Trucking Regulations in Mississippi
Complete guide to weight limits, speed limits, permits, chain laws, and special rules for commercial truck drivers operating in Mississippi.
Max Gross Weight
80,000 lbs
Truck Speed Limit
70 mph (same as cars)
Diesel Tax
$0.188 per gallon diesel + federal (among lowest in US)
Weight & Size Limits in Mississippi
| Measurement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs |
| Max Axle Weight | 20,000 lbs single axle, 34,000 lbs tandem |
| Max Trailer Length | 53 ft trailer, 65 ft overall |
| Max Width | 102 inches |
| Max Height | 13'6" |
Speed Limits for Trucks in Mississippi
Rural Interstate
70 mph
Urban Interstate
55 mph
Truck-Specific
70 mph (same as cars)
Fuel Tax & Tolls in Mississippi
Diesel Fuel Tax
$0.188 per gallon diesel + federal (among lowest in US)
Toll Roads & Bridges
No toll roads in the state.
Chain Laws & Weather Requirements
No chain law. Winter weather is rare and brief.
Oversize & Overweight Permits
MDOT Permits Division. Mississippi is generally accommodating to oversize loads. Online permitting available.
Port of Entry & Weigh Stations
Weigh stations on I-55, I-20, I-59, I-10. Mississippi Highway Patrol commercial vehicle enforcement.
Special Rules for Mississippi
Hazmat Route Restrictions
Hazmat restricted through downtown Jackson. Designated routes for petrochemical loads near Pascagoula refineries. Gulf Coast hazmat routing accounts for hurricane evacuation.
Rest Area & Parking Rules
Rest areas and welcome centers allow generous parking times. No specific anti-idling law. Good truck parking availability throughout the state.
DOT Inspection Frequency
Low to moderate. Mississippi Highway Patrol has limited commercial vehicle enforcement resources. Focus on I-55 and I-20 corridors.
Looking for Trucking Jobs in Mississippi?
Browse CDL driver positions and connect with carriers operating in Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Trucking Regulations
What is the diesel fuel tax in Mississippi?
Mississippi has one of the lowest diesel fuel taxes in the country at $0.188 per gallon at the state level, plus federal tax. This makes Mississippi an attractive state for refueling, especially compared to neighboring states with higher taxes.
Are there toll roads in Mississippi?
No, Mississippi has no toll roads, bridges, or turnpikes. Combined with low fuel taxes, this makes Mississippi one of the most cost-effective states for trucking operations and through-traffic in the Southeast.
What is the truck speed limit in Mississippi?
Mississippi allows 70 mph for trucks on rural interstates, matching passenger vehicle limits. Urban interstates are 55 mph. The state has no differential truck speed limit.
How does hurricane season affect Mississippi trucking?
Hurricane season (June through November) can severely impact the Gulf Coast corridor, particularly I-10 and US-90 between Biloxi and Gulfport. Storm surge flooding, wind damage, and debris can close highways for days. The Port of Gulfport may shut down during storm threats.
What type of freight is common in Mississippi?
Mississippi freight is driven by agriculture (cotton, soybeans, catfish), poultry processing, automotive manufacturing (Nissan in Canton, Toyota in Blue Springs), oil refining near Pascagoula, and lumber/forestry. I-55 is the primary north-south freight corridor.