Mississippi Driving Records

In Mississippi, driving records, also known as Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs), are crucial documents containing a driver’s history. These records directly influence both personal and business matters.

For individuals, MVRs are vital for monitoring license status, securing favorable insurance rates, and defending against traffic violations. They are also essential for maintaining a clean record when seeking certain professions, including commercial driving or state licensure.

MVRs play a key role for organizations, especially employers, in confirming driver qualifications, managing liability, and upholding Mississippi’s rigorous safety standards.

Mississippi enforces the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to tightly regulate access to driving records and ensure the highest level of confidentiality and protection for sensitive information.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) administers MVRs and permits access only with the driver’s consent, including for third parties such as government agencies, courts, insurers, and employers.

Types of Driving Records Available in Mississippi

Mississippi driving records provide insights into a motorist's history and behavior and are available in several formats. Here's an overview of the main types of driving records in Mississippi:

Standard Driving Record

This is the most common type, also known as a motor vehicle report. It typically covers the past three to five years of a driver’s history and includes:

Personal information
License details and status
Traffic violations and convictions
Accidents reported to the MDPS
License suspensions or revocations
Points accumulated

Certified Driving Record

This is an official document bearing the MDPS seal, which is often required for legal proceedings. It contains the same information as the standard record but is certified as a true copy. Uses of this type of record include:

Court appearances
Employment applications
Insurance disputes
Out-of-state license transfers

Commercial Driving Record

For Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, this record includes standard information plus:

CDL classifications and endorsements
Medical certification status
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) violations
Commercial vehicle-related offenses

Complete Driving History

This comprehensive record may cover a driver's entire licensed history, including:

All historical license statuses
Complete list of violations and convictions
Details of all reported accidents
Past suspensions or revocations

Insurance Driving Record

Tailored for insurance companies, this record focuses on risk assessment information, such as:

Recent traffic violations
At-fault accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions
License suspensions related to moving violations

How To Request a Mississippi Driving History Report?

Mississippi motorists can request a certified driving history report through various methods provided by the MDPS. Each option involves specific steps and details.

Online Request

Requesting a driving record online requires accessing the MDPS’s Purchase Motor Vehicle Record online service.

Users need a valid Mississippi driver’s license and must provide the license number, the last four digits of their Social Security Number, and their full name and date of birth as listed on the license.

The cost is $14.30 per record plus a $1.26 convenience fee per transaction, payable by credit or debit card. As the online system allows a one-time view only, having a printer ready is essential to save the record.

Mail Request

To request a driving record by mail, individuals must complete a Consent to Release Records (Form DPPA–2) and have it notarized.

The accomplished form, along with a certified cashier’s check or money order for $11 made payable to the MDPS, should be sent to the address specified on the form. Additionally, they must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the document.

In-Person Request

For an in-person request, individuals need to fill out Form DPPA-2 and present their driver’s license or ID card at a local driver’s license office. The $11 fee can be paid with cash, credit, or debit card.

Uses of Mississippi Driving Records

The following list highlights the permissible uses and applications of driving records in Mississippi:

Risk assessment: Auto insurers scrutinize these documents to calculate policyholder premiums based on driving history.
Job applicant evaluation: Potential employers may examine records for roles requiring vehicle operation as a key responsibility.
Courtroom evidence: Legal professionals might present driving histories during traffic-related trials or other judicial proceedings.
Administrative tasks: State entities access these files for various official duties, including license administration and enforcement.
Self-monitoring: Motorists can obtain their own records to ensure accuracy and stay informed about their driving privileges.
Rental screening: Vehicle leasing businesses often review customer driving histories before finalizing rental agreements.
Fleet safety compliance: Logistics companies check driver records to maintain adherence to transportation safety standards.
Road safety analysis: Academics and policymakers study anonymized driving data to identify trends and propose improvements.
Comprehensive vetting: Various organizations incorporate driving record checks into their broader background screening processes.
Privilege restoration: Individuals seeking to regain suspended driving rights may need to submit their records for review.

Understanding Mississippi Driving Laws

Motorists in Mississippi must familiarize themselves with the state’s driving laws to avoid violations and the significant penalties that follow. Below are some essential driving laws in Mississippi and their associated penalties.

Licensing Laws and Penalties

Mississippi law enforces strict penalties for driving without a valid license or while under suspension. As outlined in Mississippi Code Annotated (MCA) Section 63-1-5, unlicensed driving is a misdemeanor punishable by fines ranging from $200 to $500 and up to six months in jail.

Failing to show a valid license when stopped can result in fines between $5 and $250 and possible jail time. Driving with a suspended or revoked license results in harsher penalties, including extended suspension periods.

Speeding Laws and Penalties

Mississippi enforces absolute speed limits and a basic speeding law.

Absolute limits include 15 miles per hour (mph) in school zones, 55 mph on two-lane highways, and 70 mph on interstates, as outlined in MCA Section 63-3-501. When no limits are posted, the default is 65 mph. The basic speeding law mandates driving at a speed that is safe for certain conditions. Speeding penalties vary but generally include fines of $150 to $300.

Reckless driving charges may apply when speeding exceeds limits, especially in hazardous conditions, as specified in Mississippi's reckless driving laws.

Reckless and Careless Driving Laws and Penalties

Mississippi strictly enforces laws against reckless and careless driving. Reckless driving, defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety under MCA Section 63-3-1201, carries fines of $5 to $100 for a first offense.

Repeat violations may result in up to ten days in jail, fines up to $500, and a one-year license revocation.

Careless driving, as specified in MCA Section 63-3-1213, involves failing to consider road conditions and carries fines of $5 to $50. Mississippi law prohibits reducing operating under the influence (OUI) charges to reckless driving through plea bargaining.

