MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Transportation
By: Representatives Newman, Anderson (122nd), Hale, Kinkade, Shanks, Wallace, Weathersby, Faulkner, Foster
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE OPERATOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IN AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH ON A HIGHWAY IN THIS STATE THAT IS CAPABLE OF SAFELY MOVING THE VEHICLE SHALL DO SO BY MOVING THE VEHICLE TO A DESIGNATED ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SITE, A LOCATION ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD, THE NEAREST SUITABLE CROSS-STREET OR OTHER SUITABLE LOCATION; TO MAKE A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION PUNISHABLE AS A TRAFFIC OFFENSE BEGINNING ON JULY 1, 2021; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) If a traffic accident occurs without serious injury or death on a main lane, ramp, shoulder, median, or adjacent area of a highway in this state and each vehicle involved can be normally and safely driven, each operator shall move the operator's vehicle as soon as possible to a designated accident investigation site, if available, a location on the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross-street, or other suitable location to complete the other requirements under the law and minimize interference with highway traffic.
(2) Under this section, a vehicle can be normally and safely driven only if the vehicle:
(a) Does not require towing; and
(b) Can be operated under its own power and in its usual manner, without additional damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic, or the roadway.
(3) For purposes of this section, "serious injury" means an injury that results in the need of an ambulance or other emergency medical transportation being called to the scene of the accident.
(4) Beginning on July 1, 2021, a person who does not comply with the requirements of this section shall be punished in accordance with Section 63-9-11.
(5) The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall determine and erect appropriate signs in appropriate locations throughout the state to inform the public about the new state law provided for in this section.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.