Crashes, insurance and registration in Mississippi

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the correct steps at the scene of a crash.
• You can say when a crash must be reported to law enforcement.
• You can state Mississippi's minimum liability insurance amounts.
• You can explain what happens if you crash without insurance.
• You can describe how plates, titles and tint certificates work.

What you need to know and understand

• After a crash, stop at once and help anyone injured, calling 911 if needed.
• Report a crash at once to law enforcement if it involves injury, death or apparent property damage over $500.
• Exchange your name, address, plate number and insurance details with the other parties.
• Minimum liability insurance is $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more people and $25,000 for property damage.
• You may show proof of insurance electronically on a phone.
• Buy your license plate from the tax collector in the county where you live, and mount it on the rear.
• A tag light must make the plate readable at 60 feet at night.
• Dial *HP (*47) on a cell phone to reach a Mississippi Highway Patrol dispatcher in a highway emergency.

At the scene of a crash

On the interstate, if you are stranded, stay in your locked vehicle and wait for reliable help; never walk along or across the interstate.

1. Stop immediately. Leaving the scene without stopping to give aid can cost you your license for a year.
2. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
3. If it is safe and the vehicles can move, get off the pavement onto the far right shoulder and turn on your hazard lights.
4. Report the crash to law enforcement if anyone is injured or killed, or damage appears to be over $500.
5. Exchange names, addresses, plate numbers and insurance information, and get the same from the others.
6. Show your proof of insurance and policy number when the officer arrives.

Insurance under the Safety Responsibility Act

Mississippi requires liability insurance on every vehicle operated in the state, with the 25/50/25 minimums above. Keep a current insurance card in each vehicle. Without proof after a crash or traffic stop you can be cited and fined, even if the crash was not your fault, and your driving privilege may be suspended.

If you caused a crash with no insurance, you must buy liability cover and file proof that it stays in force for three years from the date of the crash.

Plates, titles and tint

• Every vehicle needs a Certificate of Title. Dealers supply title applications for vehicles they sell.
• If you move to Mississippi, get a Mississippi plate within 30 days; your out-of-state title is enough to apply.
• Nothing, such as a trailer hitch or tag frame, may cover any letter or number on the plate.
• Aftermarket window tint needs a $5 inspection certificate and decal. All windows must let through at least 28% of light.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a minor crash without exchanging details. Always swap information.
• Not reporting a crash because you think damage is small. Repair costs often exceed $500.
• Letting your insurance card expire in the glove box. Keep it current, or have the electronic version ready.
• Standing beside a broken-down car on the interstate shoulder.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Mississippi

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Mississippi
• Mississippi Driver’s Ed Requirement From July 2027
• Mississippi Permit Practice Test