New Laws Impacting Mississippi Car Dealers As a new fiscal year for our state began on July 1, 2024, new laws went into effect where dealers should take notice. EXTENDED PERIOD FOR PURCHASING CAR TAGS One of the most notable changes is the extension of the timeframe for purchasing a new license tag. Car buyers in Mississippi now have 30 working days to obtain their tags, a considerable increase from the previous seven-day window. This adjustment aligns Mississippi with most other states, where car buyers typically enjoy a more generous period to complete their tag purchase. This change comes as a relief to many car buyers who found the previous seven-day requirement to be overly restrictive. TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR CAR THIEVES In response to the increasing incidents of car thefts, particularly targeting dealerships, MADA has successfully advocated for tougher laws. The enactment of Senate Bill 2174 marks a significant escalation in the state’s approach to combating auto theft. Under the new legislation, judges now have broader discretion to impose severe penalties on convicted car thieves. The maximum fine has been doubled to $20,000, and the potential prison sentence has been extended from 20 years to a maximum of 30 years. These harsher penalties reflect the seriousness of car theft and aim to deter potential criminals from targeting dealerships. By increasing both the financial and custodial consequences of auto theft, Mississippi is taking a strong stance to protect its car dealerships and their inventory. MADA’s efforts underscore the importance of maintaining a secure environment for automotive businesses and their customers. SUMMARY By extending the tag purchase period, the state provides much-needed flexibility to car buyers. Simultaneously, the imposition of stricter penalties for car theft sends a clear message that such crimes will be met with severe repercussions. These measures highlight Mississippi’s commitment to fostering a fair and secure automotive market. 20
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