Mississippi Driving Records

Driving records, also known as driving history reports or DMV driving records, are official documentation detailing one's past driving behavior. These records cover pertinent details related to one's conduct on the road and are helpful for various purposes, including insurance, employment, and legal proceedings.

Every state is responsible for managing its own driving records database, and the laws surrounding access may differ widely. In Mississippi, the availability and distribution of these records are regulated by specific statutes, meaning not everyone may obtain them freely.

Being aware of these legal boundaries is vital as it safeguards your privacy and allows you to take appropriate action should there be discrepancies on your driving history report.

What Is a Mississippi Driving Record?

A Mississippi driving record is the summary of your driving history. It is maintained by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS), specifically through its Driver Services Bureau. This agency is responsible for issuing, updating, and managing all records related to driver licensing and histories within the state.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records

Official driving records are documents obtained from the Mississippi DPS. They cover the official history of a licensed driver on the road. Because of their sensitive and detailed information, access to official driving records is usually restricted to those with legally justifiable reasons and requires formal requests.

These records are often used for legal proceedings, employment background checks, particularly for driving-related jobs, and insurance underwriting.

On the other hand, public driving records are more limited in scope. They may be available through public databases or third-party services like RecordsFinder and typically include only basic information, such as recent violations or the current license status.

Public driving records are commonly used for general background checks, rental agreements, or informational purposes where a detailed history is not necessary.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Here are the common reasons why Mississippi drivers might need a copy of their driving record:

• Employment Purposes: Many employers, especially those in transportation or delivery services, require a driving record to assess a candidate's driving history and eligibility.
• Auto Insurance Requirement: Insurance companies often review driving records to determine premium rates or eligibility for coverage.
• Legal or Court Requirements: Mississippi courts may require a driving record as part of legal proceedings or to verify completion of traffic school or court-ordered requirements.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Applications: Applicants for a CDL may need to submit their driving history as part of the application or renewal process.
• Personal Review: Drivers may request their records to check for accuracy or to monitor violations.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Your Mississippi driving record includes varying information depending on the type and the document's source. Here is what is typically included:

• Driver Personal Information
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
• Driver's License Information
  • Driver's license number
  • License class and status (e.g., valid, suspended, revoked)
  • License issuance and expiration dates
• Driving History
  • Traffic violations and convictions
  • Accidents (reported crashes, especially those involving citations or insurance claims)
  • Points assessed on the license (for applicable violations)
  • License suspensions, revocations, or cancellations
  • Court-ordered driving restrictions
• Administrative Actions
  • Failures to appear in court
  • Failure to pay fines
  • Suspension due to child support or insurance issues
  • Driver improvement courses or mandatory education (if court-ordered)
• Commercial Driver Information (if applicable)
  • CDL status and endorsements
  • Disqualifications or violations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules
  • Medical certification status

Types of Driver Records Available in Mississippi

Mississippi only provides a certified driving record, unlike many other states that offer multiple types of driving records.

A certified driver record is an official, state-verified document detailing a driver's history. The Mississippi DPS signs and seals this record, making it legally valid in court proceedings, employment verifications, or official applications where verification is required. To request this certified driver record, individuals may utilize the official channels that the state DPS provides.

In addition to the certified driving record, individuals involved in or seeking information about a traffic accident may also obtain a Mississippi crash report. Those interested may also obtain a non-certified driving record, which is possible through third-party services.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Mississippi

Traffic violations in Mississippi refer to a range of offenses that breach the state's traffic laws, codified in Mississippi Code Annotated (MCA) Title 63. These violations are categorized according to severity and carry consequences from fines to license suspension to imprisonment.

Typically, drivers will be handed a ticket if they commit a traffic violation. These are then processed through local municipal or justice courts to determine guilt and the appropriate penalties.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Mississippi traffic violations fall under moving and non-moving categories and are further classified into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies depending on the seriousness of the act and potential harm caused.

Infractions are offenses typically penalized with a fine and no jail time. Misdemeanors include higher fines, potential jail time, and short-term license suspensions. Meanwhile, felonies are the most severe offenses, and they may lead to substantial fines, long-term imprisonment, and permanent loss of driving privileges.

Below are the most common types of traffic violations in the state:

• Driving without a valid license: Offenders may face fines ranging from $200 to $500 and up to six months in jail.
• Speeding: Fines typically range between $150 and $300, depending on the speed and location of the offense.
• Reckless driving: The first offense carries a fine between $5 and $100. Repeat violations may result in jail time, increased fines, and license revocation.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): First-time offenders may face fines between $250 and $1,000, jail time, and a license suspension of up to four months. Subsequent convictions within five years bring harsher penalties, including felony charges, more extended incarceration, and higher fines.

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

A traffic ticket is an official notice issued by a law enforcement officer when a driver is believed to have violated a traffic law. In Mississippi, traffic tickets may be issued by local police officers, county sheriff's deputies, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol, especially for violations that occur on highways and interstates.

Responding to a ticket promptly is crucial. Failing to do so may result in additional fines, a suspended driver's license, or even a warrant for arrest.

