OPERATION OF LOW-SPEED VEHICLES

Biloxi Code of Ordinances ch. 20, art. IV

in effect

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 20-4-1 Definitions.

Sec. 20-4-1. - Definitions. The following term and phrase, when used in this chapter, shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: City means the City of Biloxi, Mississippi. Governing authorities means the mayor and city council of the City of Biloxi, Mississippi. Low-speed vehicle means any four-wheeled electric or gasoline-powered vehicle [that] is capable of a top speed of no greater than 25 miles per hour and is equipped with safety equipment as required under 49 CFR Section 571.500. (Ord. No. 2440, § 2, 4-13-2021; Ord. No. 2444, § 2, 6-15-2021)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 20-4-2 Permissible operations.

Sec. 20-4-2. - Permissible operations. (a) Low-speed vehicles may only be operated on any city streets and roads where the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or below. Low-speed vehicles may not be operated on any other roads, except as provided herein. (b) Any person operating a low-speed vehicle on the city roads and streets must have in his or her possession a valid driver's license or temporary driver's permit and proof of financial responsibility as required under MCA 1972, § 63-15-1 et seq. (c) Low speed vehicles may not be operated on, over, or across interstate highways or state highways. (d) Low-speed vehicles are not permitted to cross Highway 90, or to be operated south of Highway 90. (e) Low-speed vehicles are permitted to cross certain streets that exceed the 25 mile per hour speed limit, but only for the purpose of crossing these streets, in which case the shortest traveling distance to do so shall be required at an intersection signalized by a traffic light. (f) Operation of low-speed vehicles is subject to all other applicable laws of the State of Mississippi and Biloxi related to traffic and parking, along with corresponding penalties, not specifically addressed herein. (g) The Biloxi Police Department shall monitor the permissible operations and regulations of all low-speed vehicles. (Ord. No. 2440, § 2, 4-13-2021)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 20-4-3 Registration for low-speed vehicles.

Sec. 20-4-3. - Registration for low-speed vehicles. (a) Every low-speed vehicle to be operated on a public road or street shall be required to register the vehicle on an annual basis with the City of Biloxi's Police Department. The vehicle will also be inspected to ensure it is equipped with that safety equipment as specified under 49 CFR Section 571.500. At the time of registration, the owner shall produce proof of financial responsibility and insurance. (b) The owner shall sign an acknowledgment that he or she has read and understands the provisions of this article and certifies that the low-speed vehicle is in compliance with all requirements of this article. (c) The annual cost for the registration shall be $75.00 to cover the costs of administration and inspection, payable to the City of Biloxi. (d) Upon registration a decal shall be provided that must be displayed on the left rear fender of the vehicle. (e) The registration shall remain valid for a term of one year from the date of registration of the vehicle. (f) The decal is non-transferrable meaning upon sale or transfer of low-speed vehicles, the new owner must register the vehicle before use on a public road or street is permitted. A new decal will be issued to the new owner upon registration. (g) Operating a low-speed vehicle without a decal, an expired decal or in violation of section 20-4-2 shall constitute a violation of this article and subject the owner to a fine up to $500.00 per occurrence. (h) The city may refuse to register and issue a permit for the operation of a low-speed vehicle, or may revoke a previously issued permit, if the registered low-speed vehicle and/or owner of the low-speed vehicle is involved in three or more violations of this article within one year. (Ord. No. 2440, § 2, 4-13-2021)

Biloxi Code of Ordinances § 20-4-4 Liability disclaimer.

Sec. 20-4-4. - Liability disclaimer. This article is adopted to address the interest of public safety. The city, through regulation, is addressing safety issues, and the adoption of this article is not to be relied upon as a determination that operating a low-speed vehicle on public streets or roads is safe or advisable if done in accordance with this article. All persons who operate or ride upon low-speed vehicles on public streets or roads do so at their own risk and peril, and must be observant and attentive to the safety of themselves and others, including passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The city is not liable under any theory of liability and the city assumes no liability for permitting low-speed vehicles to be operated on public streets and roads under this legislation granted by the state legislature. (Ord. No. 2440, § 2, 4-13-2021)

Source: City of Biloxi, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances and Land Development Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/biloxi/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH20TR_ARTIVOPLEEVEFetched: 11/1/2026