Every driver must abide by traffic laws to maintain everyone’s safety on the road. Minor instances like speeding a few miles over the posted limit could prove to be harmless, but consciously endangering other drivers will land you a reckless driving ticket.

Reckless driving is the culprit behind one-third of America’s fatal accidents, which is why each state has cracked down on enforcing legal and financial penalties for erratic road behaviors.

Although reckless driving charges are common, they’re completely preventable—especially when you understand the laws in your state. Luckily, we have gathered all the details about reckless driving laws in Mississippi.

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How does Mississippi define reckless driving?

In the Magnolia State, drivers are charged with reckless driving when they display “either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

These violations aren’t limited to the highway, as drivers can be convicted of reckless driving in a public or private parking lot.

What does reckless driving behavior look like? Here are some examples:

Speeding

excessively (well beyond the posted speed limit)

Running red lights

or stop signs

Racing with other vehicles

Weaving through traffic

Driving under the influence (

DUI

)

Since reckless driving encompasses a range of real-time maneuvers, the law enforcement officer present at the time of the offense will determine the severity of the violation.

What are the penalties for reckless driving in Mississippi?

Compared to other states, Mississippi’s reckless driving laws are more lenient. However, drivers will still be charged with a misdemeanor while facing potential jail time and fees.

With the subjective judgment of a police officer, reckless driving offenders could receive the following penalties:

A first offense carries fines between $5 and $100

A subsequent offense results in up to 10 days in jail and/or $500 in fines

A third violation within 12 months results in a one-year license revocation

Since a misdemeanor charge requires a court appearance, Mississippi judges impose a $90.50 assessment fee in addition to the accrued fines.

Despite potentially walking away with a measly $5 owed to the state after a reckless driving charge, these violations shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Reckless driving charges at any level tend to open the floodgates for more charges in the future since law enforcement officers will take them into account while consulting your driving record.

MORE:

Can you lose your license for a speeding ticket?

How can I remove reckless driving from my record?

Mississippi is one of nine states in the country that doesn’t use a points system to track driving offenses. If you were worried about racking up points on your Mississippi driving record, you’re in luck. That doesn’t mean your record will remain squeaky clean when you get a reckless driving charge, though.

Law enforcement officers and other authorized government agencies will still be able to access information about traffic violations, license suspensions, and jail time on your record. If you contact the Mississippi DMV or court system, you can find out if you’re eligible to enroll in

defensive driving courses.

With completed coursework, it’s possible to dial back the number of charges on your record. Since reckless driving violations impact your insurance premium for three to six years, defensive driving courses could be essential.

Will reckless driving make my insurance go up?

Every insurance company will assess the amount of risk you present as a driver to calculate your monthly rates. Regardless of the absence of points in Mississippi, reckless driving violations are sure to spike insurance costs.

Insurance companies raise rates by an average of $814 per year after a reckless driving offense. That’s 45% higher than the average insurance premium in Mississippi and 37% more expensive than the national average reckless driving penalty.

What you won’t see in fines, you’ll see in monthly insurance payments, which is why it’s important to maintain safe driving practices at all times in Mississippi. Staying vigilant and considering others on the road is the best way to avoid surging insurance rates.

MORE:

Mississippi car insurance laws, explained

How to find affordable car insurance in Mississippi

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FAQs

How can I get my reckless driving ticket dismissed?

Hire a lawyer. Showing up in court solo won’t bode well for your chances to get your reckless driving charge dismissed or reduced. A lawyer can get to know your case and work on negotiating a plea bargain that will have a lesser impact on your driving record.

Can you go to jail for reckless driving in Mississippi?

You won’t earn any jail time with your first reckless driving charge in Mississippi. However, with a repeat offense, it’s possible to earn up to 10 days in jail.

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