Vehicle lifts in Mississippi: tag rules and MDRS help

A hitch-mounted scooter lift sits right where Mississippi law wants your license tag: at the rear, under or over the rear light, readable day and night. Before you choose a lift, it helps to know exactly what the tag statute says, because it treats covering the tag with "any other thing or device" as a misdemeanor.

The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services also has a written policy on vehicle modifications that names wheelchair lifts. Both are quoted below, followed by notes on climate and on specific lifts.

Section 27-19-31: where the tag goes and what may not cover it

Mississippi's tag display rule is in Section 27-19-31 of the Mississippi Code. The text below is from the version reprinted in Senate Bill 2841 (2023), which amended that section and was approved by the Governor on April 12, 2023.

It reads: "One (1) license tag and up to two (2) license decals shall be furnished for all vehicles and shall be fastened immovably twelve (12) inches or more above the ground, at the rear of the vehicle under or over the rear light, with the number in upright position so that it will be plainly visible and legible at all times, and at night at a distance of sixty (60) feet."

The section continues: "Such license plate, all characters and any legally affixed decals shall not be defaced, covered or obstructed from view by any object, decal, sticker, paint, marking or license plate bracket or holder." The penalty sentence says that a person who "covers or obstructs any portion of a license tag with any sticker, decoration, paint, marking, license plate bracket or holder or any other thing or device, in such a manner that the characters and any legally affixed decals on the tag cannot be read, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor," punished "by a fine of not more than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00)." It also says "Unless the license tag with current decals is fastened to the vehicle as herein provided, the said vehicle shall be regarded as operating without a license tag."

For a lift, the practical test is simple: with the device loaded, can someone read your tag from behind, and at night from 60 feet? If the platform or scooter hides it, the tag needs to move to a mount where it stays fastened, upright and readable after dark. We did not find a Mississippi statute that names wheelchair or scooter carriers specifically.

MDRS and vehicle modifications

The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services describes its rules on its Vehicle Modifications page. "Motor vehicle modifications may be provided, when necessary, to enable clients to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment or achieve independent living goals." It adds that "MDRS will not purchase or lease a vehicle," and that it "will only participate financially in the purchase of AT devices, adaptive equipment, and vehicle modifications."

MDRS sorts the work into two groups. "Minor Modifications" "may consist of hand controls, wheelchair lifts, spinner knobs, power seats, and/or wheelchair securement devices," while "Major Modifications" "may consist of raising the roof, lowering the floor, and/or modifying major structural or operating features." The evaluation "may consist of three different parts: an adaptive driving evaluation, a vehicle assessment and vehicle modifications," and "The client must hold a valid driver's license or permit to receive a driving assessment." Because MDRS assesses the vehicle against its own guidelines, talk with MDRS before buying a lift you hope it will help fund.

Lifts for different Mississippi vehicles

• Harmar AL100-DE: a dual-entry scooter platform that Harmar says carries nearly any three- or four-wheel scooter, rated for 350 lb, on a Class II or higher hitch. A license plate mount is included.
• Harmar AL580-HDX: for heavier mid-wheel drive power chairs with 14 in drive wheels, a 450 lb capacity and four Q'Straint retractors, on a Class III or greater hitch.
• Harmar AL825 Pickup Speed: a pickup hoist rated at twice the speed of Harmar's heavy duty models, lifting a manual chair, small power chair or scooter up to 210 lb into most trucks.
• Harmar AL215: a light-duty hoist for minivans, SUVs, vans and trucks, with a 250 lb capacity, a weather-resistant hand control, and the backup camera still usable.

Heat, downpours and hurricane season

NOAA's Mississippi climate summary describes the Gulf's influence: "a quite persistent southerly flow of air off the Gulf during the warmer half of the year," which gives Mississippi "hot summers, and year-round precipitation." It reports that "The number of 3-inch extreme precipitation events has generally been above average since 1970," and that the state "is at risk for catastrophic damage from hurricanes."

A scooter or chair riding on the hitch is exposed to all of that. A cover helps against rain, and a hoist that stows the device inside a van or SUV keeps it out of the sun and the weather. On the coast, plan where the device goes if you need to leave quickly ahead of a storm.

Project START

Project START, the state's Assistive Technology Act program under MDRS, loans devices for a period that "usually runs for 45 days," gives refurbished donated equipment "free of charge," and demonstrates devices at its Madison office and partner centers. The AT3 Center lists device loan, demonstration and reutilization for Mississippi.

Ordering and delivery to Mississippi

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Faith Mobility ships to the lower 48 states and DC. Orders over $500 ship free, those under $500 ship for $15, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. See our Mississippi shipping page, and match a lift to your vehicle with the vehicle lift fit check.

Questions about vehicle lifts in Mississippi

Can a hitch lift cover my license tag in Mississippi?

No. Section 27-19-31, as reprinted in Senate Bill 2841 (2023), says the plate and its characters "shall not be defaced, covered or obstructed from view by any object," and covering a tag with "any other thing or device" so it cannot be read is a misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $25.

How high must my tag be mounted in Mississippi?

Section 27-19-31 requires the tag to be "fastened immovably twelve (12) inches or more above the ground, at the rear of the vehicle under or over the rear light," upright, plainly visible and legible at all times, and legible at night at 60 feet. A relocated tag on a lift must meet the same test.

Will MDRS help pay for a wheelchair lift on my vehicle?

It may. MDRS lists wheelchair lifts among "Minor Modifications" and says modifications may be provided when necessary for employment or independent living goals. MDRS will not buy or lease a vehicle, evaluates the vehicle against its guidelines, and requires a valid license or permit for a driving assessment.

Is an inside hoist better for Mississippi weather?

It keeps the device out of the sun and rain. NOAA describes hot summers, year-round precipitation and above-average 3-inch rain events since 1970. Hoists such as the Harmar AL215 stow the device inside, while hitch lifts benefit from a cover and leave cargo space free.

Hitch lifts, hoists and portable lifts are together in the vehicle lift collection. The fit check matches one to your vehicle and device, and the full assessment takes in everything else. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Mississippi Legislature, Senate Bill 2841 (2023), amending Section 27-19-31
• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services: Vehicle Modifications
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Mississippi (2022)
• Project START (Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services)
• AT3 Center: state assistive technology programs
• Product specifications: Faith Mobility product pages for the Harmar AL100-DE, Harmar AL580-HDX, Harmar AL825 and Harmar AL215