The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has officially cleared Santa Claus and his reindeer for travel in Mississippi on Christmas Eve. MDOT is pleased to announce that St. Nick has passed all permitting and airspace requirements with flying colors (especially red and white).

MDOT staff thoroughly inspected Santa’s extra wide sleigh load, ensuring it met all safety requirements. Permits were issued for his sack of toys exceeding posted weight limits, and Rudolph’s nose so bright met all illumination requirements. Takeoffs and landings to and from the homes of children on the “Nice List” have been approved.

“We couldn’t have asked for a jollier partner in transportation safety,” said Brad White, MDOT executive director. “Santa shares our passion for seatbelts and stated that his elves always travel in car seats. St. Nick happily complies with the rules of the road and sleigh, and he asks everyone to stay on the “Nice List” by obeying traffic laws and never driving distracted or impaired.”

Additionally, MDOT awarded Santa a Certificate of Travel Clearance, officially granting The Big Guy unrestricted access to all modalities of transportation in the Magnolia State for the holiday. Conditions currently appear favorable for sleigh flight on Christmas Eve.

Motorists are advised to drive slowly and be alert for sleighs (especially reindeer) after dark on Christmas Eve. Blitzened driving is strictly prohibited.

Stay updated with live traffic information by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting MDOTtraffic.com and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. Sleigh traffic version in beta.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.