Can you break the speed limit in MS to keep up with traffic? Here’s what state law says

Have you ever debated breaking the speed limit to keep up with the flow of traffic?

It may sound like a safe idea, but speeding is one of the leading causes of driver-related deaths. In 2023, more than 11,700 people died in speeding-related incidents, according to the latest data from the National HIghway Traffic Safety Administration.

But is it legal to speed to keep up with the flow of traffic? Here’s what to know in Mississippi.

Can you be pulled over in MS for ‘going with traffic flow?’

Yes. Mississippi has “absolute limits” for speeding, meaning that speeding for any reason is illegal, according to DrivingLaws, a blog by legal information website Nolo.

If you drive faster than the posted speed limit — even to keep up with traffic around you — you can be pulled over by law enforcement, experts said.

What’s the speed limit on MS roads? Highways?

Speed limits vary throughout the state, and are typically posted on road signs for drivers to see.

However, if there isn’t a limit posted, here are some common absolute speed limits, according to DrivingLaws:

• 15 miles per hour in school zones
• 55 miles per hour on two-lane highways
• 70 miles per hour on interstate highways

What should you do if someone is tailgating you?

Here’s what to do if a driver is tailgating you while you’re driving the speed limit, according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

• Stay calm
• Continue driving the speed limit and obeying traffic signals
• Be extra cautious when you brake and do so slowly
• If it’s safe to move out of the way, put your turn signal on and move to a different lane
• Don’t give dirty looks or make rude hand gestures

What are the penalties for speeding in Mississippi?

If law enforcement stops a driver for speeding in Mississippi, it is likely the driver will receive a speeding ticket. Fines for speeding tickets can be anywhere between $150 to $300, according to DrivingLaws.

This story was originally published November 29, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

Natalie Demaree

mcclatchy-newsroom

479-616-0125

Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas.