All Driver’s License Testing STOPS at 4pm STATEWIDE.

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DRIVER SERVICE BUREAU
Post Office Box 958
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
www.dps.ms.gov

PRICES AND LAWS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BETWEEN PUBLICATIONS.

The Driver Service Bureau reserves the right to overrule any information obtained from
this manual; however, all efforts are made to keep information accurate.

All versions of this manual are revised upon publication.

21
 TATE REEVES
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Operating a vehicle is an exciting privilege that should be taken seriously. Learning and following the
rules of the road are the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from harm while traveling
the roadways of our great state.

Each year, thousands of motorists are injured or lose their lives. Distracted driving is one of the leading
causes of accidents. Like I tell my girls as I teach them to drive, your focus should be on the road - do
not text and drive. Keep yourself and others safe by learning, understanding, and obeying the traffic
laws outlined in this manual.

Make certain that you and your passengers buckle up your seat belts every time you travel in a motor
vehicle. Seat belts have proven to save lives. Buckle up; it is the law. Also, take special care in school
zones and when sharing the road with bicyclists.

I wish you the best as you prepare to become a licensed, responsible driver. The Mississippi Department
of Public Safety and the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol strive for “Courtesy, Service, and Safety,”
and stand ready to assist you in any way.

32
 SEAN TINDELL
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER

Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a licensed driver in Mississippi. In this
manual, you will find the rules that govern the operation of motor vehicles on our roadways. This
manual will also help you prepare for the required examination.

As a licensed driver, you will be able to travel freely and enjoy our great state and nation. However,
driving is a privilege and should be taken very seriously. Lives are saved each day when drivers
follow the rules of the road and practice safe driving habits. We encourage you to learn and obey the
rules outlined in this manual.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Highway Patrol are committed to
making your driving experience as safe as possible. We are here to assist if you have trouble on the
roadways. If you need additional information, please visit our website at www.dps.ms.gov.

3
 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 5

DISTRICT 6
DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 9 DISTRICT 7

FEES FOR ORIGINAL & RENEWAL LICENSES DISTRICT 8

Regular License, Class R — 4 year — $24.00

— 8 year — $47.00
Regular License, Class R — 4 year — $24.00 OTHER FEES
(driver under 21 years old)
Duplicate License $11.00
Late Fee $1.00
Learner’s Permit $7.00

Commercial License, Class D — 4 year — $29.00

— 8 year — $57.00 FEE PAYMENT — All offices accept
cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
Identification Card — 4 year — $17.00
— 8 year — $33.00 Credit/debit cards must be Visa/
MasterCard. NO CHECKS.
Motorcycle Endorsement — 4 year — $5.00
— 8 year — $10.00

DRIVER RECORD — To obtain a copy of your driver’s license record, send $11.00 by certified
check, a notarized letter requesting your information, and a self-addressed stamped envelope
to: DEPT. of PUBLIC SAFETY, DRIVER RECORDS DIVISION, PO BOX 958, JACKSON, MS

4
 Keep Mississippi Beautiful!
Mississippi is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. Show pride in
that beauty. Never toss litter from your vehicle, let trash blow out of your
vehicle, or dump garbage on the roadside. Any person found guilty of
littering on Mississippi’s roads, highways, interstates, or within their
rights-of-way, shall be fined not less than $50 and not more than $250.
This offense is easily preventable: Keep a trash bag in your vehicle, and
dispose of your trash responsibly.

75
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
License
LicenseRequirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………..9
Requirements.......................................................................................................... 7
Types
TypesofofLicenses
Licenses&&Permits……………………………………………………………………………………………11
Permits................................................................................................. 9
Application
ApplicationRequirements
Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………..14
................................................................................................. 12
The
TheExamination…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15
Examination................................................................................................................. 13
Glossary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
Glossary.............................................................................................................................. 14
Required
RequiredEquipment
Equipment……………………………………………………………………………………………………..17
.......................................................................................................... 15
Pavement
PavementMarkings
Markings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
.......................................................................................................... 16
Traffic
TrafficSigns
Signs&&Signals
Signals…………………………………………………………………………………………………….20
........................................................................................................ 18
RailroadCrossings…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..30
Railroad Crossings.............................................................................................................. 28
Rulesofofthe
Rules theRoad
Road&&Safe
SafeDriving
Driving…………………………………………………………………………………...32
....................................................................................... 30
Sharingthe
Sharing theRoad
Roadwith
withBicycles……………………………………………………………………………………….62
Bicycles........................................................................................... 60
RequiredVehicle
Required VehicleDocumentation
Documentation.…………………………………………………………………………………..64
...................................................................................... 62
ProofofofInsurance
Proof Insurance&&Safety Responsibility......................................................................... 63
SafetyResponsibility………………………………………………………………………65
DrivingUnder
Driving Underthe
theInfluence
Influence&&Implied Consent................................................................ 64
ImpliedConsent……………………………………………………………...66
LicenseSuspension,
License Suspension,Revocation,
Revocation,&&Reinstatement………………………………………………………….69
Reinstatement............................................................ 67
ClassDDCommercial
Class CommercialDriver’s
Driver’sLicense
LicenseInformation…………………………………………………………...71
Information.............................................................. 69
AppendixA:A:Quick
Appendix QuickReference:
Reference:License
License//Permit Requirements.......................................... 74
PermitRequirements………………………………………..76
AppendixB:B:Sample
Appendix SampleTest
TestQuestions
Questions//Regular
RegularDriver’s
Driver’sLicense………………………………………..77
License.......................................... 75
AppendixC:C:Sample
Appendix SampleTest
TestQuestions
Questions//Class
ClassDDCommercial
CommercialDriver’s
Driver’sLicense……………………..79
License...................... 77
AppendixD:
Appendix D:Organ Donation.............................................................................................. 78
OrganDonation…………………………………………………………………………………………..80
AppendixE:E:The
Appendix TheNatchez
NatchezTrace……………………………………………………………………………………….81
Trace.......................................................................................... 79
AppendixF:F:Energy
Appendix Conservation....................................................................................... 80
EnergyConservation…………………………………………………………………………………...82

86
 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Under the laws of Mississippi, to operate any motor vehicle (except road and farm equipment) on
streets or highways, you must have a valid Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit. Driving without a
valid Driver’s License or Learner's Permit is illegal, even if you are accompanied by a parent or
licensed driver.

LICENSE EXEMPTIONS INELIGIBLE PERSONS

The law prevents you from being issued a license in
You are exempted from having a Mississippi driver’s
Mississippi if any of the following is true:
license if any of the following is true:
You have not reached the age of sixteen (16) years
You are operating any vehicle belonging to a branch
and you have not held a Learner’s Permit for one
of the United States Armed Services.
(1) year without certain convictions.
You are a non-resident over the age of sixteen (16) You are under eighteen (18) years old and do not
and have in your possession a valid driver’s license
provide proper documentation of your enrollment
issued to you by the proper authorities in your
in school.
home state or home country.
You have not passed the written driver’s examina-
You are operating any road machine, farm tractor,
tion or provided an affidavit whereby a parent,
or farm equipment temporarily on streets or high-
teacher, or guardian has certified that he or she
ways. has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at
least fifty (50) hours.

Your license has been revoked or suspended.

You are habitually intoxicated or are addicted to

the use of narcotics.

You have a physical or mental condition incom-

patible with safe driving.

You have been adjudged insane.

OUT-OF-STATE DRIVERS: MOVING TO MISSISSIPPI

If you move to Mississippi, you must obtain a Mississippi If you have a valid driver’s license from another state, the
driver’s license within sixty (60) days. You must obtain a Computerized Exam and affidavit waiving the road test may
Mississippi license plate (tag) within thirty (30) days. be waived. You must pass a vision screening.

When you apply for a Mississippi driver’s license you must If your out-of-state license is expired, you must take the
surrender all out-of-state licenses. If your out-of-state Computerized Exam.
license has been lost, you must obtain an Affidavit of Ina-
bility to Surrender form from the Driver’s License office. All out-of-state driver’s license and ID card applications
Your signature must be notarized on this form. require the following:

Your driving record in other states will be checked before certified state-issued birth certificate
a Mississippi license is issued. original social security card or print-out from the social
security office

two (2) proofs of residency.

97
 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. Go to www.dps.ms.gov for more information.

?
What if my license expires while I am out-of-state due to For any licensed driver
military service?
who qualifies for a
If you are out-of-state due to military service at the time LICENSE RENEWAL, the
your valid license expires, you may renew the license at license may be renewed
any time within ninety (90) days of being discharged from
UP TO SIX (6) MONTHS
military service or upon returning to the state.
prior to the expiration
You must provide proof of your military service and of date.
your discharge or return to the state by affidavit. A
delinquent fee is not required. An examination is not re-
quired, unless the Department of Public Safety has reason
to believe the licensee is no longer eligible to receive a
license.

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 number. 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 For RENEWALS, you must present:

cards you must present: original Permanent Resident Card
original Permanent Resident Card (no photocopies allowed)
(no photocopies allowed) OR
OR valid immigration papers + passport
valid immigration papers + passport OR
OR I-94 + passport
I-94 + passport AND
AND driver’s license or identification card
birth certificate (translated by a university)
two (2) proofs of residency

The regular license or identification card will be valid for four (4) years or until your legal status expiration date
[if less than four (4) years away]. The standard license fee applies, regardless of how long the license is valid.

