Olive Branch police to check for non-resident car tags staying in the city

An area that Olive Branch officials have received a growing number of complaints about is people living in the city who do not have Mississippi license tags on their vehicles.  

According to a news release from City Hall, Mayor Ken Adams is getting numerous calls expressing concerns that vehicles with out-of-state tags have a permanent place in city subdivisions. 

As a result, the police department is going to start “blitzing” subdivisions and checking for violators. City officials stress that Olive Branch residents should be expected to have Mississippi license tags on their vehicles if they live in the city.  

Anyone who is found to intentionally not have a Mississippi tag on their vehicle while living in the state can expect to get a standard fine of $659.28 in Olive Branch Municipal Court. 

It’s not the first time Adams has stepped out to address an area where people from out of state may be trying to take advantage of enjoying his city’s amenities without paying their fair share of the cost.  

In January, Adams called on state legislators to draft a bill in Jackson that would charge out-of-district parents with a misdemeanor if found to have registered their children into DeSoto County Schools without having DeSoto County residency.  He pointed out at the time that it costs about $9,000 a year to educate a student and there are only a limited number of seats in the classroom.  

A bill crafted by state Sen. Michael McLendon was offered, but it died in committee.  

“We encourage residents who have an out-of-state license plate to obtain a Mississippi tag in order to avoid a court appearance and possible fine,” said Adams.  

For questions about motor vehicle licensing in the state of Mississippi, visit the Department of Revenue website.