In 2023, Mississippi enacted significant reforms to its traffic laws, including the regulation of right turns on red lights.
With the passage of the new legislation, it is crucial for both new and experienced drivers to understand how this update impacts their driving practices and how right-of-way laws operate in the state.
This article breaks down key traffic rules, including the recent changes and important right-of-way guidelines in Mississippi.
Mississippi Right-of-Way Laws: Key Points for Drivers
In Mississippi, the right-of-way law determines who is allowed to proceed first when multiple vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists are at an intersection or using the same roadway. The driver who does not have the right-of-way must yield until it is safe to proceed.
The right-of-way rule is a fundamental aspect of road safety and helps prevent accidents at intersections and other busy areas.
Mississippi drivers should follow these general rules for yielding the right-of-way:
- At an intersection: Follow stop signs and traffic signals. If you are at a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrives first has the right-of-way. If two cars arrive simultaneously, the car on the right has the right-of-way.
- For pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way, whether they are crossing at a marked crosswalk or not. Extra caution is necessary for those who are blind or visually impaired.
- For emergency vehicles: When you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or hear sirens, pull over to the right shoulder and allow them to pass. At intersections, clear the path for emergency vehicles by safely proceeding and pulling over as soon as possible.
Right Turn on Red: What You Need to Know
In Mississippi, right turns on red are permitted unless specifically prohibited by a sign or local law. The rule allows drivers to turn right at an intersection after coming to a complete stop, but it’s crucial to ensure that the intersection is clear of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
However, Mississippi Rule 2025 requires a complete stop before turning right at a red light, even if there’s no signage prohibiting it.
Here’s what drivers need to remember:
- Complete stop required: Before making a right turn on red, you must come to a full stop. Only proceed if the way is clear and it’s safe to do so.
- Yield to pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections, even if they’re not at a crosswalk.
- Watch for other vehicles: Make sure there are no vehicles approaching that might be continuing straight through the intersection.
Right-of-Way at Intersections
Mississippi’s right-of-way laws aim to clarify who has the right to proceed at intersections, which is one of the most common points of confusion among drivers.
- At a four-way stop: The vehicle that arrives first at the intersection has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the car on the right gets the right-of-way.
- At a two-way stop: If you are at a stop sign and no stop sign is present for the other direction of traffic, you must yield to oncoming vehicles.
- When turning left: Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn at an intersection.
Special Conditions for Yielding Right-of-Way
There are special situations in which right-of-way rules override general traffic laws, including:
- School buses: When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights and its stop sign extended, all vehicles must stop at least 10 feet from the bus. This applies to vehicles in both directions unless driving on a divided highway.
- Pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. This applies whether the pedestrian is crossing at a designated crosswalk or not. Extra caution should be given to those who are blind or visually impaired.
- Emergency vehicles: When an emergency vehicle is approaching, pull over to the right side of the road and stop. At intersections, clear the path for emergency vehicles by proceeding safely through and then pulling over as soon as possible.
Violating the Right-of-Way Laws
Failure to yield the right-of-way can result in fines, penalties, and increased risk of accidents. If a driver causes an accident by violating right-of-way rules, they may be held financially responsible for any resulting damages.
In some cases, legal action may be necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Legal Help for Traffic Violations and Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to another driver violating right-of-way laws, it’s important to seek legal advice. At Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we specialize in representing car accident victims in Mississippi.
Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you recover financially for any losses or injuries caused by the accident.
