Parking, Stopping, and Backing
Where You May Not Park
Mississippi law prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection, within 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal, within 50 feet of a railroad crossing, on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, or on a bridge. Do not park on the wrong side of a two-way street or double-park. Parking on a hill requires setting the parking brake and turning the wheels: turn wheels toward the curb when facing downhill, and away from the curb when facing uphill (so the vehicle rolls into the curb, not traffic).
Stopping Rules
A stop sign requires a complete stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk-rolling stops are violations. At a flashing red light, stop fully, then proceed when clear. When a school bus displays flashing red lights, stop. Stop before entering a crosswalk, not on it.
Backing Safely
Before backing, check mirrors, look over your shoulder, and check for children and pedestrians. Back slowly-typically no faster than a walking pace-and be prepared to stop. Never back on a freeway or highway ramp. Use a spotter when possible.
Traps: distance questions (15/20/30/50 feet) are commonly mixed up-memorize the hydrant (15), crosswalk/intersection (20), stop sign (30), and railroad (50). Hill-parking wheel direction is another frequent trap. Worked example: Parking facing uphill with a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb so that if the vehicle rolls, the tire catches the curb.