DUI Laws and Penalties

Mississippi’s DUI laws, as outlined in MCA Section 63-11-30, prohibit driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more, under the influence of any intoxicant, or with a BAC of .04% or higher in a commercial vehicle.

A first DUI offense carries penalties including 48 hours in jail, fines between $250 and $1,000, and a 120-day license suspension. Subsequent DUI convictions within five years lead to steeper fines, longer jail time, and potential felony charges.

Refusal to undergo a DUI test results in immediate license suspension under the state’s implied consent laws.

The Point System in Mississippi

Mississippi is among the nine states that do not utilize a driver’s license point system. In states with a point system, drivers accumulate points for specific traffic violations, and accumulating a certain number of points leads to a license suspension.

Mississippi instead imposes increasingly severe penalties for repeated traffic violations, including potential license suspension. Without a point system, drivers in Mississippi face consequences directly related to each violation rather than the accumulation of points over time.

To reinstate a license after a suspension, all state requirements must be met. Early intervention with a legal professional is crucial to avoid prolonged and costly reinstatement processes.

The Problem Driver Pointer System

Although Mississippi does not use a point system, it participates in the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). This system is created and managed by the National Driver Register (NDR), an organization within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The PDPS provides jurisdictions access to the NDR’s extensive database, which includes information regarding problem drivers from all 51 U.S. jurisdictions. This system aids in tracking and managing drivers' records across state lines.

When a jurisdiction performs an NDR search, the PDPS directs them to the state of record (SOR) to review an individual's driving status and history. The issuing state then determines eligibility for a new or renewed driver’s license based on this information.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Mississippi

In Mississippi, driving offenses are classified as either criminal or civil. Criminal offenses, which include serious violations, come with severe penalties such as substantial fines and imprisonment. Civil offenses, on the other hand, involve less severe infractions that typically result in fines without jail time.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses in Mississippi are serious violations, including felonies and misdemeanors.

Felony offenses involve severe consequences, such as vehicular manslaughter or aggravated DUIs, which can result in imprisonment from one year to life and substantial fines.

Misdemeanor offenses, such as reckless driving or driving without a valid license, carry lesser penalties, including fines of up to $500 and jail time of up to six months. Repeat offenders face escalated fines and extended prison terms.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, also known as traffic infractions, are non-criminal violations in Mississippi. These include minor offenses like speeding, failure to signal, and seatbelt violations. Such infractions typically result in fines rather than jail time.

As Mississippi does not use a points system, offenders will not receive demerit points on their licenses.

Mississippi Driving Statistics and Goals

Mississippi faces significant challenges in road safety, as evidenced by recent traffic fatality statistics. In 2021, the state reported 687 traffic-related deaths, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.

This surge has spurred the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to intensify its safety initiatives. MDOT's "Toward Zero Deaths" campaign sets a goal of reducing fatalities by 1% annually.

Additionally, the state aims to cut serious traffic injuries by 15% by 2025. To achieve these targets, Mississippi is implementing tailored strategies.

Key initiatives include the expansion of cable median barriers on highways, increased DUI enforcement checkpoints, and the "Pay Attention or Pay a Fine" distracted driving campaign. The state is also focusing on rural road safety improvements and enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in urban areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Driving Records

Below are answers to some common questions regarding Mississippi driving records:

How Can Individuals and Organizations Access Other Persons’ Driving Records?

To obtain another person’s driving record, individuals should use the Driver Records Request (Form DPPA–3) instead of Form DPPA–2.

When submitting a request by mail, individuals need to complete this form, including the required fee, and send both items in a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address specified on the form.

For in-person requests, individuals must bring the completed form and payment to one of the walk-in locations in Batesville, Jackson, or Hattiesburg. No self-addressed envelope is necessary.

Authorized entities, such as agencies, businesses, and service providers, can find a list of eligible requesters on the DPPA–3 form. These parties can mail their requests to the specified address or visit the designated locations in person.

Can Driving Records Be Expunged or Sealed for Traffic Violations and Infractions?

Mississippi laws do not allow the expungement or sealing of traffic violations once an offender has been convicted. Expungement is available for first-time misdemeanor convictions but excludes traffic violations.

Felony traffic violations may be eligible for expungement if the individual does not hold a commercial license, has completed their sentence, and has paid all related fines. Expungement can only occur once and must be requested five years after completing the sentence.

However, certain felonies, including multiple DUI offenses, cannot be expunged. Traffic infractions, being non-criminal, do not have expungement provisions in Mississippi.

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

In Mississippi, motorists can correct driving record errors by visiting their local Mississippi Driver Service Bureau office and submitting a correction request, which indicates the specific mistakes that need to be addressed.

For issues related to court records, drivers should contact the appropriate county court directly. This step is crucial because discrepancies linked to court judgments or other legal matters must be resolved with the court before any updates can be made to the driving record.

Helpful Links and Resources

Individuals can refer to the following web resources to gain more knowledge regarding Mississippi's motor vehicle records procedures, traffic laws, and road safety statistics:

Procedures and requirements for requesting Mississippi Motor Vehicle Records: https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/DriverRecords/Motor_Vehicle_Record_Department#:~:text=Through%20this%20service%2C%20Mississippi%20Driver,of%20Public%20Safety
Mississippi traffic laws and regulations: https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2020/html/SB/2600-2699/SB2633IN.htm
Mississippi traffic fatality facts and statistics: https://mdot.ms.gov/safetyeducation/parents/facts-and-stats/

Counties in Mississippi

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Mississippi
How To Request a Mississippi Driving History Report?
Uses of Mississippi Driving Records
Understanding Mississippi Driving Laws
The Point System in Mississippi
1. The Problem Driver Pointer System
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Mississippi
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Mississippi Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources