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Mississippi Hardship License After DUI

Mississippi requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Mississippi at a Glance

25/50/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

$100

State license reinstatement fee

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Mississippi

Mississippi operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver pays for damages. After a DUI conviction, the Department of Public Safety mandates SR-22 filing for 3 years from conviction date, and the filing clock restarts entirely if coverage lapses even one day.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate policy—it's a certificate your insurer files electronically with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety proving you carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage. If you cancel your policy or let it lapse, the insurer notifies the state within 24 hours and your license suspends immediately with no grace period.

Non-Owner SR-22

Non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage when you drive a borrowed vehicle and satisfies Mississippi's SR-22 requirement if you don't own a car. This applies if your vehicle was impounded, sold after arrest, or you never owned one—common scenarios post-DUI.

Liability Insurance

After a DUI, carriers often require 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 limits as a condition of offering SR-22 coverage at all.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Mississippi does not require uninsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer it at policy inception and you must reject it in writing.

What Drivers Pay in Mississippi

$228–$404/mo

Typical monthly rate in Mississippi, high-risk drivers after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • BAC level at arrest—Mississippi applies steeper surcharges for BAC .15 or higher, often doubling the base DUI increase.
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Drive Legally on Your Restricted License

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If your license is suspended

Ignition interlock-restricted license (DUI, court-ordered, Miss. Code §63-11-31). A separate DPS Hardship Drivers License is a teen (15-17) school-need permit unrelated to suspensions.

A restricted license is available while suspended.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is SR-22 required after a DUI in Mississippi?

Mississippi requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of DUI conviction, not from the date you obtain insurance or file the SR-22. If your coverage lapses even one day during that period, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety suspends your license immediately and the 3-year clock restarts from zero when you refile.

Can I get a hardship license immediately after a DUI in Mississippi?

No. Mississippi imposes a 30-day waiting period for first-offense DUI before you can apply for a Restricted License, and 90 days for second-offense or aggravated DUI (BAC .15 or higher). You must also complete the Alcohol Safety Education Program and obtain SR-22 insurance before the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will process your Restricted License application.

What is a Restricted License in Mississippi?

A Restricted License is Mississippi's official term for a hardship license that allows limited driving during DUI suspension. It permits travel to and from work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs like ASEP or substance abuse treatment, and grocery shopping within a 50-mile radius of your residence. Driving outside approved purposes or hours results in immediate revocation and extends your suspension period.