10
8
 TYPES OF LICENSES & PERMITS

TEMPORARY LEARNER’S PERMIT REGULAR LEARNER’S PERMIT

The Temporary Learner’s Permit is for high You must be at least fifteen (15) years old to ap-
school students at least fourteen (14) years old ply for a Regular Learner’s Permit. You must hold
who are currently enrolled in an approved high the Learner’s Permit for one (1) year before you
school driver education course. Your driver ed- can upgrade to a Regular Driver’s License. [If you
ucation instructor must furnish proof that you turn seventeen (17) before you have held the
are presently enrolled in an approved driver Learner’s Permit for one (1) year, you are eligible
education program. to apply for a Regular License.]

Your temporary permit is restricted in two im- The Regular Learner’s Permit is valid for two (2)
portant ways: years. It entitles you to drive a motor vehicle
when accompanied by a licensed driver aged
It is valid only while you are enrolled in twenty-one (21) years or older who is physically
an approved driver education course. occupying the seat next to you.

It allows you to drive only a driver edu- You must pass the same Computerized Exam re-
cation vehicle while accompanied by quired for a Regular Driver’s License to be eligi-
your driver education instructor. ble for a Regular Learner’s Permit.

Upon turning age fifteen (15), you may go to a ?

Driver’s License Station and upgrade to a Regu- If I pass the Computerized Exam and receive
lar Learner’s Permit. my Learner’s Permit, do I have to retake the
Computerized Exam to apply for my
NOTE: A good driver education program can be Regular Driver’s License?
very beneficial. Statistics have shown that driv-
ers who complete driver education courses are Your Computerized Exam score is valid for two
far less likely to be involved in accidents. Addi- (2) years. If you provide an affidavit whereby a
parent, teacher, or guardian has certified that he
tionally, many insurance companies set lower
or she has witnessed you operate a motor
rates for drivers who have participated in an vehicle for at least fifty (50) hours and attest to
approved driver education course. your proficiency in the proper and safe operation
of a motor vehicle before two (2) years have
passed, you do not have to retake the Computer-
ized Exam. If you wait longer than two (2) years
you will have to retake the Computerized Exam.

9
 COMMERCIAL LICENSE, CLASS D MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT

A Class D license is required only when you are To operate a motor-driven cycle, you must obtain
operating a vehicle commercially and the vehi- a Motorcycle Endorsement to go along with your
cle is under 26,000 pounds GVWR. You do not Driver’s License.
need a commercial license to drive a pick-up
truck, regardless of what the truck is used for, To receive the Motorcycle Endorsement, you
unless you are transporting hazardous materi- must complete a computerized test on the opera-
als in an amount that requires a placard. tion of a motorcycle and a skills test. You may ob-
tain a Mississippi Motorcycle Operator's Manual
from the nearest driver’s license station.

When applying for a motorcycle endorsement,

advise the examiner so that the proper test will
be administered.
SCHOOL BUS LICENSE
If you hold an out-of-state license which is valid
You must be at least twenty-one (21) years old for the operation of motorcycles, the computer-
before you are eligible for a license to drive a ized and skills tests may be waived.
school bus.
NOTE: Under Sec. 63-7-64, no person shall
operate or ride upon any motorcycle or motor
scooter upon the public roads or highways of
this state unless such person is wearing on his or
her head a crash helmet that complies with
minimum guidelines established by the National
RESTRICTIONS
Highway Traffic Administration pursuant to
If you require some type of aid or special equip- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218
ment (such as eyeglasses) in order to pass the (49 CFR 571.218).
exam for a license or permit, then your license
will be restricted accordingly.

12
10
 REGULAR DRIVER’S LICENSE (CLASS R)

You are eligible for a Class R Regular Driver’s Additionally, whether or not you have been con-
License if you provide all required documenta- victed of certain violations will determine eligibil-
tion, and: ity for a Regular Driver’s License.

pass the written examination;

pass the vision examination;
provide an affidavit whereby a parent,
teacher, or guardian has certified that he or
she has witnessed you operate a motor ve-
hicle for at least fifty (50) 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 (16)

years, and have held a Learner’s Permit for
one (1) year.
OR
You have reached the age of seventeen (17)
years or older, regardless of previous per-
mits or licenses held.
OR
You have held an out-of-state driver’s
license for at least six (6) months.

? ? ?
What if I am fifteen and one- What if I am sixteen (16) What if I am seventeen
half (15½) years old when I years old when I begin the (17) years old (or older)
receive my Learner’s Permit? application process? when I begin the applica-
Do I still have to wait a year tion process?
If you first apply at age
before I quality for a Regular If you first apply at age sev-
sixteen (16), you will be is-
Driver’s License? enteen (17) or older, you
sued a Learner’s Permit.
Yes. If you are issued a Learn- When you turn seventeen may apply directly for a
er’s Permit at age fifteen and (17), you will be eligible for a Regular Driver’s License.
one-half (15 ½), you will be eli- Regular Driver’s License. You may complete the
gible for your Regular Driver’s Computerized Exam on
License at age sixteen and one- the same day.
half (16 ½).

13
11
 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To obtain a license of any type, you must complete an application form furnished by the Department of
Public Safety. Your examiner will not accept the application if it has been soiled, mutilated, or folded
improperly. 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 (18) years old or older and Two (2) proofs of identification are required be-
are applying for an original license, you must fore a license or permit can be issued:
show TWO (2) pieces of documentation to
prove you live in this state. (If you are under You must provide your SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. If
twenty-one (21) years old, you may use docu- you no longer have your social security card, you
mentation for your parent’s residence.) must obtain a new one.
AND
Each proof of residency must contain a physical
address. No post office box numbers will be You must provide a CERTIFIED BIRTH
accepted. Acceptable proofs of residency CERTIFICATE issued by your state of birth.
include, but are not limited to, items such as:
electric bill, water bill, or bank statement (no If you currently hold a driver’s license from
blank checks); lease or rent agreement or another state, you must also provide the out-of-
mortgage papers; notarized letter from state license or a lost license affidavit.
employer stating address of applicant and
including employer’s telephone number;
Mississippi driver’s license of parent or guardi- SIGNATURES
an (if applicant under twenty-one (21) years of You must sign your application after completing
age); etc. it. If you make a false statement on the applica-
tion, your driving privileges may be suspended.
CERTIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE
If you are under eighteen (18) years old, you If you are under seventeen (17) years old, your
must provide proof of your enrollment in application for a permit or license must include
school. Request a Certification of Attendance the signature of both of your parents (if both are
form from your school. living, and both have legal custody of you).
This form must not be over thirty (30) days If both parents are not living or do not have legal
old. If you are home-schooled, obtain a blank custody of you, your application must include the
Certification of Attendance from a school or signature of your legal guardian or your employ-
superintendent of education. Your parent’s no- er. If you do not have a custodial parent, legal
tarized signature must be on this form. If you guardian, or employer, your application must be
are under eighteen (18 ) years old and are signed by a responsible adult who is willing to
married, you may show a marriage license assume the obligations imposed on them by law.
instead of a School Certification of Attendance.

Whomever signs your application will be liable for your negligence or willful miscon-
duct 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.

14
12
 THE EXAMINATION
Before you can be issued an original Mississippi driver’s license, you must meet three (3) requirements:
pass the Vision Exam, pass the Computerized Exam, and in lieu of a Skills Exam provide the Affidavit
required by Sec. 63-1-33 (7) from a parent, teacher, or guardian certifying that he or she has witnessed
you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty (50) hours and attesting to your proficiency in the proper and
safe operation of a motor vehicle. Each is described below.

The exams are designed to answer the following questions:

Do you know the Mississippi traffic laws and the rules of safe driving?
Can you read, understand, and follow traffic 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?
COMPUTERIZED EXAM VISION EXAM

The Computerized Exam is based on the infor- Your eyes will be checked to make sure you see
mation in this manual. It especially focuses on well enough to drive safely.
Mississippi traffic laws, safe driving rules, and
driver’s license requirements. To prepare for the
exam, study this manual carefully.

? ?
What if I fail the Computerized Exam? What if I fail the Vision Exam?

If you fail the Computerized Exam, you may If your eye test indicates that you may need
retake it the following business day. If you do glasses, you must have your eyes tested by an
not pass after three (3) attempts, you must eye specialist or optometrist. You will be given a
wait thirty (30) days to retake the Computer- vision form (DE26) to be filled out by your eye
ized Exam. specialist or optometrist.

? If you are under the care of a physi-

What if I am reading impaired?
cian for any reason, a certificate con-
If you are reading impaired, have someone cerning your physical or mental con-
teach you the contents of this manual. The
Computerized Exam includes a headset, and
dition may be required before you
the machine will read the questions and an- take your examinations.
swers aloud for you.

ALL Driver’s License Testing STOPS at 4pm STATEWIDE.

15
13
 GLOSSARY
business or residential district—any place where most of the land along the road
for three hundred (300) feet or more is used for houses or places of business.

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. The 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 bicy-
cles, 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 pur-
pose of travel.

REMEMBER: Safe driving takes common sense, courtesy, and self-control.

Always drive defensively and always treat pedestrians and other drivers with
the same respect you want them to show you.

