AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 63-31-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES TO OPERATE ON COUNTY RURAL, GRAVEL OR PAVED ROADS; TO REQUIRE, FOR SUCH OPERATION, COMPLIANCE WITH LICENSING AND TAGGING REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS, EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING EQUIPPING WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS; TO SPECIFY THAT A LICENSE TAG SHALL NOT AUTHORIZE THE USE OF AN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE OR RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE FOR TOWING, OR FOR OPERATION ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY OR ANY OTHER ROAD FOR WHICH THE SPEED LIMIT EXCEEDS 40 MILES PER HOUR, EXCEPT FOR CROSSING CERTAIN ROADS; TO AMEND SECTION 27-19-99, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT MONIES REMITTED OR RECEIVED AS REGISTRATION OR TAG FEES FROM THE ADDITIONAL RATE OF $5.00 SHALL, IN THE CASE OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES, BE PAID TO THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE VEHICLE IS REGISTERED; TO AMEND SECTIONS 27-19-3, 27-19-5, 27-19-43, 27-51-5, 63-3-103, 63-15-3 AND 63-21-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
SB 2628 would expand where all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) may be operated in Mississippi by allowing them on county rural, gravel, or paved roads. To do so, the bill requires those vehicles to comply with licensing and tagging rules and with most other motor vehicle regulations, while exempting windshield-wiper requirements. It also sets limits on use: a tag would not authorize towing, operation on interstate highways, or operation on any road with a speed limit above 40 miles per hour, though limited crossings of certain noncounty roads would still be allowed under specified safety conditions.
The bill also makes conforming changes across several code sections so that ATVs and ROVs operated on the newly authorized roads are treated as vehicles or motor vehicles for purposes of registration, taxation, title, and related traffic-law provisions. It adds an annual highway privilege tax of $8 for each ATV or ROV operated on those roads, and it directs the additional $5 registration/tag fee associated with those vehicles to the county where the vehicle is registered rather than to the State Highway Fund. The effective date is July 1, 2026.
Overall, the bill appears to be framed as a road-access and local-revenue measure for off-road vehicles, with a strong emphasis on bringing ATV and ROV use under existing licensing, tagging, and safety rules rather than creating a separate regulatory system. By amending multiple statutes, it would integrate these vehicles into Mississippi’s motor vehicle code for limited on-road use and related administrative purposes.
Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented legislative debate to gauge formal support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the likely policy appeal is to riders, rural users, and counties that may benefit from additional fee revenue, while potential concerns would center on roadway safety, enforcement, and the appropriateness of allowing off-road vehicles on public roads. The bill’s built-in speed limits, crossing rules, and equipment exceptions suggest an attempt to address those safety concerns.
Notable points of contention likely include whether county roads are appropriate for ATVs and ROVs, whether the $8 annual tax and fee structure is sufficient, and whether shifting the $5 fee revenue to counties could affect state highway funding. The bill also draws a distinction between county roads and higher-speed or interstate facilities, indicating an effort to balance expanded access with restrictions on more dangerous roadways.
SB 2628 would amend Mississippi’s off-road vehicle, motor vehicle, registration, privilege tax, title, and financial-responsibility statutes to recognize ATVs and recreational off-highway vehicles as vehicles for limited on-road use on county rural, gravel, or paved roads. It would impose licensing, tagging, and most motor vehicle compliance requirements on those vehicles, create an annual $8 highway privilege tax for ATVs and ROVs operated on those roads, and redirect the additional $5 registration/tag fee from the state highway fund to the county of registration. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.
No committee discussion or vote history is provided, so there is no recorded legislative sentiment to summarize from debate or roll calls. From the bill’s structure, the measure appears generally favorable to expanded ATV/ROV access while also reflecting caution through speed limits, crossing restrictions, and safety compliance requirements. The absence of recorded opposition or support leaves the overall sentiment indeterminate beyond the bill’s apparent policy intent.
The main likely points of contention are public safety, roadway compatibility, and revenue distribution. Supporters would likely emphasize rural mobility, recreational access, and county-level fee retention, while opponents may worry about crashes, enforcement burdens, and conflicts with existing traffic norms on public roads. Another potential dispute is fiscal: the bill diverts the additional $5 tag fee for these vehicles to counties instead of the State Highway Fund, which could raise concerns about reduced state transportation revenue.