Drink-driving limits in Mississippi (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Mississippi sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Zero Tolerance for Minors: a person under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or more but lower than 0.08% faces a 90-day licence suspension and a $250 fine on a first offence. [1] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | An alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more in the blood or breath for persons operating a commercial motor vehicle. [1] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | First offence: a fine of $250 to $1,000, or up to 48 hours in jail, or both; mandatory alcohol safety education and a licence suspension of at least 90 days (not more than one year). [1] |
Notes
- Statute text as reproduced in an official Department of Public Safety training manual dated 2019; later amendments to section 63-11-30 were not checked because the legislature's site could not be reached. The 0.08% limit applies above the legal age to purchase alcohol, the 0.02% limit below it.
Sources
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety: Implied Consent: Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing Training manual (official DPS PDF, 2019; reproduces Miss. Code 63-11-30 as of that edition) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Mississippi and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 0.08% (21 and over) | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | First: $250-$1,000 / up to 48 h |
| Alabama | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year; $600-$2,100 fine |
| Arkansas | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year jail, $150-1,000 fine |
| Louisiana | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety checkpoints | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Mississippi
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Civil offence up to 30 g · Growing at home: Not allowed
- Car speed limitsOutside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (two-lane highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (regular licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksMinimum age to buy: 12 (no sale to under-12s)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed carry of listed knives is an offence · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: no concealed carry
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, operator and passengers
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.