16
14
 REQUIRED 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 in thirty (30) feet at a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour. The parking
brake must be strong enough to stop the vehicle in fifty-five (55) feet at the same speed.

HORN—Your vehicle must have a horn which can be heard two hundred (200) 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 (2) headlights [one (1) for a motorcycle] and a taillight. The
lights must meet the following standards:
With your headlights you should be able to see a person two hundred (200) feet ahead un-
der good weather conditions at night.
The taillight on your vehicle must be red and must be visible five hundred (500) feet behind
you.
In addition to two (2) headlights, your vehicle may have no more than one (1) spotlight and no more
than three (3) auxiliary lights. It is against the law for any of these lights to be either red or blue, and
at no time should you have more than four (4) lights (not including headlights) burning at once.

MUFFLER—The muffler on your vehicle must be in good working order and must operate constantly.
Straight, gutted, Hollywood, glass-packed, or any other types of mufflers which allow excessive noise
or smoke are illegal.

REAR VIEW MIRROR—Mississippi law does not require you to have a rear-view 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 an outside rear-view mirror.)

TIRES—Your tires must be properly inflated, have good tread, and be free of breaks, cuts, and decay.

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. If your PSI is above the recommended number, let air out until it
matches. If below, add air until the amount is correct. Have a tire professional help you if necessary.
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're driving with a safe amount of tread. If the
tread gets below that, your car's ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
For safe driving under poor weather conditions, you must have windshield wipers that work.

17
15
 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
particular traffic conditions. You must observe and comply with these markings at all times.

LANE LINES, CENTER LINES, & BARRIER LINES

A broken yellow line A broken white line
separates traffic lanes means travel in the same
that move in the oppo- direction is permitted on
site directions. both sides of the line.
Crossing into the oncom- A vehicle may cross the
ing lane is permissible line to change lanes
ONLY for passing and when it is safe to do so.
only when it is safe to
pass.

A broken yellow line next A single, solid white line

to a solid yellow line sepa- means travel in the same
rates traffic lanes that direction is permitted on
move in opposite direc- both sides of the line.
tions. Crossing a single white
If the broken line is closest line is discouraged.
to your lane, you may pass
with caution. If the solid
line is closest to your lane,
passing is forbidden next
to the solid line.

A double, solid yellow A double, solid white

line separates travel line means travel in the
lanes moving in oppo- same direction is per-
site directions. mitted on both sides of
the line.
Passing from either
side of a double yellow Crossing a double white
line is PROHIBITED. line is PROHIBITED.

18
16
 DIRECTIONAL ARROWS
Pavement arrows mark the directions 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 An arrow pointing to the

left means you MUST right means you MUST
turn left if you travel in turn right if you travel in
this lane. this lane.

ONLY ONLY ONLY

A straight arrow means

you MUST continue
straight if you travel in this
lane.

A two-headed A two-headed The center lane above is painted

arrow that points arrow that points to indicate TURN LANE ONLY. A
both straight both straight vehicle may use this lane ONLY
AND to the left AND to the right in preparation to turn left or
means that you means that you right across the opposite lanes.
may continue may continue The turn lane is NEVER used for
straight OR turn straight OR turn passing.
to the left if you to the right if you
travel in this lane. travel in this lane.

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 pedes-
trians in crosswalks—even if the crosswalk is
not marked.

19
17
 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 or prohibition. If OCTAGON: Exclusively for STOP signs.

you see red on a traffic de-
vice, STOP.

GREEN: Directional guidance

HORIZONTAL RECTANGLE:
and permitted movement.
Usually for guide signs.

YELLOW: General warning. EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE:

Exclusively for YIELD signs.

BLUE: Motorist services guid- PENNANT: Warning of

ance. NO PASSING ZONE ahead.

DIAMOND: Exclusively to warn of

BLACK: Regulation. 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 PENTAGON: School crossing signs and

maintenance warning. warning of school zones ahead.

BROWN: Public recreation ROUND: Warning of railroad crossing

and scenic guidance. ahead.

20
18
 TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS

A SOLID RED LIGHT means you must A SOLID YELLOW LIGHT A SOLID GREEN LIGHT means you
make a complete stop and remain means the light will soon may go if it is safe to do so. You
stopped until the light turns green. turn red. Slow down and must yield to any pedestrians and
prepare to stop. to any traffic already in the inter-
EXCEPTION: You may turn right while the
light is red. But first, you must STOP COM-
section.
PLETELY, and you must yield to other traffic If a green light turns yellow
EXCEPTION: If you are turning left,
and pedestrians. You may NOT turn on red if as you are approaching, slow the solid green light means you must
a sign prohibits you. Before turning right on down and prepare to stop. YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
red you MUST first stop completely: Only
yielding before turning is not enough (and is
illegal).

A GREEN ARROW means you A YELLOW FLASHING ARROW A YELLOW SOLID ARROW
may turn in the direction of the means you may turn in the di- is the same as a SOLID
arrow if you are in the proper rection of the arrow if you are YELLOW LIGHT. It indi-
lane. Oncoming traffic will have in the proper lane. You must cates that the light is
a red light when your turn arrow YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. about to change to red.
is green, giving you a Oncoming traffic will have a Slow down and prepare to
“protected” turn. green light when your turn ar- stop.
row is flashing, so you do NOT
have a “protected” turn.
REMEMBER: ANY TIME you travel through an intersection, you must YIELD TO PEDESTRI-
ANS. You must also YIELD TO ANY TRAFFIC ALREADY IN THE INTERSECTION.
REMEMBER: For left turns, the yellow flashing arrow and the solid green light mean the
same thing: YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
21
19
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 GREEN ARROW: You may turn GREEN ARROW: You may turn
may NOT turn left, and you may left from turn lane. left from turn lane.
NOT continue straight.
+ +
RED LIGHT: You may NOT con- GREEN LIGHT: You may continue
tinue straight through the inter- straight through the intersection.
section. You must stop and wait.

YELLOW ARROW: Use caution. GREEN LIGHT: You may travel YELLOW LIGHT: Use caution.
The signal is transitioning from straight. You may turn left only The signal is transitioning from
a green arrow (protected turn) if the way is clear. This is an green to red. Slow down and
to an unprotected turn or to a unprotected turn, and you prepare to stop.
red light. must YIELD to oncoming traffic.

A FLASHING RED LIGHT

means you must STOP
completely and proceed
with caution, following
the rules for yielding right-
of-way at intersections.
A FLASHING YELLOW
LIGHT means you must
SLOW DOWN and exer-
cise caution.

22
20
 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 These signs mean pedestrians

may leave the curb and cross the may NOT leave the curb.
street.

If the sign is flashing, pedestrians MUST NOT LEAVE THE CURB.

Pedestrians should continue if they started to cross before the sign changed to flashing.
23
21
 REGULATORY SIGNS

The STOP sign is the The YIELD right-of- The DO NOT ENTER sign might in- The WRONG WAY
only sign with eight way sign is an clude the words “do not enter,” or sign tells you that
sides. It requires you equilateral trian- it might only include the white bar you are traveling in
to come to a COM- gle. It means you across the red circle background. the opposite direc-
PLETE STOP before MUST let other Either way, it means you may not tion from the other
entering an intersec- vehicles on the enter this lane of travel. cars in your lane.
tion. After stopping, roadway have the You are in danger
of causing a head-
you MUST yield to right-of-way.
on collision. You
any traffic close must leave the
enough to be a haz- roadway and turn
ard. around as soon as
possible.

This sign means This sign means This sign means Usually, if a traffic signal is red,
no LEFT turns no RIGHT turns YOU MAY NOT you may turn right AFTER you
are allowed at are allowed at TURN AROUND in stop completely and make sure
this intersection. this intersection. an intersection, in the way is clear. However,
the center of a signs like these mean RIGHT
street, or in a high- TURNS ARE NEVER ALLOWED
way median. while the traffic signal is red.
You must wait for the green
light to turn right.

This sign means NO TRUCKS

are allowed on this street or
highway.

24
22
 REGULATORY SIGNS

This sign means This sign means This sign means This sign means
KEEP LEFT. KEEP RIGHT. you MUST TURN you MUST
LEFT. TURN RIGHT.

This sign means you may ONLY

TRAVEL IN THE DIRECTION OF This sign indicates
THE ARROW. the MAXIUM SPEED
ALLOWED under This sign means you may ONLY
ideal driving condi- use the center lane TO MAKE
tions. TURNS. The center lane is not
available for normal travel or
passing.

This sign designates HANDICAPPED PARK-

ING ONLY. Parking is only allowed for vehi-
cles with an official indicator such as a
handicap license tag or temporary hangtag. This sign means that crossing
For information on obtaining a handicap tag, into another lane to pass a
contact your County Tax Collector's Office. vehicle is PROHIBITED.

25
23
 WARNING SIGNS

TRAFFIC SIGNAL STOP ahead. YIELD ahead. RAILROAD COSSING

ahead. ahead.

INTERSECTION / “T” INTERSECTION SIDE ROAD ahead (on SIDE ROAD enters
CROSSROADS ahead. ahead. right). from angle ahead.

RIGHT LANE ENDS. LEFT LANE ENDS. ACCESS LANE/RAMP NEW LANE ENTERS
Merge to left. Merge to right. MERGES INTO ROAD- ROADWAY. (No merg-
WAY (from right). ing necessary.)

TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. DIVIDED HIGHWAY DIVIDED HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CIRCLE /

ahead. ENDS; TWO-WAY ROUNDABOUT
TRAFFIC ahead. ahead.

26
24
 WARNING SIGNS

SHARP TURN (left) CURVE (left) ahead. WINDING ROAD ahead. Road is SLIPPERY
ahead. WHEN WET.

SCHOOL CROSSING: This sign SCHOOL ZONE: Fifteen miles PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.
warns that children must cross per hour when passing a school Remember that pedestrians
the street on their way to and during recess or while children have the right-of-way at
from school. The sign is some- are arriving at or leaving school intersections, whether the
times located several blocks from during opening/closing hours. crosswalk is marked or not.
the school.

If traveling in a lane marked with this sign you This sign often accompanies a STOP sign at an
MUST CONTINUE ONTO THE EXIT. 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.

27
25
 GUIDE SIGNS

ROUTE MARKERS

Interstate Route United States Route State Route

(Interstate Highway) (US Highway) (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 You would use this lane to You would use one of these
where you may exit an access US Highway 59 lanes to access Interstate 55
interstate highway. North, toward Hattiesburg. North toward Jackson.

28
26
 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES

This emblem identifies SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES (vehicles

that travel twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less). Watch
carefully for these vehicles both day and night.

29
27
 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 ad-
vance of the crossing, and a white line is painted

R R on each side of the track.

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
This round yellow sign, with a black a train is coming. Remain STOPPED
“cross buck” and two R’s, means a until the lights stop flashing and you
railroad crossing is ahead. In rural can proceed with safety.
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.
Gates are used with flashing light
signals at some crossings. ALWAYS
STOP when the lights begin to flash
This white “cross buck” sign is posted before the gates lower across your
at most railroad crossings. If there is side of the tracks. Remain STOPPED
more than one track, the number of until the gates are raised and the
tracks is shown on a sign below the lights stop flashing.
cross buck.

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 LIQ-
UIDS. These vehicles MUST STOP within fifty (50) to ten (10) 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.

30
28
 REMEMBER! You must remain stopped until all tracks are
clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer
ALL drivers must ALWAYS STOP WITHIN fifty flash. It is against the law to drive around
(50) to ten (10) feet of the outer rail of any any lowered gates at a crossing. Use common
railroad crossing when you see ANY of the fol- sense at any railroad crossing. Watch for vehi-
lowing: cles that must stop whether or not a train is
a lowered crossing gate, coming. Do not shift gears as you drive across
a flashing electric signal, tracks. Always check carefully for a second
a posted STOP sign, train following close behind the first. STAY
a flag person giving you a signal, or ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND NEVER TRY TO
a rapidly approaching train. “BEAT” A TRAIN. If a traffic officer directs you
to proceed over a railroad crossing, follow the
You MUST stop even if you do not see a train. 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 Notifica-
tion 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, cross-
ing 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; and (4) any other infor-
mation relating to an unsafe condition at the crossing.

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 com-
ing, then immediately dial 911.
If you are stuck on the tracks, and there are NO WARNING LIGHTS, or the warning lights HAVE
NOT ACTIVATED YET, 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!

31
29
 Rules of the Road & Safe Driving
This section contains information about traffic rules and regulations in Mississippi and strat-
egies for being a safe driver. Please study this material carefully.

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 intersec-
tions, 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

SPEED LIMITS FOR TRUCK & TRUCK-TRAILER COMBINATIONS Speed makes accidents,
(including 1/2-ton trucks, loaded & over 1/2-ton trucks, loaded or unloaded) especially fatal accidents,
ROADWAY TYPE MAXIMUM SPEED
more likely. If you hit a
stone wall at 40 mph, the
Interstates 70 mph
impact is the same as if
All Other Highways 55 mph
you drove off a four-story
Inclement Weather/Bad Visibility 45 mph
building.

SPEED LIMITS FOR BUSES (excluding school buses)

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
Inclement Weather/Bad Visibility 45 mph

The maximum speed for a The maximum speed for any vehicle
SCHOOL BUS is 45 mph. in a SCHOOL ZONE is 15 mph.

32
30
 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 (100) 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.

33
31
 FOLLOWING

@ 10 MPH
leave
at least
ONE (1)
car length @ 20 MPH
leave
at least
TWO (2)
@ 30 MPH
car lengths
leave
at least
THREE (3)
Following too closely to another vehicle is dangerous. car lengths

When you are following another vehicle, allow at least @ 40 MPH

one car length between you for every ten miles per leave
hour of speed. This will help give you room to slow at least
down or stop if the vehicle in front of you changes FOUR (4)
@ 50 MPH
speeds suddenly. car lengths
leave
at least
It’s also important to maintain distance so that you can
FIVE (5)
see around the vehicle ahead of you. When you are fol-
lowing a large truck or bus, allow yourself even more car lengths,
room. Etc.

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.

34
32
 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.

Thinking & reaction distance (perception)

The red segments show distance from 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 @ 20 MPH - 68 feet to stop

shown here assume 47 feet 21 feet
ideal conditions: good
tires, good brakes, @ 30 MPH - 116 feet to stop
and dry pavement.
70 feet 46 feet

@ 40 MPH - 176 feet to stop

94 feet 82 feet

@ 50 MPH - 245 feet to stop

117 feet 128 feet

@ 60 MPH - 326 feet to stop

141 feet 185 feet

@ 70 MPH - 415 feet to stop

164 feet 251 feet

35
33
 TRAFFIC LANES

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 num-
ber 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. (The green arrows are not pavement markings.)

Some travel lanes have adjacent parking lanes. For exam-

ple, 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 high-
way, drive in the right lane except when passing or pre-
paring to turn left.

? ?
Which lane should I drive in? On a two-way highway, which pavement markings mean I can
If you drive on a street or cross the center line to pass another vehicle?
highway with more than one You may never cross a double yellow line to pass a vehicle.
lane for your direction, drive If there is a single, broken, yellow line, you may cross that
in the extreme RIGHT lane line for passing (if the oncoming lane is clear and it is safe to
except to pass or turn left. pass).
(If there is no designated If you are on a highway divided by BOTH one solid yellow line
turn lane, use the lane next AND one broken yellow line, you may cross the lines for
to the center for turning passing ONLY if the broken yellow line is closest to your trav-
left.) el lane (and if the oncoming lane is clear and it is safe to pass).

36
34
 LANE USE:
FOUR LANES OR
Use this
MORE lane for
travel.

Use this
lane for
travel.

Use this lane

for overtaking,
passing, or
when preparing Use this lane
to turn left. for overtaking,
passing, or
when preparing
to turn left.

LANE USE: Use this

lane for
TWO LANES PLUS travel.
Use the center
CENTER TURN LANE
turn lane when
preparing to
turn left.

Use the center

Use this
turn lane when
lane for
preparing to
travel.
turn left.

TURN
LANE
ONLY

37
35
 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 passed vehicle 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 circumstanc-
es 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 (100) feet of bridges, viaducts, overpasses, railroad
crossings, crosswalks, intersections, or any place where your view is obstructed in any way. And pass only
when the weather is good, never when it is raining or sleeting.

When being passed on a two–lane or three-lane highway, keep to the right and do not increase your
speed until the other car has completely passed you.

38
36
 This car may
cross center
lines to
pass. (The
oncoming
lane must
be clear.)

This car
PASSING ON THE MUST NOT
LEFT: PASS
TWO-LANE (because it
is in the
HIGHWAY
travel lane
closest to
DOUBLE YELLOW the solid
LINE means NO line.)
CARS MAY PASS
in this area
(from either di-
rection).

This car
MUST NOT
PASS
(because it
is in the
travel lane
closest to
the solid
line.)

This car may

cross center
lines to
pass. (The
oncoming
lane must
be clear.)

39
37
 TURNING AROUND

At times you will have to turn your car in 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.

2 3

4 1

40
38
 TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS

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. Be sure.

5. Slow down well before you reach the crosswalk of the intersection, and complete the
turn at a consistent speed. Do not push down on the brake or clutch while you are turn-
ing. Do not shift gears while entering the intersection.

6. Stay in your lane throughout the turn. Finish the turn in the proper lane.

The diagrams on the following pages show the correct methods for making safe turns.
Study them carefully.

41
39
 DO NOT SWING
INTO RIGHT LANE.

STEP 5: When it
is safe, return to
X
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

HOW to the center line
and keep your

TO wheels straight
while waiting to
turn.
MAKE
STEP 2: At least
A one hundred (100)
feet from the in-

LEFT tersection, turn on

left signal and
slow down.

TURN 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.

42
40
 DO NOT SWING
INTO LEFT LANE.

STEP 5:

X 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 3: Keep close

to the right side of
the lane and keep
your wheels
HOW
TO
straight while
waiting to turn.

STEP 2: At least MAKE

one hundred (100)
feet from the in-
tersection, turn on
A
RIGHT
right signal and
slow down.

STEP 1: If you are not already in

the right lane, move into the right TURN
lane well ahead of the turn. Check
for traffic, use your signal, and
move safely.

