S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-1
Driving or control of vehicle prohibited with alcohol in blood or while under influence of alcohol, drug, or intoxicant
Status: in_force

No person may drive or be in actual physical control of any vehicle while:

(1) There is 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in that person's blood as shown by chemical analysis of that person's breath, blood, or other bodily substance;

(2) Under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, or any controlled drug or substance not obtained pursuant to a valid prescription, or any combination of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, or such controlled drug or substance;

(3) Under the influence of any controlled drug or substance obtained pursuant to a valid prescription, or any other substance, to a degree which renders the person incapable of safely driving;

(4) Under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and or any controlled drug or substance obtained pursuant to a valid prescription, or any other substance, to a degree which renders the person incapable of safely driving; or

(5) Under the influence of any substance ingested, inhaled, or otherwise taken into the body as prohibited by § 22-42-15 .

Source: SDC 1939, §§ 44.0302, 44.9920, 44.9922; SL 1949, ch 42, § 1; SL 1953, ch 246, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0302-1; SL 1973, ch 195, § 3; SL 1976, ch 158, § 42-8 ; SL 1982, ch 246, § 1; SL 2002, ch 160, § 1; SL 2006, ch 168, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-17 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-17
Failure to stop at state weighing station--Penalty--Exception
Status: in_force

The driver of any single or combination vehicle weighing in excess of ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight, who fails to stop at or who knowingly passes or bypasses any state weighing station, upon any public highway, when the station is open and being operated by law enforcement officers or motor carrier inspectors, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. This section does not apply to any recreational vehicle as defined in § 32-3-1 . For purposes of this section, a combination vehicle is any vehicle consisting of two or more units including a truck, tractor, or towing vehicle, and one or more trailers.

Source: SL 1965, ch 208; SL 1976, ch 158, § 43-6; SL 1989, ch 278; SL 1991, ch 261; SL 2018, ch 197, § 1; SL 2025, ch 44, § 19.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-19-3.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 19 / Section 32-19-3.2
Pneumatic tires with retractable studs permitted--Limitation--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 32-19-3 , any motor vehicle with pneumatic tires that features an embedded block, stud, flange, cleat, spike, or other protuberance that is retractable may be used at any time of the year upon the highways of this state. However, no such block, stud, flange, cleat, spike, or other protuberance may be engaged or extended from May first to September thirtieth, inclusive. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 2008, ch 159, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-11.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-11.1
License of driver under age twenty-one who pleads guilty not subject to revocation
Status: in_force

A person's license to drive is not subject to revocation as provided in § 32-23-18 if that person pleads guilty to violating § 32-23-21 before a revocation order is issued.

Source: SL 1982, ch 248, § 2; SL 1992, ch 225; SL 1992, ch 226, § 4; SL 1993, ch 236, § 1; SL 1993, ch 237, § 2; SL 1997, ch 189, § 3; SL 2016, ch 165, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-3.4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-3.4
Staggered registration of interstate motor carriers
Status: in_force

Each interstate motor carrier registering a vehicle under the provisions of chapter 32-10 shall be allowed to select a renewal month of February, May, August, or November. Each license plate or validation decal issued on a staggered basis shall expire on the last day of the month assigned for the renewal. If no renewal month is selected by the motor carrier or the department cannot accommodate the renewal month selected, a renewal month shall be assigned by the department. Each fleet assigned to the motor carrier shall be registered or renewed in the same renewal month.

Source: SL 2010, ch 158, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-18.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-18.1
Turning from wrong lane prohibited--Turn signal required--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required by §§ 32-26-17 and 32-26-18 . A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 175, § 21, § 2; SL 1989, ch 255, § 156.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-3
Classification of licenses
Status: in_force

Any dealer's license issued under this chapter shall be of the following classification:

(1) "Boat dealer's license," to permit the licensee to engage in the business of selling or exchanging new and used boats;

(2) "Used boat dealer's license," to permit the licensee to engage in the business of selling or exchanging used boats only.

A license issued in any of the above classifications allows a boat dealer to engage in the business of selling or exchanging new and used boat trailers without a separate license or additional fee.

Source: SL 1998, ch 185, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-24-12 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 24 / Section 32-24-12
Street racing--Organized racing prohibited--Penalty
Status: in_force

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to:

(1) Drive any vehicle on a public highway in a race, speed competition or contest, acceleration race or contest, or exhibition of speed or acceleration, or to make a speed record, if the conduct is organized or occurs as a result of a competitive response to conduct on the part of one or more drivers that, under the totality of the circumstances, can reasonably be interpreted as a challenge to a race; or

(2) Participate in any manner in any race, competition, contest, or exhibition prohibited by subdivision (1).