Below are the steps you may take to handle a traffic ticket properly:

• Review the Ticket: Understand what violation you are accused of and the court info, and determine if a court appearance is required.
• Decide How to Plead:
  • Pay the Fine: This option is an admission of guilt, and the violation will be reported to your driver's record. To pay off the ticket, you may need to contact the court clerk's office of the designated court to obtain the exact fine amount and other assessments and charges. You may pay the ticket online (if available), by mail, or in person.
  • Contest the Ticket: To do this, you must attend the court at the designated appearance date. You may represent yourself or hire a lawyer, and the judge will hear your case and decide the outcome.
  • Check Your Driving Record: After resolving the ticket, check your driving record to ensure the violation was recorded correctly. If you find changes that do not reflect your response or the trial's outcome, connect with the DPS or the court that handled your ticket to correct any errors and avoid any negative impact on your driving privileges.

How Does the Mississippi Point System Work?

Unlike most states, Mississippi does not use a traditional driver's license point system. Instead, it employs a violation-based system to monitor and penalize traffic offenses.

The Mississippi DPS tracks each violation directly. Escalating penalties may be imposed for every traffic conviction, especially for repeat offenses or serious violations.

Depending on the type, frequency, and severity of the violation, drivers who commit it may face fines, jail time, and even suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

The duration that a violation remains on your driving record depends on the nature and severity of the offense.

Minor violations such as speeding or running a red light typically stay on your record for three years from the date of the offense. Meanwhile, more serious offenses, including DUI convictions, may remain on your driving record for five years or longer. These violations may also have lasting effects on your criminal record, not just your driving history.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Per the MCA Section 99-19-71, traffic violations that result in a conviction cannot be expunged from your record. However, if the case was dismissed or dropped, you may be eligible to file for expungement under MCA Section 99–15–123.

Additionally, it may be possible to expunge a first-time DUI offense if at least five years have passed since the completion of the sentence and other conditions are satisfied.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

Generally, requesting your vehicle history in Mississippi may be done through these methods:

Online:

• Go to the Mississippi Purchase Driver Record Online page.
• Enter the following information:
• License number
• Social Security number (last four digits)
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Continue with the payment using major credit/debit cards.
• Receive your driving record upon payment.

NOTE:Online requests are one-time views and only accessible for 24 hours. Having a printer is suggested to keep a copy.

By Mail:

• Fill out the Consent to Release Records (Form DPPA-2).
• Notarize the completed form.
• Enclose a check or money order made payable to the DPS for payment and a self-addressed envelope.

• Mail the complete package to the address below.

  Department of Public Safety

  Attn: MVR

  P.O. Box 1459

  Canton, MS 39046

In Person

• Visit any Mississippi DPS office.
• Complete the Form DPPA-2 and provide a valid identification document.
• Pay the required fee to obtain your record.

How Much Does It Cost To Get a Driving Record in Mississippi?

Requesting your driving record online incurs a fee of $14.31. The fee is only $11 if you request it by mail or in person.

Online processing is immediate. Once your payment is confirmed, you may view and print your record instantly. If you request it in person, you will also get your record after payment. For mail requests, the processing time may take several business days for processing and delivery.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

Obtaining your Mississippi driving history comes with a fee. However, there are a few ways to access some details of your driving behavior without incurring any costs.

If you have been involved in a legal matter, you may request your driving record free of charge through the court system. Additionally, third-party services, local law enforcement, or your insurance company may have access to your driving history. While these entities may not provide a complete record, they may share basic details of your driving history.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically results from a history of moving and non-moving violations.

Moving violations like speeding, running red lights, or reckless driving directly impact your Mississippi driving record and may lead to stiff penalties if you commit too many. Non-moving violations, like parking tickets, usually don't appear on your driving record unless they involve unpaid fines or lead to an arrest.

Warnings typically do not appear on your driving record. However, it may be recorded if you're issued a citation, even with a warning.

Accumulating a significant number of violations, particularly moving violations, may result in fines or license suspension. Repeated offenses, especially severe ones like DUIs, may also result in long-term consequences like jail or imprisonment, or permanent loss of driving privileges.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A poor driving record in Mississippi may significantly impact your car insurance rates and employment opportunities, especially if your job involves driving.

Insurance companies often view drivers with violations such as speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUIs as higher risks. As a result, they may increase your rates to offset this perceived risk.

If you're considered a high-risk driver, you might be required to obtain an SR-22 form, which makes it more challenging to find affordable insurance, as not all companies offer SR-22 filings.

Employers also consider your driving history when making hiring decisions. Generally, a poor driving record may:

• Limit Job Opportunities: Positions requiring driving, such as delivery or transportation roles, may be off-limits.
• Affect Career Advancement: Even if driving isn't part of your current job, a poor record may hinder promotions or transfers to positions with driving responsibilities.
• Impact Professional Licensing: Certain professions may revoke or deny licenses due to a DUI or serious traffic violations.

Who Can Access Your Mississippi Driving History?

The federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) strictly limits access to sensitive information in your Mississippi driving record. It prohibits unauthorized access and the misuse of these records and mandates that any requesting party demonstrate a permissible use under the law.

Access is primarily restricted to you, the record holder, and is only extended to certain authorized entities for specific purposes. These include insurance companies evaluating risk, employers conducting background checks for driving-related positions, law enforcement officers, and government agencies performing official duties.

Additionally, courts and legal representatives may access your driving history when involved in legal proceedings, particularly in traffic-related cases.

FAQs About Mississippi Driving Records

The following provides information on common inquiries about Mississippi driving records.

Related Articles

When Your Driving License Can Be Revoked and What You Can Do About It?

Is Drunk Driving a Felony, What’s the Punishment, and How Many People Die From It?

What Is a Clean Driving Record, How It Affects Insurance and How to Keep It Clean

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?