43
41
 MULTIPLE
TURN
LANES
&
LANE
OPTIONS

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 ONLY

straight. Always follow directional arrows. If you

choose to turn, be certain to stay in your lane.

ONLY

44
42
 TURNING LEFT OF CENTER

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.

ONE-WAY STREETS
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.) ONLY

Be careful not to turn

the wrong way onto a
ONLY

one-way street.
ONLY

The diagram on the left shows two inter-

secting one-way streets. At this intersection,
ONLY

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 driv-
ers from traveling in the wrong direction on
a one-way street.

45
43
 INTERSECTIONS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY

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 un-
derstand your intentions.

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 automo-
bile, 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

Slow down as -of-way and who shall yield and wait at intersec-
you approach tions or other places where two or more drivers,
(not as you cyclists, or pedestrians meet. The first rule is to
cross or turn).
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.

46
44
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.

The vehicle on The vehicle intending to

the right has travel straight through
right-of-way. has the right-of-way.

FOUR-WAY The vehicle

TWO-WAY signaling to
STOP
STOP turn across
the traffic lane
At a four-way stop, right-of-way is deter-
mined by which vehicle arrives first, and by At a two-way stop, the cross-traffic with no must yield
where the vehicle is located relative to the stop signs has the right-of-way. Vehicles ar- and wait.
others. The first vehicle to arrive has right- riving at stop signs must wait until the way is
of-way. If multiple vehicles arrive at the clear before proceeding. When the way is
same time, the vehicle on the right has clear, the first vehicle to arrive at a stop sign
right-of-way. (Do not slam on your brakes has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at
to “stop first.” Yield to the driver on right.) the same time, the vehicle intending to trav-
el straight across has right-of-way; the vehi-
cle intending to turn across the traffic lane
must yield and wait.

YIELD TO ON-
COMING CAR ROUNDABOUTS
DRIVEWAYS &
ALREADY IN
UNMARKED At a roundabout
CIRCLE.
or traffic circle,
ENTRANCES YIELD to oncoming
traffic already in-
When entering a street or highway from a side the circle.
driveway or other entrance point, you
must stop and yield to oncoming traffic,
even if no stop sign is present.
Always enter and
UNMARKED INTERSECTION exit the circle by
If you encounter a highway intersection traveling toward
with no traffic signs or signals, yield to ap- MERGE CAREFULLY your right.
proaching traffic, then proceed only when IF WAY IS CLEAR
it is safe.

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45
 YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO SCHOOL BUSES

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 (10) 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.

SCHOOL BUS

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 direc-
tions, 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 contin-
ue travel on your side of the divided highway without stopping.

SCHOOL BUS

If the school bus is stopped 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.

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46
 FAILURE TO YIELD TO SCHOOL BUS: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

If you are convicted of violating the law described on the previous page, penalties are as follows:
First Offense: Fine not less than $350 and not more than $750, or imprisonment for
not more than one (1) year, or both.
Second or Subsequent Offense [within five (5) years]: Fine not less than $750 and
not more than $1500, or imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both. In
addition, suspension of driver’s license and driving privileges for ninety (90) days.

Additional penalties apply if you are convicted of a violation

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 si-
ren 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 high-
way, 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.

Although not required by law, common courtesy is to yield the right-of-way to funeral processions.

YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO PEDESTRIANS

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.

Watch for pedestrians

Watch for pedestrians entering crosswalks as
exiting parked cars or you prepare to turn.
walking between
parked cars.

People who are blind or who have visual im-

pairments 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 cross-
walks. Come to a complete stop if necessary.

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47
 PARKING

In general, when you park your vehicle:

Put the gear in park (automatic transmission) or low (standard transmission),
Set the parking brake firmly, and
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 (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station, or within seventy-five
(75) feet if it is so posted;
Within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant;
On a sidewalk;
On a crosswalk;
Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
Inside an intersection;
Within thirty (30) feet of the approach to any traffic control device;
Within fifteen (15) 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 high-
way, 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 (20) feet for other vehicles to get by.
Park so you can be seen from at least two hundred (200) feet in both directions.
Leave your parking lights or emergency flashers on if it is night.

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.

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48
PARALLEL PARKING
The images on the right (STEPS 1-4)
show how to maneuver into a parallel
space.

For vehicles parked parallel, tires

STEP 1: Select a space large enough to accommodate
should be within twelve (12) inches of
the curb. your car. Use your signal to show you intend to enter the
space. Stop alongside the car in front of the space.
Use extreme care when exiting your
vehicle from the street side. Unload
your vehicle from the curb side.

EXITING A PARKING SPACE

The driver leaving a parking space
does not have the right-of-way. Be
STEP 2: Make sure you will not interfere with oncoming
careful not to cause a traffic accident.
Before you drive the vehicle out of the traffic. Cut your wheels sharply to the right and back
parking space, be certain the way is slowly toward the curb. Stop when your front tire aligns
clear of any traffic or pedestrians. You with the back bumper of the car ahead.
must YIELD to any oncoming traffic.

When leaving a parallel parking posi-

tion 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.
STEP 3: Cut your wheels sharply to the left and continue
When leaving a diagonal or straight-in backing. Be careful not to bump into the car behind you.
parking position wait until the area be-
hind 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.

STEP 4: Pull forward into the center of the space, leaving

room in front of and behind your car. Align your car with-
in twelve (12) inches of the curb.

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49
 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 UPHILL
No Curb With Curb No Curb With Curb
Wheels toward right. Wheels toward right. Wheels toward right. Wheels toward left.

52
50
 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 can 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 head-
light 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.

USING YOUR HEADLIGHTS

You are required by law to use your low beams when you approach within five hundred (500) feet of
an oncoming vehicle or when you are following within five hundred (500) 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 (500) 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 near. 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 street lights, when following another car, and in fog
during night or day. Using high beams in fog reduces visibility.

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51
 SEAT BELTS, CAR SEATS, AND CHILD RESTRAINTS
Mississippi law requires the following:

Drivers and all passengers of motor vehicles shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt,
regardless of whether the passenger is in the front seat or back seat of the vehicle.

Children under the age of four (4) years old must be properly secured in a child passenger
restraint device (car seat) that meets applicable safety standards.

Children at least four (4) years old but under seven (7) years old who are less than 4 feet 9
inches in height or who weigh less than sixty-five (65) pounds must be properly secured in a
belt-positioning booster seat system that meets applicable safety standards.

If more than two (2) children who are required to use a booster seat are being transported
in a vehicle at one time, and the vehicle only has two (2) lap-and-shoulder belts in the rear
seat, then only the two (2) children sitting in the seats with the lap-and-shoulder belts are
required to use a properly secured booster seat. Other children may be secured with a safety
lap belt only.

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 (3) to five (5) years old, depending on the seat and the child’s growth.

Children weighing forty to sixty-five (40 -65) pounds should use a booster seat designed for
motor vehicle use.

Children should always ride in the backseat.

BUCKLE UP.
IT’S THE LAW.

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52
 SAFE DRIVING BASICS
Drivers cause 85% of all accidents.
The safety and well-being of many other people will depend on your calm and responsible behavior
as a driver.

Before You Drive

To prepare to drive, you should:
Make certain you have your driver’s license with you. State law requires drivers pre-
sent a driver’s license upon request.
Adjust your seat to a comfortable position so that you can reach the wheel and ped-
als easily .
Fasten your seat belt.
Adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see the roadway behind. Adjust your side-
view mirrors as well.

While You Drive: Two Hands on the Wheel

Keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving. The ideal position for holding the wheel varies
with each driver, but at least one third of the wheel should separate the hands. The left hand should
be on the wheel at 9:00, as on the face of the clock, and the right hand at 3:00. Never drive with
your elbow resting in the window.

While You Drive: Pay Attention

While driving, pay careful attention for 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, especially children, have training in bicycle
safety.
Parked cars on the side of the street: The door might open and obstruct your lane.
Signals that another vehicle 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

The following strategies are suggested for driving long distances:
Take a break every one hundred (100) 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, and do not stare.
Keep the interior of your car as cool as possible.

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53
 AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS

Be a safer driver by avoiding the following distractions:

Cellphone Use. Drivers distracted by cellphones cause thousands of accidents each year. If you must
make a phone call while driving, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety recommends that
you use a hands-free device and keep your hands on the wheel. Texting on your cellphone while
you drive is not allowed.

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 whis-
tles and sirens.

Visual Obstructions & Other Distractions. Your windshield must be free of any signs or unofficial
stickers. (Vehicles registered in this state may not have signs, posters, stickers or glassy material
that causes a mirrored effect on the windows.) Avoid hanging decorative items from your rear-
view mirror. Keep the front seat clear of objects that can fall during sudden movement.

Emotional Distractions. If you are preoccupied with personal problems, you may become too dis-
tracted to handle your vehicle safely. Domestic quarrels, financial concerns, or illness can cause
distractions which make you more accident prone. If you have just had an argument or are wor-
ried, ill, angry, frightened, or grief-stricken, let someone else drive.

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 most dan-
gerous. 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 for your own safety.

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.

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 ac-
celerator, and then apply the brakes slowly and cautiously. If you have plenty of stopping dis-
tance, allow the vehicle 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.
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54
 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 Insur-
ance Policy number. Additional information about Mississippi’s vehicle insurance require-
ment is provided later in this booklet. If you do not have proof of insurance, you may be cit-
ed 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 bad-
ly that you cannot make an immediate report, any one of your passengers may do so. These
reports are confidential.

