Is it OK in MS to drive through yellow traffic lights? Here’s what the law says
The meaning of a yellow traffic light often varies depending on the driver and setting. While drivers understand it as a sign to slow down, others take it as a signal to speed up.
For some drivers, it’s the time of day that influences their decision at a yellow light, according to a 2022 National Library of Medicine study that found that the likelihood of a driver to pass a yellow light is higher at night than during the day.
But could you get a ticket for running a yellow light in Mississippi? Here’s what state laws say.
Is it legal to drive through a yellow light in MS?
Yes. According to Mississippi traffic laws, vehicles can carefully drive through a yellow light if a safe stop can’t be made.
However, drivers should try to stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at the intersection, according to the law.
The rules are similar for flashing yellow lights — drivers can cautiously go through it, according to Mississippi code.
Stopping at a yellow light and anticipating that some drivers may choose to stop at a yellow light is recommended, since the light is a signal that a red light is coming, according to Driversed.com.
Mississippi crash facts
There were 703 fatal car crashes in Mississippi in 2022, according to the latest data from the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
According to the 2024 data, one person dies every 12 hours and one person is seriously injured every 2.5 hours on Mississippi roads.
The following are five of the most prevalent areas that cause to deaths and serious injuries on the road, according to MDOT data:
- Unbelted occupants
- Lane departures
- Intersections
- Impaired driving
- Young drivers
