Auto salvage laws were implemented as a measure against the operation of unsafe vehicles on the roadways and Mississippi car salvage laws are no different. Before you are able to drive a recycled car in Mississippi, you are required to make sure that you meet the requirements for inspection and insurance, which are set by the Department of Public Safety. Whether you are the owner of just one salvage car or you sell recycled cars for a living, you must ensure that these requirements are met, since failure to comply with the laws can result in penalties or fines being imposed. Below are a few of the requirements:
Salvage Title
All trucks and cars operated in the state of Mississippi should have a title under code 162 of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can visit the nearest DPS office in order to get a title for your salvaged car and will be asked to provide your address, name and the identification number of the vehicle that is provided on the salvage title application. Additionally, be sure to provide information relating to the type of damage the car suffered.
Motor Vehicle Inspection
Section 63-1309 of Code 162 requires that salvage cars must be inspected at any authorized auto inspection service station in Mississippi before the car is allowed on the states roads. Ensure you take proof that the car has been repaired when you go to have the car inspected as well as photos of the car before the repair was done. Remember, your inspection has to be done within the district you reside so make your appointments accordingly.
Flood/Hail Damage
Mississippis Salvage Inspection Unit has a Bureau of Investigation, which asks that insurance companies make contact with the DPS before they take over the ownership of any car declared salvage. In addition, insurance companies are also required to title the salvage car in the companys name beforehand. Four photos showing the state of the car before repair is also required in this case. The title for cars suffering flood damage will be marked Flood Brand but for those with hail damage, the title will remain unmarked.
Selling the Car
The DPS Bureau of Investigations require that you inform the buyer that the purchase is a salvage car as this will stay a permanent part of the cars title history. This requirement will apply regardless of how the vehicle was damaged.