park away from buildings and other vehicles when possible. BACKING UP When you are preparing to back up a truck or large vehicle, always get out and carefully check clearance limits. Make sure that you have plenty of room to maneuver. If possible, have someone guide you when you back up. Never back into an intersection to turn around. COASTING Never disengage the clutch while driving your truck on a downgrade. This "coasting" is illegal and very risky. PROTECTING YOUR LOAD Make certain to keep rear doors locked. COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) CLASS A, B, C To get a CDL, you must pass both knowledge and skills tests. You may wish to obtain a copy of the Mississippi Professional Driver's Manual for study. You must have a CDL to operate: 1. A single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. 2. A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating is more than 6,000 pounds. 3. A vehicle designed to transport more than fifteen persons (including the driver). 4. Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards. 88 APPENDIX A: Organ Donation Organ transplants save thousands of lives each year. The transplantation of the kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, pancreas and intestines from a donor is often the only therapy for people whose organs have failed. There are over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for one or more of these gifts. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. In addition, the donation of tissues such as corneas, skin, ligaments and bone can enhance the lives of 75 or more individuals with a variety of injuries and impairments. However, the U.S. faces a serious shortage of organ and tissue donors. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 16 die each day waiting on a transplant. Mississippians age 15+ who are registering for a driver’s permit or state identification card may indicate their wishes to be a donor on their license. Consent from legal next of kin is required at the time of donation for anyone still under the age of 18. Whether registered or not, anyone can donate, regardless of age, race or gender. Your medical condition at the time of your death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated. If you are not a registered organ donor at your time of death, your legal next-of-kin must give consent for organ donation. Mississippi's Gift of Life Act (1998) requires that all families be given the option to donate organs and tissue at the time of death. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety provides information about organ donation at each driver license station. Please learn all you can about organ donation and have a conversation with your family about your wishes. If you are injured or become ill, the quality of treatment and life-saving efforts you receive at the hospital will not be lessened if you choose to donate. Only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and the physician in charge of your care has declared death will donation be considered and transplant professionals become involved. Your family is not responsible for any donation costs. However, you are responsible for hospital expenses up until the time of death, even when consent is given for donation. Organ and tissue donation will not affect funeral plans. Organ Recovery takes place in a sterile operating room under the direction of skilled surgeons. Families can proceed with any type of funeral or burial arrangements, including an open casket funeral. Funeral expenses are also the responsibility of the family or the estate. All major religions support donation as a final, charitable act of giving to others. Organ donation and transplant is consistent with the life-preserving traditions of these faiths. 89 90 APPENDIX B: The Natchez Trace The Natchez Trace Parkway is administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. It stretches four hundred fifty miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to a point near Nashville, Tennessee. Mississippi's section is three hundred fifty miles long. The Parkway commemorates the Natchez Trace, a frontier road, prominent in the development of the Old Southwest. (An elongated park including a high-quality roadway, the right of way averages one hundred acres for each mile of roadway.) The Parkway runs from four to seven hundred feet in width, and is widest at historical, scientific, and recreational areas. As a traveler along the Trace, you will find nearby Native American sites and settings relating to the history of the original road. Commercial vehicles are excluded from the Parkway, and access is limited. Crossroads separated by grades, long curves, good sight lines, and good slight grades, all combine to protect the motorist driving along the Trace. The Parkway is protected and patrolled by National Park Rangers who are ready to assist you in having a safe and enjoyable trip. Report all accidents, fires, or other emergencies to the nearest Ranger or call 1-800-300-PARK (7275). If you cannot locate the number and need assistance, dial “0” for the operator and ask to be connected to the nearest Natchez Trace Park Ranger. Be sure to give your approximate location and to describe circumstances. Federal regulations govern vehicle traffic and public use of Parkway facilities. State traffic laws also apply. The maximum speed for travel on the Parkway is fifty MPH, except where lower speeds are posted. Radar is used for your protection. The Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway is in immediate charge of all facilities. For additional information, you may contact this person at: P.O. Box 948, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 (601) 842-1572 This is your Parkway. It exists for you and for all generations to come. Heed all posted signs. Do not hunt or use firearms on Parkway lands. Extinguish all lighted cigarettes, cigars, and matches. Never throw them or other debris from moving vehicles. If you have any doubts about any regulation governing the use of the Parkway, do not hesitate to contact a Park Ranger. Remember that if you violate any laws while on the roadway or while using any of the Parkway's facilities, you will be tried in a federal court. 91 APPENDIX C: Share the Road Overview Share the Road is a highway safety program of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Million- mile accident-free professional truck drivers deliver specific life-saving safety tips to the public, the media, and our public officials through television, radio, the web, and in print. News conferences are held where cars and trucks are set up in simulated highway lanes that show the common ways in which accidents happen on the road. The program's goal is to reach as many people as possible and change driving behavior so that we can save lives. Program Goal Media and community events are held across the country, including state capitols, motorcycle and RV events, auto shows, at truck driving championships, high schools and middle schools, and in congested cities. The Share the Road tractor-trailer serves as the centerpiece for all safety and media events and is certainly an attraction while travelling on the highways. Mack Trucks generously provides a dedicated Mack Anthem to the Share the Road program. The Share the Road program works with various highway safety partners, the state trucking associations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and industry partners. For more information visit https://www.trucking.org/share-road.

Post Office Box 1459 Canton, Mississippi