Upon conviction under this section, the court must revoke the defendant's driver license for a period of eighteen months. The court may issue an order, upon proof of financial responsibility pursuant to § 32-25-43.1, permitting the defendant to operate a motor vehicle for purposes of employment, attendance at school, or attendance at a counseling program.

Source: SL 2025, ch 129, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-18 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-18
Computation of fees--Plate for power unit--Identification fee--Deposit of fees
Status: in_force

The administrator shall compute all fees pursuant to existing statutes for the vehicle being licensed and issue a distinctive single plate which shall be displayed upon the power unit and entitles that power unit to tow any trailer properly licensed in any jurisdiction. In addition there shall be paid upon each power unit operating under the provisions of this section an identification fee of ten dollars. All fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the state highway fund.

Source: SL 1961, ch 237, § 28 as added by SL 1967, ch 209, § 1; SL 1977, ch 249, § 48; SL 1977, ch 253; SL 1978, ch 224, § 8; SL 1980, ch 218; SL 1984, ch 207, § 77; SL 1990, ch 230, § 10.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-15 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-15
Power of local authorities to enforce law pertaining to motor carriers
Status: in_force

The county highway superintendent of each organized county, and the boards of county commissioners in organized counties are empowered to act in their capacity as peace officers within the boundaries of their respective counties to enforce all laws and traffic regulations and the law pertaining to motor carriers, and shall have the same authority as is granted under chapter 32-2 to agents, patrolmen, and employees of the Department of Public Safety.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0607; SL 2003, ch 272, § 21.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-21 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-21
Driver under age of twenty-one operating vehicle after alcohol or drug consumption--Misdemeanor--Suspension of license--Restricted driving privilege
Status: in_force

It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person under the age of twenty-one to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of any vehicle:

(1) If there is physical evidence of 0.02 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood as shown by a chemical analysis of the person's breath, blood, or other bodily substance; or

(2) After having consumed marijuana or any controlled drug or substance, other than a controlled drug or substance lawfully prescribed for the person, for as long as physical evidence of the consumption remains present in the person's body.

If a person is found guilty of or adjudicated for a violation of this section, the Unified Judicial System shall notify the Department of Public Safety. Upon conviction or adjudication, the court shall suspend that person's driver's license or operating privilege for a period of thirty days for a first offense, one hundred eighty days for a second offense, and one year for any third or subsequent offense. The court may, upon proof of financial responsibility under § 32-35-43.1 , issue an order permitting the person to operate a vehicle for purposes of the person's employment, attendance at school, or attendance at any counseling program.

Source: SL 1998, ch 198, § 1; SL 1999, ch 165, § 1; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 23; SL 2004, ch 218, § 1; SL 2006, ch 165, § 4; SL 2019, ch 137, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-21 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-21
Driving through safety zone prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No driver of a vehicle may, at any time, drive through or over a safety zone as defined in § 32-14-1 . A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0323; SL 1989, ch 255, § 158.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-25-15 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 25 / Section 32-25-15
Speed limit at intersections with obstructed view--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

When approaching within fifty feet of and when traversing an intersection of highways when the driver's view is obstructed the maximum lawful speed shall be fifteen miles per hour. A driver's view is obstructed if at any time during the last fifty feet of his approach to such intersection, he does not have a clear and uninterrupted view of such intersection and of the traffic upon all of the highways entering such intersection for a distance of two hundred feet from such intersection. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0303 (3); SL 1941, ch 187, § 1; SL 1955, ch 168; SL 1959, ch 251, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0303 (6) (d); SL 1970, ch 175, § 12; SL 1989, ch 255, § 137.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-17 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-17
Restriction on operation under learner's permit or driver license issued by another jurisdiction
Status: in_force

No person who has been a resident of this state for thirty days may drive a commercial motor vehicle under the authority of a commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license issued by another jurisdiction.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 12; SDCL § 32-12-92; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 85, 115; SL 2015, ch 168, § 15.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-1
Motor vehicle defined
Status: in_force

