It’s important to know your legal rights (and duties) when bicycling in Mississippi. It is especially important after a bicycle accident (we call them bicycle “crashes” and explain why here).
This is a general overview of Mississippi’s bicycle laws. To see them in their completion, please visit Mississippi’s Department of Transportation. For any questions about this State’s bike laws, or about your rights to the road, contact Mississippi’s Bike Law Attorney Charlie Thomas directly.
Right to the Road
Bicycles are defined as vehicles and generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
Where to Ride
- Bicyclists are generally required to ride as far to the right of the roadway as practicable, when riding at a speed less than the speed of traffic.
- Full lane use is allowed when traveling at the normal speed of traffic, preparing for a turn, overtaking and passing, avoiding hazards or unsafe conditions, traveling in a lane too narrow to share, and avoiding a mandatory turn lane.
- Bicyclists may, but are not required to, utilize any usable path for bicycles that has been provided adjacent to a roadway.
- Mississippi state law does not have a statute that specifically authorizes or prohibits bicycle riding on sidewalks. Check local ordinances for variations on this rule.
HOW TO RIDE
- Bicyclists shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
- Bicyclists are required to slow down and come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic devices signaling red.
- Bicyclists must signal when turning or coming to a stop.
Bicyclists Overtaking Cars
Bicyclists on roadways must exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
Cars Overtaking Bicyclists
Motor vehicle drivers are required to pass bicyclists at a safe distance of at least three (3) feet clearance. Also, motor vehicle drivers may pass bicyclists heading in the same direction in a non-passing zone only when safe to do so.
Equipment
At night, a bicycle must be equipped with a front white light and a rear red reflector or lamp visible from at least 500 feet away.
Prohibitions
- It is illegal to harass, taunt or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of bicyclists.
- No bicycle shall be equipped with nor may bicyclists use any siren or whistle while riding.
- Motor vehicle drivers passing bicyclists in the same direction may not turn right at an intersection or into a highway or driveway unless the turn can be done safely.
Alcohol
- Mississippi’s DUI statute does apply to bicyclists as bicycles are defined as vehicles.