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 dis-
patcher. 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.

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55
 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 from 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; con-
tinue to the next exit. ***Never stop, back up, or turn around on an exit ramp.***

Signal and Adjust to traffic speed

merge carefully while in acceleration lane.
into travel lane.
Do not
merge
sharply
into
traffic.

Do not cut
across lanes or
exit sharply.

Do not
slow
Signal, move into
down in
deceleration lane,
travel
lane.
and slow down. 35
Continue off exit ramp
at posted safe speed.

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56
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.
BLIND SPOTS

This car is in the center This car is in the center

car’s blind spot. The cen- car’s blind spot. The cen-
ter car’s driver side mirror ter car’s passenger side
will not reflect a vehicle in mirror will not reflect a
this area. vehicle in this area.

Remember: A blind spot exists immediately behind large tractor-trailer rigs.

If you can not see the side mirrors on a large truck, the driver cannot see you!

SPEED LIMITS & FOLLOWING DISTANCE

The speed limit for interstate driving is seventy (70) 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 (70) mph, stay at least
seven car lengths from the vehicle ahead. If you are driving fifty (50) mph, stay at least five (5) 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 flash-
ers, raising the hood of your vehicle, and tying a white cloth to your door handle, antenna, or other
prominent place.

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 hitch-
hike. Stay inside your vehicle, lock the doors, and wait for reliable help.
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57
 INTERSTATE INTERCHANGES (EXITS & ENTRANCES)

The diagrams below indicate the correct way to use the four principal types of interstate interchang-
es. All ramps and exits are normally marked clearly. If you are unsure how to enter the interstate, pull
off the road, and stop and check for the correct route.
Do not proceed until you are sure how to use the ramp.

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58
 ROAD SAFETY WITH LARGE VEHICLES

When traveling on interstates and highways used by large trucks and tractor-trailers, follow these
guidelines:
BEWARE OF BLIND SPOTS
Large vehicles have limitations of which motorists may be unaware. 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, don't follow the vehicle too close-
ly. Instead, position your vehicle so that the professional driver can see your vehicle in his side mir-
rors. Remember, if you can't see the side mirrors on the front of the oversized vehicle you are follow-
ing, the driver cannot see you.

FOLLOW SAFELY
When following a large vehicle at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights from the vehicle be-
hind 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 may take longer to stop.

PASS SAFELY
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 main-
tain 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 possi-
ble to avoid a sideswipe crash and reduce the wind turbulence. Remember that wind turbulence
pushes vehicles apart; it does not pull them together.

RIGHT TURNS
Large vehicles require more space to make a turn and need to swing to the left of the lane when pre-
paring 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.

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59
 SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES
According to Mississippi law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle when
ridden 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: Cyclists must:

Yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you Observe all traffic laws, including stop-
would yield to oncoming motorists. ping for stop signs, stop lights, and obey-
Leave a safe distance of at least three ing any other road signs.
(3) feet between the vehicle and bicycle Use arm/hand signals for turning.
when passing the bicycle. Ride as far to the right in the lane as is
Only pass a bicycle traveling in the same safely possible. Generally, this means
direction in a non-passing zone when it riding two to four (2-4) feet from the
is safe to do so. right edge of the road. A bicyclist may
After passing a bicyclist proceeding in move to the left/farther into the traffic
the same direction, make a right turn lane when:
only if the turn can be made with rea- overtaking and passing another vehi-
sonable safety. cle traveling in same direction as the
Do not “cut off” a cyclist by turning in bicycle;
front of them. unsafe conditions are present on the
right side of the lane, such as broken
NOTE: When passing a bicyclist, use extra
or missing pavement, pedestrians, ani-
caution in order to pass safely. Do not try
mals, parked cars, or road hazards
to share the lane with a bicyclist when
passing. Reduce speed, move into the next (gravel, tree limbs, broken glass, etc.);
lane and pass in the normal manner, just as the cyclist intends to travel straight
you would pass a motor vehicle. If there is through an intersection and the right
oncoming traffic, slow down behind the lane is for right turns only; or
bicyclist and pass when the oncoming the cyclist intends to turn left.
traffic has cleared. Leave plenty of room
while passing. The wind effects from a mov-
ing vehicle can cause a bicyclist to lose con-
trol if the vehicle passes too closely.

An experienced bicyclist can ride 20-

25 miles per hour and may be closer
than you think.

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 TIPS FOR SAFER CYCLING

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 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. Don't weave in and out of traffic or back and forth in 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, driveways, or from behind
parked cars.

BE VISIBLE. Wear bright clothing. A bright headlight, taillight, and reflective vest or cloth-
ing 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 bicy-
clists 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.

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 REQUIRED VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION
Mississippi residents’ vehicles must have a Mississippi license plate and certificate of title. Windows
with after-market tinting must also have a window tint inspection certificate and decal. Vehicles must
have adequate insurance. Each of these requirements is described below.

LICENSE PLATE

You must purchase your license plate (tag) in the county where you live. Contact your local Tax Col-
lector for information about this purchase. For information on tags for large trucks, contact the State
Tax Commission in Jackson.

If you have moved to Mississippi, you must obtain a Mississippi license plate within thirty (30) days.

You are required by law to mount your Mississippi license plate on the rear of your vehicle. Trailer
hitches, tag emblems, or any other decoration must not obscure any part of any letter or numeral on
your tag. You must also have a tag light which makes the numbers on your license plate visible at fifty
(50) feet at night.

CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (CERTIFIED TITLE)

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 (30) 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 desig-
nated agents by the Mississippi State Tax Commission.

WINDOW TINT CERTIFICATE & DECAL

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.

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.

All windows must have a light transmittance of 28% or greater to be deemed legal.

For more information and the location of Window Tint Inspection Stations, visit www.dps.ms.gov

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PROOF OF INSURANCE & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY ACT
The Safety Responsibility Act helps guarantee all Mississippi licensed drivers take financial responsi-
bility for accidents they may cause. According to Mississippi law every motor vehicle operated
in this state must have liability insurance.

MINIMUM INSURANCE AMOUNTS

At a minimum, the insurance policy must have the following limits:
at least $5,000.00 for property damage,
at least $10,000.00 for any one (1) person injured or killed, and
at least $20,000.00 for any two (2) persons injured or killed.

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.

?
What if I have an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance?
If you are involved in an accident that results in death, personal injury, or a minimum of $1000.00 in proper-
ty damages, you must, within sixty (60) days, furnish proof of your ability to pay for the damages. Otherwise,
your driving privilege will be jeopardized. To prove your ability to pay, 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 suffi-
cient by the department to pay all damages; or
Present a release of liability, a final adjudication of non-liability for damages, or show pay-
ment of your damages by the other party.

In addition, if you were the driver at fault in an accident that caused injuries or damages 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 (Form SR-22). The proof of insurance must:
show that you now have the minimum liability coverage required in Mississippi (at least $5000.00
for property damage, $10,000.00 for any one (1) person injured or killed, and $20,000.00 for any
two (2) persons injured or killed); and
be provided by a liability insurance company licensed in Mississippi; and
remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from the date of the accident.

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DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE & IMPLIED CONSENT
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Mississippi. The information below de-
scribes the impact of alcohol and drugs on a driver. Mississippi’s Implied Consent Law provides the
legal consequences of driving under the influence.

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 (2) 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 (55) miles per hour, your vehicle will travel an extra forty-four (44) 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, slows down a person’s reflexes and impairs judgment. Driving under the in-
fluence of marijuana is very dangerous.

Driving under the influence of marijuana is not only dangerous, it is illegal.

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 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 to take a breath
or chemical test.

?
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 (45) 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 (90) days

for refusing the breath or chemical test. Suspension times increase
for subsequent refusals resulting in a conviction or nonadjudication.

?
How much is too much? (And what happens if I’ve had too much?)

If you submit to the test you will be considered under the influence of intoxicating
alcohol if:
you are twenty-one (21) years old or older and your blood
alcohol content registers .08% or more, or
you are under the age of twenty-one (21), and your blood
alcohol content registers .02% or more. (This amount reflects
Mississippi’s “Zero Tolerance” for underage drivers under the
influence of alcohol.)

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 li-
cense, which will serve as your temporary permit to drive, valid for only thirty (30)
days. Penalties for DUI and related convictions appear on the following page.

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 DUI Penalties
These penalties apply to drivers of any age with .08% Blood Alcohol Content or higher.

OFFENSE/CONVICTION FINE JAIL TERM LICENSE SUSPENSION

DUI—First Offense $250 - $1,000 Up to forty-eight 120 days
(Misdemeanor) (48) hours.
DUI—Second Offense within 5 $600 - $1,500 Not less than 5 1 year
years days, nor more
(Misdemeanor) than 6 months
DUI—Third or Subsequent $2000 - $5000 Not less than 1 The full period of the person's sentence, and
Offense within five (5) years year, nor more upon release from incarceration, the person
(Felony) than 5 years, cus- will be eligible for only an interlock-restricted
tody of MDOC license for three (3) years.