In this chapter, the term, motor vehicle, includes all vehicles or machines, trailers, semitrailers, recreational vehicles, truck tractors, road tractors, and motorcycles propelled by any power other than muscular and used upon the public highways for the transportation of persons or property, or both.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0101; SL 1961, ch 217; SL 1970, ch 168, § 1; SL 1970, ch 169, § 1; SL 1974, ch 92, §§ 4 to 6; SL 1975, ch 196, § 3; SL 1977, ch 249, §§ 1 to 3; SL 1978, ch 224, § 18; reenacted 1988, ch 27, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-27 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-27
Location of temporary license permit
Status: in_force

A temporary forty-five day license permit shall be affixed to the inside windows, to the front at the lower right-hand corner of the windshield, and to the rear on the lower left-hand corner of the rear window or to the lower rear portion of the left rear window. In the case of motorcycles or trailers, the permit shall be affixed in the manner provided for metal number plates.

Source: SL 1986, ch 250, § 28; SL 1990, ch 228, § 5; SL 2015, ch 156, § 13.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-149 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-149
Retention of records by certain recipients
Status: in_force

Any authorized recipient, except a recipient of an individual record under § 32-5-148 , who resells or rediscloses personal information shall maintain for a period of at least five years records as to the information obtained and the permitted use for which it was obtained and shall make such records available for inspection by the department, upon request.

Source: SL 2001, ch 165, § 7.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-61 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-61
Individual records of accidents, convictions, disqualifications, and other licensing actions--Certain convictions and accidents recorded separately
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety shall file all abstracts of court records of convictions received by it under the laws of this state and all accident reports received. The Department of Public Safety shall maintain records or make suitable notations on the individual record of each licensee and any person domiciled in this state who is required to have a driver license showing the convictions, disqualifications, and other licensing actions for violations of any state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control committed while the licensee or person was operating any type of vehicle and the traffic accidents in which the licensee or person has been involved. The information shall be readily ascertainable and available for the consideration of the department upon any application for renewal of a license. However, with the exception of convictions resulting from operation of a commercial motor vehicle, no conviction for speeding which is ten miles per hour or less over the posted speed limit and no speeding conviction received from another state may be entered on the licensee's driving record, but may be recorded separately. The separate record may not be made available to the public. No accident may be entered on the driving record of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician if the accident occurred while the law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician was lawfully engaged in the performance of official duties as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician and the law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician was driving an emergency vehicle. The accident shall be recorded separately. No accident may be entered on the driving record of an operator of emergency snow removal equipment if the accident occurred while the operator's response to an emergency call of duty as an operator of emergency snow removal equipment and the operator was lawfully engaged in the performance of official duties in support of an emergency call of duty by a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician and was driving official snow removal equipment. The accident shall be recorded separately.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 15; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03B15 (2); SL 1977, ch 258; SL 1982, ch 18, § 25; SL 1982, ch 238; SL 1985, ch 406, § 20; SL 1986, ch 255; SL 1987, ch 230; SL 1989, ch 267, § 39; SL 1996, ch 207, § 12; SL 2004, ch 17, § 133; SL 2005, ch 167, § 1; SL 2007, ch 181, § 1; SL 2008, ch 162, § 3; SL 2014, ch 240, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-54 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-54
Used large boats--Valuation
Status: in_force

On used large boats, the county treasurer shall, for the purpose of this chapter, use the most generally used and approved nationally recognized dealers' guide provided by the secretary of revenue. If the large boat is not covered by the provided dealers' guide, the county treasurer shall seek assistance from the department.

The secretary of revenue shall file notice of approved national dealer or appraisal guides with the secretary of state indicating the effective date of such approval. Such filing is not subject to chapter 1-26 .

Source: SL 1993, ch 102, § 5; SL 1994, ch 335, § 7; SDCL 10-60-5; SL 1998, ch 74, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-3.6 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-3.6
Sale of used motorcycles and off-road vehicles on consignment where dealer possesses state title or title from bordering state--Exception
Status: in_force

In addition to the consignment sales requirements provided in this chapter, any dealer or public auction may sell, or offer to sell, used motorcycles and used off-road vehicles as defined in § 32-3-1 on consignment if the dealer has in possession a South Dakota title for the vehicle or a state title for the vehicle from a bordering state. If the motorcycle or off-road vehicle owner's state does not issue titles for the consigned motorcycle or off-road vehicle, the owner must provide a current state registration and accompanying affidavit stating that their home state does not issue titles for the vehicle being consigned. A bill of sale, the registration, and affidavit of statement must be in the possession of the consignment selling dealer or public auction along with the proper consignment contract. The department shall prescribe the form of the contract.

