Can you speed to pass a vehicle on the road in Mississippi? Here’s what the law says
Let’s set the scene:
You’re already late for work and you got stuck behind someone going a little bit too slow on the road. But in order to pass the vehicle, you might have to speed just a smidge. Should you do it?
Well, let’s look at what Mississippi law says.
Can you legally speed to pass a vehicle on the road in Mississippi?
If you need to pass someone on the road in Mississippi don’t speed to do so.
Speeding for any reason is against the law in Mississippi and will most likely get you in trouble with law enforcement.
According to the DrivingLaws blog, Mississippi has “absolute” speeding laws.
“Mississippi’s absolute speed limits are straightforward: If you drive faster than the absolute speed, you’ve violated the law,” as stated in the blog. Typically, speed limits will be posted on road signs, but generally, here are the speed limits:
- 15 miles per hour in school zones
- 25 miles per hour in residential areas
- 55 miles per hour on undivided roads
- 65 miles per hour on divided roads
- 70 miles per hour on interstate highways
All in all, if you want to legally pass someone on the road, be sure to do so in accordance with speeding laws.
But speeding laws aren’t the only restrictions you need to be aware of when passing a vehicle on the road.
Here are some other things to know:
What are some other passing laws in Mississippi?
According to the law in Mississippi:
- No one should drive on the left side to pass unless the left side is fully visible and clear of oncoming traffic.
In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle coming the opposite way.
In addition, passing is illegal:
- When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view along the highway is obstructed;
- When approaching within 100 feet of any marked or readily distinguishable bridge, viaduct or tunnel on any roadway other than a four-lane roadway;
- When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any marked or readily distinguishable intersection or railroad grade crossing; and
- When official signs are in place directing that traffic keep to the right, or a distinctive center line is marked.
Have more questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can you speed to pass a vehicle on the road in Mississippi? Here’s what the law says."