ZERO TOLERANCE DUI Penalties

These penalties apply to drivers under twenty-one (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 (21) 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 Not more than $500 1 year

Offense within five (5) years

Zero Tolerance DUI—Third or Sub- Not more than $1000 The full period of the person’s
sequent Offense within five (5) sentence, upon release from
years incarceration, the person will
be eligible for only an interlock-
restricted license for 3 years

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 sus-
pended for a previous DUI. An accident resulting in injuries while you are driving under the
influence also enhances the penalty.

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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 accord-
ance 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 hear-
ing 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 a 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 result-
ed in the suspension or revocation of your license.
You obtained a Mississippi driver’s license while your license in another state was un-
der 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 (1) 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
event of a motor vehicle accident;
perjury or making any false oath or statement to the Department concern-
ing your ownership or operation of a motor vehicle; or
three (3) reckless driving charges within a twelve (12) month period.

NOTE: If you post any bail and fail to appear for trial, the court can try you in your absence.

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 REINSTATEMENT OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES

If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and are now eligible for reinstatement, the fol-
lowing fees and procedures apply.

FEE FOR
REASON FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
REINSTATEMENT
Conviction under Mississippi Implied Consent
$175
Law / DUI or Uniform Controlled Substances Act
Failure to pay Child Support $25
All other suspensions $100

? NOTE: If your license was deposited in lieu

What payment methods are of bond OR you failed to appear in court,
accepted? you must show a corrected court abstract
from the judge before being reinstated.
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

?
Where do I send my CASHIER’S check?

For suspension due to DUI or unpaid For suspension due to an accident,

tickets, mail check to: mail check to:
DRIVER RECORDS SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY
PO BOX 958 PO BOX 958
JACKSON, MS 39205 JACKSON, MS 39205

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COMMERCIAL
LICENSE
CLASS D

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 CLASS D—REGULATIONS
Most of the driving rules and regulations covered so far in this manual are meant for the ordinary
driver. Commercial drivers must be familiar with many additional rules and regulations, especially
those concerning trucks. If you intend to drive a commercial vehicle, study this section carefully. As a
driver of a commercial vehicle, your responsibilities are more complex than those of an ordinary driv-
er.

EQUIPMENT

All lights and reflectors must be clean and in working order and be visible five hundred (500)
feet to 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 (2) red reflectors on the rear, and you must have a red tail light. You
must also have a stop light, which may be incorporated with the tail light. 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 (200) 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 (3) flares, fuses, electric
flares, or reflectors. If your vehicle becomes disabled, place one of these warning devices
approximately one hundred (100) feet ahead of your location, a second one hundred (100)
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.
If you carry explosives or flammables, such as gas or oil, you must carry at least three (3)
electric flares, lanterns, or large flares for emergencies. Under no circumstances may you
use any type of burning flares or fuses.
If you carry explosives or flammables, you must also have two (2) or more fire extinguishers
which should be in good working condition, filled, and positioned so that you can reach
them quickly in an emergency.

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 SIZE REGULATIONS

WIDTH
The total outside width of any vehicle, including the load being carried on that vehicle, cannot exceed eight
and one-half (8-1/2) feet. The total outside width of a farm tractor shall not exceed ten (10) feet.

HEIGHT
Under no conditions may any vehicle, loaded or unloaded, exceed a total height of thirteen and one-half (13-
l/2) 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 (12-l/2) feet in height, then 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
(40) feet, including both front and rear bumpers.

Semitrailer OR truck and trailer-No semitrailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combina-

tion and no trailer drawn by a motor vehicle shall exceed a length in excess of fifty-three (53) 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 (30) feet.
EXTENSION OF LOAD
Rear—Under normal conditions, the load on the rear of a vehicle transporting forest or agricultur-
al products in their natural state can project no more than twenty-eight (28) feet beyond the vehi-
cle'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 Mississip-
pi 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 (2) chains, two (2) wire ropes, or two (2) nylon straps, one (1) positioned behind the front bol-
ster and one (1) in front of the back bolster.
Front—The load on any vehicle operated alone, or with the load on the front unit of any combina-
tion of vehicles, must not extend more than three (3) 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 De-
partment of Transportation.

COMBINATION TOWING

No semitrailer or trailer combinations in excess of two (2) units, excluding the towing vehicle, will be al-
lowed to operate on Mississippi highways.
No more than two (2) vehicles in any combination may be towed by saddle mounts, and no more than one
(1) motor vehicle may be towed by towbar.

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 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 (50) 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 sta-
tions so that it can be weighed to determine if it is overloaded. Call 601-359-1148 for additional in-
formation.

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; are carrying sand, dirt, gravel, rocks, or any similar material; and your load reaches within
six (6) 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 (4), six (6)inch sideboards, one (1) attached to the front, one (1) to the back,
and one (1) to each side of the body. These sideboards must be lowered when you
are loading the vehicle, and none of the load can extend above the body. After load-
ing is completed, you must raise these sideboards and secure them for the trip.

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.

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 SAFE DRIVING

FOLLOWING DISTANCE
If you are driving a truck, truck-trailer, or other similar vehicle on a roadway outside business or resi-
dential districts, you must not follow within three hundred (300) 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. Don't 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 clear-
ance 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 (15) persons (including the driver).
4. Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards.

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 APPENDIX A:
Quick Reference—License/Permit Requirements

If you are a fourteen (14) year-old appli- If you are a seventeen (17) year-old ap-
cant and a driver education student, plicant, you must:
you must: 1. Have your application properly completed
1. Have your application properly completed and signed by the applicant.
and signed by both parents unless they are 2. Present original birth certificate, social se-
divorced or one is deceased. Have your par-
curity card, and school attendance form
ents’ signatures notarized.
(valid for thirty (30) days).
2. Present original birth certificate, social se- 3. Pass the computer examination by 80%.
curity card, school attendance form (valid
for thirty (30) days). 4. Pass the vision examination.

3. Pass the vision examination.

4. Pass the computer examination by 80%. If you hold an out-of-state license, you
Note: This permit is only valid when driving with must meet all of the requirements in your cor-
a Driver Education instructor. responding age group. The Computerized Exam
may be waived. Your out-of-state license must
be surrendered. If you do not have a hard-copy
If you are a fifteen to sixteen (15-16)
license, you must obtain an Inability to Surren-
year-old applicant, you must:
der Affidavit, and it must be notarized.
1. Have your application properly completed
and signed by both parents unless they are
divorced or one is deceased. If you hold a regular Mississippi driver’s
2. Have your parents’ signatures notarized. license and you want a Class D commer-
3. Present original birth certificate, social se- cial license, you must:
curity card, school attendance form (valid 1. Take and pass the computer examination.
for thirty (30) days). 2. Take and pass the vision examination.
4. Pass the vision examination. 3. Pay the required fee.
5. Pass the computer examination by 80%. 4. Take and pass the driving exam.

6. Hold permit for one (1) year or until you

turn 17 years old, whichever occurs first.

A learner’s permit can only be used for driving with a licensed driver. Out-of-state
permits are not honored.

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 APPENDIX B:
Sample Test Questions—Regular Driver’s License
On your driver’s license examination, you will be given a computerized test comprised of thirty (30)
multiple-choice questions. The following questions are intended as a guide to help you in preparing for
the examination. These are examples only and do not appear in any order of importance. The questions
below DO NOT reflect the entire test: Study this complete manual to prepare for the exam.

What should you do when a law enforcement What strategies should drivers follow when travel-
officer is directing traffic? ing long distances?

What is the best way to inform other drivers of When you overtake another vehicle at night, why
your intention to turn or change lanes to pass? should you use your low beams?

What should you do if you notice a dangerous situ- What should you do if you are being overtaken by
ation (such as a stranded car or broken crossing an emergency vehicle (fire truck, police car, ambu-
signal) at a railroad crossing? lance) flashing its emergency lights? What should
you do if the emergency vehicle is parked on the
What steps should you take to make a left turn at shoulder with its emergency lights flashing?
an intersection? A right turn?
Why should you use your turn signals well in ad-
Where do most accidents occur? vance of a turn? How far in advance should you
signal?
What should you do if you take the wrong exit on
the interstate? When exiting from the interstate, where should
you begin slowing down?
What should you do if your vehicle has a blowout?
What should you do before backing out of a diago-
What minimum amount of automobile liability in- nal parking space?
surance is required in Mississippi?
What should you do if your vehicle becomes
When parallel parking downhill, which direction stranded on a railroad track?
should you turn your wheels before setting the
parking brake? Why are rear-end collisions so common on inter-
state highways?
On a two-way, four-lane street, which lane should
you use to make a left turn? At an intersection, when must you determine right-
of-way?
What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?
When may you drive at the posted speed limits in
When are paved roads likely to be their slickest? Mississippi?

If you are traveling in the right lane of an interstate Why shouldn't you drive when you are ill, angry, or
highway, what adjustments should you make when depressed?
other vehicles are entering the highway?
What is the legal maximum distance at which you
What does "over-driving" your headlights mean? may park your car parallel to the curb?

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75
What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean? If your vehicle has become disabled on an interstate,
what is the proper way to signal other motorists
What are the penalties for first offense DUI? that you need assistance?

What are the penalties for first offense Zero Toler- Mississippi law requires children at what age to be
ance DUI? secured in a child safety seat?

