Is Lane Splitting Legal in Mississippi?
As most motorcycle riders will tell you, riding these machines comes with a certain amount of freedom. It’s a thrilling experience to take to the open road, and a motorcycle can often go where many cars can’t. That includes riding between traffic lanes or lane splitting. But is lane splitting legal in Mississippi?
Traffic laws are designed to keep everyone on the road safe. There are specific laws depending on what type of vehicle you’re operating. For motorcyclists, lane splitting is now legal in the state of Mississippi.
This is actually a great way to reduce traffic congestion and save motorcyclists time on their trips. Although to car drivers, it might seem like motorcyclists are “cheating” by racing through a traffic jam, they are perfectly entitled to make those maneuvers provided they are obeying the other traffic laws, such as the speed limit.
As a motorcyclist, you might take extra precautions when you ride, but the same can’t be said for everyone else on the road. Suppose you find yourself injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence. In that case, you owe it to yourself to speak with a Jackson motorcycle accident lawyer at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC.
We’ve helped many clients defend against motorists whose excuse is “I didn’t see them.” That won’t fly when there are serious medical expenses and property damage to be compensated for.
You’ll be able to learn a great deal about your options during a single consultation with our attorneys.
What Are the Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Mississippi?
Only three states have not adopted universal motorcycle helmet laws. Mississippi is one of those states.
Although there is no law requiring motorcyclists over the age of 21 to wear a helmet, many opt to do so, understanding that a helmet can significantly reduce the impact of hitting the road in an accident and help lower the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury.
That’s supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whose studies find that helmet wear greatly reduces deaths and severe head injuries.
What Are the Mississippi Motorcycle Passenger Laws?
Although Mississippi does not have a law for helmets for adult riders, it does for motorcycle passengers under the age of 21. Those riders must wear a Department of Transportation-approved safety helmet.
Also, all passengers must hold onto the designated handholds while riding on the back of a bike.
Do Mississippi Motorcycle Riders Need a Special License?
To ride a motorcycle, you must have a valid Mississippi driver’s license that is endorsed for motorcycle operation. First, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in the state. To obtain the motorcycle endorsement, you’ll have to pass an additional written test and a riding skills test on a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. You will also be required to pass a vision test and pay any applicable fees.
Mississippi Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
As with car owners, motorcycle riders are also required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Those limits start at the following:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
In addition to the general liability insurance, Mississippi requires motorcyclists to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and a minimum of $10,000 in personal medical coverage protection.
Finding Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Even a minor accident between a motorcycle and a car will leave the motorcycle rider spilling onto the road. That will mean a trip to the ER, and the medical bills start accumulating. If someone else’s negligence caused that accident, you need to understand what your options are for moving forward with a claim.
The attorneys at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, can explain those options at your first consultation.
Call to schedule your talk today. We’re standing by to help.
