Mississippi (MS) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Southern states currently have some of the highest teen-driver-crash-involvement rates in the country. In the state of Mississippi, one of the top ten states for teen car crashes, everyone from the highway safety chief to law enforcement officials blame lax enforcement of alcohol and speeding laws as well as tree-lined roads and poor seat-belt laws. Whatever the reason for Mississippi’s misfortune where teen drivers are concerned, the state of Mississippi does its best to reduce its teen accident rates and make its roads safer for all. The state does this by closely monitoring its Graduated Driver Licensing program (GDL).

Continue reading to learn more about Mississippi’s GDL, teen driving laws, and the consequences for violating them.

Mississippi Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Mississippi Graduated Licensing (GDL) applies to teen’s ages 15-16. In order to operate a motor vehicle, 15 year olds must have a valid learner’s permit and they must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, driver instructor or a person that is 21 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license at all times. The designated driver must occupy the seat next to the driver at all times.

The next step in Mississippi’s GDL system is the intermediate license. You must be 15 ½ years of age to obtain an intermediate or “Class Y” license and you must have held your intermediate license for a minimum of 6 months. Under the terms of the intermediate license teens are allowed to drive unsupervised between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. only.

To obtain a learner license, you must provide the following documentation to the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Social security card
•    Proof of identity
•    Certified copy of birth certificate
•    Proof of residence
•    Proof of school enrollment
•    Signature of parent or legal guardian on the application
•    $4 Learner’s Permit fee

In addition you must pass a written exam and vision test. The same documentation is required to obtain your intermediate license as well as a $6 fee.

To obtain an unrestricted driver’s license, you must be 16 years of age and have held your intermediate license for a minimum of 6 months with a clean record. In addition to the documentation above, you must provide proof of graduation or enrollment in a public, private, or home school or a GED. If you are 17 or older, you must have been issued a permit, but the intermediate license is not required.

Mississippi Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Mississippi, intermediate license holders are not allowed to drive unsupervised between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If the licensee has to drive between these hours, a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must accompany him. The driver must be seated in the front passenger seat at all times.

Mississippi Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Mississippi, it is illegal for teens holding a learner’s permit or intermediate license to drive while talking on a cell phone or texting. This law became effective July 1, 2009. If you violate Mississippi’s cell phone law, you may receive a ticket or citation and you could lose your driving privileges.

Mississippi Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Mississippi, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict an Mississippi teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your license will be suspended for 90 days and you will have to pay a $250 fine. For a second offense, your license will be suspended for 1 year and you will have to pay a $500 fine. The sentence may be reduced to 6 months if you complete a certified alcohol/drug program.

For a third offense, your license will be suspended for 2 years or until age 21 -- whichever is longer. You will also have to pay a $1,000 fine and you will have to complete a certified alcohol and drug program. If you refuse to take a chemical test, you will be prosecuted as an adult. This means you may have to spend time in jail and the conviction will be added to your driving record.

Mississippi Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

The minimum liability coverage that you must carry in order to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Mississippi is 25/50/25. This law applies to adults and teens. 25/50/25 is equal to $25,000 bodily injury liability per person in an accident, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Because Mississippi is a Tort state and because teen drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident their first year behind the wheel, Mississippi auto insurance companies recommend that all driver’s consider carrying higher coverages than the state minimums – this includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Under the Tort system, if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause or fault of the accident. The person deemed at fault is responsible for all damages. Damages are usually handled through the at-fault person's insurance company.

If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year. Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing a high performance or luxury vehicle for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).