What blood alcohol content range falls under Zero At what age, height, and weight must a child be se-
Tolerance for drivers under the age of twenty-one cured in a booster seat (belt-positioning booster
(21)? seat system) when traveling in a vehicle?

If a driver encounters a pedestrian crossing an inter- Under the informed consent law, what is the penalty
section in an unmarked crosswalk, who has the right for refusing to submit to a chemical or breath test?
-of-way?
What does a flashing red light at an intersection in-
If you approach a school bus that is loading or un- dicate?
loading school children, what should you do?
Before making a turn at an intersection you should
If you are driving slower than other traffic on an in- give a signal for at least how many feet?
terstate, which lane should you use?
When meeting a car at night with blinding lights,
What is the first step you should take before back- what is the safest thing to do?
ing any vehicle?
When nearing an intersection marked with a "yield
What is a traffic lane? right-of-way" sign, what must you do?

If you are involved in an accident, what information What steps should a driver take to safely pass an-
should you give the other drivers involved? other vehicle on a two-lane highway?

What direction does traffic always follow in a round- What is the most dangerous place on a highway?
about or traffic circle?
Why should you be especially careful when driving
What does a flashing light or a ringing bell at a rail- near a pedestrian who uses a white cane, or a white
road crossing signify? cane with a red tip?

As a general rule, what is the safest thing to do if What is a driver's responsibility when driving
your vehicle goes into a skid? through an area where children are playing?

When is it acceptable to drive with your lights on What does a double solid white line indicate?
high beam?
When meeting or following a vehicle at night, how
What headlight beam should you use when driving many feet away should you dim your headlights?
at night in a heavy fog?
When two vehicles enter or approach an intersec-
What lane markings indicate that passing is per- tion at approximately the same time and there are
mitted? no traffic signs or signals, who has the right of way?

When entering an interstate highway from the ac- What is the maximum speed limit for cars and trucks
celeration lane, how fast should you go? on two-lane highways in Mississippi?

Which vehicle has right-of-way at an intersection? What are the maximum and minimum speeds on
interstates in Mississippi?
When is a right turn permitted at a red traffic signal?
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 APPENDIX C:
Sample Test Questions—Class D Commercial License
The examples below show the types of additional information included on the Computerized Exam for
the Class D Commercial License. The questions below DO NOT appear in any order of importance, and
they DO NOT reflect the entire test: Study this complete manual to prepare for the exam.

No vehicle unloaded or with load shall exceed a If a vehicle that is over twelve and one-half (12-
height of how many feet? 1/2) feet in height does damage to any overhead
structure or wire that is at least twelve and one-
Every motor vehicle which is so constructed or half (12-1/2) feet high, who is liable for damages?
loaded as to obstruct the driver's view to the
rear shall be equipped with a side mirror located Permits to move a vehicle or load that is in excess
to give a view of the highway for at least how of the legal size or weight must be obtained from
many feet? whom?

Any vehicle loaded to within less than six (6) If a truck or bus becomes disabled on the road-
inches to top of body with sand, dirt, gravel, or way at night, three (3) flares or reflectors must
rock shall not be driven or moved upon any high- be placed to warn other drivers. One is placed
way unless it is equipped how? alongside the vehicle. Where are the other two
(2) placed?
When your vision is limited due to bad weather
conditions, what is the maximum speed on all All clearance side-marker lamps on or near the
highways for trucks, truck-trailers and buses? front of a trailer must be what color?

No semitrailer operating in a truck tractor- All reflectors mounted on the rear and on the
semitrailer combination and no trailer drawn by side nearest the rear must be what color?
a motor vehicle shall exceed what length?
Every vehicle transporting explosives must be
No semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck trac- equipped with fire extinguishers filled and ready
tor -semitrailer-trailer combination and no trailer for immediate use. At least how many are re-
operating in a double trailer combination drawn quired?
by a motor vehicle shall exceed what length?
All trucks must have a red or amber stop light
How many vehicles in combination may be and shall be lighted when?
towed by saddle mount?
The load upon any vehicle or combination of ve-
How many motor vehicles may be towed by a hicles shall not extend beyond the front bumper
towbar? of such vehicles more than how many feet?

Trucks must stop at all weigh stations on the Before backing a large truck, what is the first step
main highways for what reason? you should take?

No single vehicle unloaded or loaded shall have The total outside width of any vehicle or load
an overall length (including front and rear bump- shall not exceed how many feet?
ers) of how many feet?
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 APPENDIX D:
Organ Donation
The transplantation of human organs is often the only therapy for people whose organs have failed.
Organ transplants save thousands of lives each year. In addition, the donation of tissues such as cor-
neas, skin, and bone can enhance the lives of those 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. Depart-
ment of Health and Human Services, an average of twenty-two (22) people die each day waiting on a
transplant.

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 con-
sent for organ donation. Mississippi's Gift of Life Act (1998) requires that all families be given the op-
tion 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 test site. Please learn all you can
about organ donation and have a conversation with your family about your wishes.

The quality of hospital treatment and life-saving efforts will not be lessened if you choose to donate.
Only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and the physician 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 ex-
penses 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 oper-
ating 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.

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 APPENDIX E:
The Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace Parkway is administered by the National Park Service of the United States Depart-
ment of the Interior. It stretches four hundred Fifty (450) miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to a point
near Nashville, Tennessee. Mississippi's section is three hundred fifty (350) miles long. The Parkway
commemorates the Natchez Trace, a frontier road, prominent in the development of the Old South-
west. An elongated park including a high-quality roadway, the right-of-way averages one hundred
(100) acres for each mile of roadway. The Parkway runs from four to seven hundred (400-700) 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. Com-
mercial vehicles are excluded from the Parkway, and access is limited. Crossroads separated by
grades, long curves, good sight lines, 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 hav-
ing a safe and enjoyable trip. Report all accidents, fires, or other emergencies to the nearest Ranger.
Natchez Park numbers are listed in local telephone directories under U.S. Government.

If you cannot locate the number and need assistance, dial “0” for the operator and ask to be connect-
ed to the nearest Natchez Trace Park Ranger. Be sure to give your approximate location and to de-
scribe the 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 (50) 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 addi-
tional 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, and nev-
er throw them or other debris from moving vehicles.

If you have any doubts about any regulation governing 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 federal court.

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 APPENDIX F:
Energy Conservation
Passenger automobiles consume about 14% of all the energy and about 31% of all the petroleum used in the
United States. If the fuel consumption of the average car were reduced just 15% through better planning of car
use, better driving practices, and better maintenance, the nation's consumption of petroleum would fall by
over 28,000,000 gallons per day. Such savings of daily fuel consumption would significantly stretch current
fuel supplies, save money, and lessen pollution.

ENERGY-SAVING SUGGESTIONS:
DRIVE AT MODERATE SPEEDS. As your speed increases so does your car's wind resistance—a big factor in
gasoline mileage. Most automobiles get about 28% more miles per gallon on the highway at fifty (50)
mph than at seventy (70) mph and about 21% more at fifty-five (55) mph than at seventy (70) mph.
AVOID UNNECESSARY BRAKING, AND ANTICIPATE THE TRAFFIC AHEAD. When the traffic light far ahead
turns red, take your foot off the accelerator immediately. The light may turn green again by the time
you reach the intersection. If not, there's still a fuel saving. There is then less energy to be dissipated in
braking. Don't tailgate. This necessitates additional braking too.
START SLOWLY. Accelerate gently except when entering high-speed traffic lanes or when passing. Hot rod
driving and jerky acceleration can increase fuel consumption by two (2) miles per gallon in city traffic.
DRIVE AT STEADY SPEEDS. Hold a steady foot on the accelerator if traffic conditions permit. On the high-
way, "see-sawing" or repeatedly varying the speed by five (5) mph can reduce gas mileage by up to 1.3
miles per gallon.
SAVE GAS WHEN CHANGING GEARS. If you drive a car with a manual transmission, run through the lower
gears gently and quickly for minimum gasoline consumption. Then build up speed in high gear. If you
drive a car with an automatic transmission, apply enough gas pedal pressure to get the car rolling,
then let up slightly on the pedal to ease the automatic transmission into high range as quickly as possi-
ble. More gas is consumed in lower gears.
AVOID UNNECESSARY USE OF AIR CONDITIONING. Using the air conditioner reduces fuel economy by up
to 2.5 miles per gallon.
AVOID EXCESSIVE IDLING. The average American car consumes a cup of gasoline every six minutes when
idling. When you stop the car, don't idle the engine for more than a minute. If you are waiting for
someone, turn off the engine. It takes less gasoline to restart the car than it does to idle it.
BREAK GAS-WASTING HABITS. For instance, don't pump the accelerator or race the engine when your car
isn't in motion. Use the brake pedal rather than the accelerator to hold your car in place on a hill.
CONSOLIDATE YOUR DRIVING. Combine short shopping and commuting trips to reduce the miles traveled
for each action. Patronize shops in your immediate area as much as possible to reduce mileage.
JOIN A CARPOOL FOR COMING TO AND FROM WORK. Carpooling saves fuel and money.
SELECT YOUR NEW CAR WISELY. Study the fuel economy figures carefully. Purchase only the options and
accessories you really need.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR CAR. Proper engine tune, tire pressure, and wheel alignment will give you
better mileage. Radial tires and high-quality motor oil also boost mileage.

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