Mississippi upholds its longstanding right-on-red rule in 2026, permitting drivers to turn right after a full stop unless prohibited by signage.
No major statutory changes appear in recent legislative updates, maintaining consistency with prior years under Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-309.
Core Right-on-Red Procedure
Drivers facing a steady red light must come to a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection, then cautiously proceed right if safe and no “No Turn on Red” sign exists.
Yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic remains mandatory, with violations treated as misdemeanors carrying fines up to $100 for first offenses.
Left turns on red follow stricter rules: allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding.
2026 Legislative Stability
The Mississippi Legislature’s 2026 regular session (e.g., HB 1225) addressed unrelated traffic signals like emergency lights but left right-on-red intact.
Automated red-light cameras remain banned statewide, shielding drivers from out-of-state camera tickets affecting records or insurance.
Key Exceptions and Signs
Prohibitive signs override the rule at high-risk intersections; red arrows further ban right turns until green. Local authorities can install markers directing turns under § 63-3-703, but statewide uniformity prevails.
| Scenario | Permitted? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Right on steady red | Yes | Full stop, yield, no sign |
| Right on red arrow | No | Wait for green |
| Left on red (two-way) | No | N/A |
| Left on red (one-ways) | Yes | Full stop, yield |
Enforcement and Penalties
Tickets fall under general traffic misdemeanors: up to $100/$10 days jail first offense, escalating to $500/six months for third within a year. Caution prevents citations, as officers prioritize safety over technicalities.
Driver Best Practices
Scan for pedestrians and traffic fully before turning—hot weather or night conditions heighten risks. Align with the rightmost lane post-turn per § 63-3-703. For updates, reference the Mississippi Code or Department of Public Safety site directly.
SOURCES :
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/mississippi-red-light-stop-sign-tickets.html
- https://kellumlawfirmpc.com/mississippi-traffic-laws-every-driver-should-be-aware-of/
