Mississippi Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Motorcycle ownership in the State of Mississippi includes knowing the safety laws and whether you need to register and insure your motorcycle. Mississippi does require that the owner/operator of a motorcycle carry a minimum amount of motorcycle liability insurance for accident injuries, death because of an accident and property damage.

Safety Rules

The State of Mississippi requires each owner/operator and rider to wear a helmet. There are no exceptions to the law. However, the state does not require a person to wear eye protection. It is advised, that even if you have a windscreen, that you wear eye protection. If even a small speck of sand gets kicked up into your face, it could land in your eye and cause you to lose control of the motorcycle. If you are wearing a full-face helmet and are using the face shield, you do not need to worry about eye protection.

Mississippi does not require you to have a passenger seat or passenger foot pegs if you are going to ride with a passenger. Though it is probably not safe to ride a passenger on the handlebars or to try to cram both of you onto the same seat. Mississippi also does not require mirrors and turn signals on your motorcycle.

The handlebars on the motorcycle cannot be higher than 10 inches above the joint where the handlebars fasten to the forks. This is also required to be correct when you go for an inspection.

If you are riding off road, you must wear a helmet if you are under 16 years of age and are riding on public lands. Eye protection is not required. You also do not need a license if you are riding off road.

Establishing Financial Responsibility and Minimum Insurance Requirements

The best way to establish financial responsibility in the State of Mississippi is to carry motorcycle insurance coverage. While the statutes provide minimum insurance coverage, depending on what type of motorcycle you have and your financial position, you may want to carry increased coverage. At the least, you must carry $25,000 in liability insurance for the injury or death of one person per accident, $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people per accident and $25,000 in property damage coverage.

If you do not have proof of insurance when you are stopped, the first-time offense will net you a fine of $1,000. You will also have your registration suspended for a year. If you get caught a second time, the penalties are stiffer. If you do get caught on your first offense, you may be able to get your registration reinstated if you can prove you had insurance at the time the officer stopped you. To avoid any hassles, always carry your insurance card with you when riding.

Do not let your insurance lapse for non-payment. The best way to ensure that your motorcycle stays insured is to pay the yearly premium in one lump sum, or to allow the insurance company to electronically transfer funds each month. Depending on your insurance company, you may also opt to have payments automatically applied to your debit or credit card. Just be sure to make a note of the expiration date and provide the insurance company with the new number before the next automatic payment.

Motorcycles Defined for Insurance and Registration Purposes

You must insure any two-wheeled vehicle that meets the State of Mississippi’s requirements to drive on any public roadway. A motorcycle is defined as having a motor of over 50 cc. A moped or scooter has an engine with less than 50 cc. Both mopeds and scooters are required to be registered and insured if you plan to drive them on public roads.

Canceling Your Insurance Policy

If you need to cancel your insurance policy because you are taking the bike off the road for extensive repairs or because you sold the bike, notify your insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles so that you don’t incur fines. Do not just stop paying on motorcycle insurance premiums. You will have an easier time reinstating insurance and registration later.