Getting pulled over and ticketed for driving without insurance can lead to expensive fines license suspension and other headaches in Mississippi. But there are steps you can take to deal with a no insurance citation properly and get back on the road legally.
An Overview of Mississippi’s Insurance Requirements
Mississippi is a “compulsory insurance” state, meaning all drivers are required to carry auto liability coverage. The minimum amounts are:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage
You must have proof of active insurance in your car at all times and show it to law enforcement if stopped. Officers can’t pull you over only to check insurance, but they can ask to see your card if they stop you for another reason.
The Penalty for No Insurance in Mississippi
If caught without proof of valid insurance during a traffic stop, you’ll receive a misdemeanor ticket and fine.
According to Mississippi law, the penalties for a first offense no insurance violation are
- $1,000 fine
- 1 year suspension of your driver’s license
The suspension stays in effect until you provide proof of current insurance to the Department of Public Safety.
Additional Consequences
Beyond the initial fine and suspension, an uninsured driving ticket can lead to:
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Longer license suspension – If you don’t provide proof of coverage after 1 year, your license stays suspended indefinitely until you file an SR-22 form and pay a $75 reinstatement fee.
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SR-22 requirements – You’ll need to file an SR-22 proving insurance for 3 years which is typically 2-3 times more expensive.
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Points on your license – 4 points will be added, concerning since 12 points in 2 years triggers a suspension.
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Increased insurance costs – Rates may rise 50-100% or more with a no insurance violation on your record.
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Possible vehicle impound – Your car could be towed and impounded if it’s not your first offense. You’ll pay fees to get it back.
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Difficulty finding coverage – Most insurers will outright reject applicants with lapsed insurance history.
How to Prevent No Insurance Tickets
The best defense is maintaining continuous auto insurance and following good practices like:
- Shop around for the most affordable rates
- Pay premiums on time
- Keep your insurance card current in your car
- Notify your insurer if you cancel a policy or change vehicles
- Periodically compare rates from different providers
- Ask about discounts – they can help lower premiums
What to Do If You Get a Ticket
If you do get a no insurance citation:
- Stay calm and cooperate with the officer
- Don’t admit fault or share unnecessary information
- Note details like officer/ticket info and court date
- Contact your insurance agent immediately
- Consider hiring a traffic ticket lawyer
- Appear in court or request a continuance
- Provide proof of coverage to the DPS
- Take defensive driving to offset some points
Finding New Insurance After a Ticket
Shopping for car insurance after a no insurance violation can be challenging but is possible. Strategies include:
- Getting quotes from many companies – rates vary widely
- Looking into state minimum coverage plans
- Asking insurers if they offer SR-22 filing
- Seeing if you qualify for state insurance plans
- Considering non-owner insurance if you don’t have a car
- Taking driving courses and maintaining a clean record to get better rates over time
Receiving a no insurance ticket in Mississippi leads to steep fines, license suspension, and other substantial penalties. But being proactive about maintaining continuous auto coverage, cooperating after a violation, and finding affordable insurance can help minimize the long-term impacts on your driving record and privileges.
At Hennessey, Thames & Leavitt in Vicksburg, Mississippi we understand how the law works.
Have questions? Contact us today.
Phone: (601) 636-5560
Please note: coverage cannot be bound or altered online. A service representative will need to contact you to finalize your request.
According to section 63-15-4 of the Mississippi Code, driving without proof of insurance could get you a $500 fine, a misdemeanor conviction, and the inability to drive for up to a year (or until you can prove you have proper insurance).
Remember that these fines are on top of the serious money problems that will happen if you cause a car accident and don’t have insurance.
Auto insurance protects you from losing money because of things like car repairs, medical bills, and legal fees that may come up after an accident. Automobile insurance remains a very important purchase for most Mississippians. To get the best value for your money, you must take responsibility for your auto insurance purchase.
What happens if you get caught without insurance
FAQ
How much is a no insurance ticket in Mississippi?
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State
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Fine for First Offense
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Jail Time
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Mississippi
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$500
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None
|
|
Missouri
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$20
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None
|
|
Montana
|
$250
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None
|
|
Nebraska
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$100
|
None
|
Can a no insurance ticket be dismissed in Mississippi?
What happens if you don’t have car insurance in Mississippi?
Is insurance required by law in Mississippi?
What happens if you get a traffic ticket in Mississippi?
You can also check their website as they may have an online ticket search feature. If you have a Mississippi commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must notify your employer within 30 days of being convicted of a traffic violation. You’ll lose your driving privilege if you’re convicted of a major offense.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Mississippi?
The penalties for driving without insurance in Mississippi can include fines up to $ $1,000, fines and the suspension of your driver’s license. Penalties for repeat offenses may be even harsher. You can avoid these consequences by meeting Mississippi’s minimum car insurance requirements. License and/or Registration Suspended? Car Impounded?
Can I contest a traffic ticket in Mississippi?
Before contesting a traffic ticket in Mississippi, drivers must have their citations in their possession in order to know how to settle them. Losing your traffic ticket will require you to search the information written on it because without it, you will not be able to either fight it or pay the applicable fines.
How do I pay a Mississippi traffic ticket?
Depending on where you received your traffic ticket, you may be able to pay it online, by mail, or in person. Be sure to note whether a court appearance is mandatory. Failure to respond to your traffic ticket by the due date may result in additional penalties and fines. Continue reading this page to learn how to pay your Mississippi traffic ticket.