MDOT Clears Santa Claus for Travel

Takeoffs and landings to and from the homes of children on the “Nice List” have been approved. 

The Mississippi Department of Transportation has announced that Santa Claus has met all permitting and airspace requirements, clearing St. Nick and his reindeer for travel in Mississippi on Christmas Eve.

Santa’s extra wide sleigh load passed inspection, 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’d like to thank Santa, our partners in law enforcement and the entire North Pole team for their cooperation and attention to matters of transportation safety,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “Santa shares our passion for safe driving, whether by car, truck or sleigh. Do yourself a favor and stay off the “Naughty List” by paying attention to the rules of the road 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 weekend. Conditions currently appear favorable for a sleigh flight on Christmas Eve.

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

Stay updated with live traffic information at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. Sleigh traffic version in beta.


Courtesy of MDOT

2026 Rebels Football

Sun, Sept. 6vs Louisville, Nashville6:30 PM, ABC
Sat, Sep 12vs Charlotte6:45 PM, ESPN2/SECN
Sat, Sep 19LSU6:30 PM, ABC
Sat, Sep 26@ FloridaTBD
Sat, Oct 10@ VanderbiltTBD
Sat, Oct 17MissouriTBD
Sat, Oct 24@ TexasTBD
Sat, Oct 31vs AuburnTBD
Sat, Nov 7vs GeorgiaTBD
Sat, Nov 14@ OklahomaTBD
Sat, Nov 21vs WoffordTBD
Sat, Nov 28vs Mississippi State11:00 AM, ABC