Source: SL 2018, ch 184, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-81 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-81
Transfer on death--Affidavit--Certificate issued
Status: in_force

Upon the death of the owner of property with a certificate of title containing a designation of beneficiary, or upon the death of the last survivor of a joint tenancy with the right of survivorship, the designated beneficiary may submit to the department an affidavit verifying the death of the owner or the death of the last survivor of a joint tenancy with the right of survivorship.

Upon verifying an affidavit received from a designated beneficiary, the department shall issue a certificate of title reflecting the transfer of ownership of the property.

Source: SL 2025, ch 116, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-61.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-61.1
Problem driver point system abstract--Fee--Disposition--Exemption
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety shall furnish to any authorized individual, upon request, a problem driver point system abstract. The request must indicate all adverse driver license actions maintained by a jurisdiction and must be released according to 23 C.F.R. § 1327 (January 1, 1995). The department shall collect seven dollars for each inquiry. The fee must be credited to the state motor vehicle fund. Any governmental entity or subdivision is exempt from this fee.

Source: SL 1995, ch 186, § 1; SDCL § 32-12-118; SL 2001, ch 171, § 115; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 23; SL 2025, ch 120, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-3.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 9 / Section 32-9-3.3
Infrequently used vehicle and equipment owners to file for license from department--Application form--Fee
Status: in_force

The owner of any vehicle or equipment as defined by subdivision 32-9-3(7) shall, prior to the calendar year in which it is to be operated, file an application for a license with the department. The application shall be on a form prescribed and furnished by the department and shall provide the department with the information necessary to implement this section. The fee shall be twenty-five dollars and shall be apportioned on a monthly basis.

Source: SL 1977, ch 249, § 20; SL 1981, ch 239, § 3; SL 1982, ch 230, § 1; SL 1989, ch 264, § 4; SL 2001, ch 164, § 2; SL 2007, ch 173, § 13.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 18 / Section 32-18-3
Trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers exempt from all-wheel requirement
Status: in_force

Trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers of a maximum gross weight not exceeding three thousand pounds, and trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers of a maximum gross weight not exceeding seven thousand pounds manufactured or assembled prior to July 1, 1974, need not be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels, provided that:

(1) The total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers shall not exceed forty percent of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer or trailers; and

(2) The combination of vehicles, consisting of the towing vehicle and its total towed load, is capable of complying with the performance requirements of §§ 32-18-8 and 32-18-9 .

Source: SL 1967, ch 197, § 1 (c) (1); SL 1968, ch 178, § 3; SL 1974, ch 222, § 2; SL 1977, ch 262, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-20 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-20
Application for title
Status: in_force

Sections 32-3A-20 to 32-3A-32 , inclusive, apply to large boats which are purchased or acquired by residents of this state on and after March 1, 1992. The provisions of § 32-3A-3 apply to large boats. Any resident of this state who purchases or acquires a large boat shall apply to the county treasurer of such person's residence for a certificate of title for the large boat.

Source: SL 1991, ch 362, § 2; SL 1994, ch 335, § 2; SDCL 42-8-71 .
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-81 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-81
Other automobile policies unaffected
Status: in_force

This chapter shall not be held to apply to or affect policies of automobile insurance against liability which may now or hereafter be required by any other law of this state, and such policies, if they contain an agreement or are endorsed to conform with the requirements of this chapter may be certified as proof of financial responsibility under this chapter.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 53; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A53.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-112 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-112
Duties of county treasurers
Status: in_force

The county treasurer shall assist in the administration of chapters 32-3 , 32-5 , and 32-5B and perform such duties in connection therewith as may be required by the secretary.

Source: SL 1986, ch 242, § 16; SL 1988, ch 236, § 20.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-42 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-42
False statement on application for certificate of title as felony
Status: in_force

Any person who knowingly makes a false statement of a material fact, either on the application for certificate of title provided for in this chapter, or in any assignment thereof, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

Source: SL 1993, ch 322, § 23; SDCL 42-8-94.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-23 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-23
Supplemental license required for each additional place of business in same county--Local codes and ordinances to be met
Status: in_force

Any person licensed under this chapter, who sells boats at locations other than the principal place of business, shall obtain a supplemental license for each auxiliary or supplemental lot not contiguous to the location for which the original license is issued. If the license is granted, the licensee may be permitted to use unimproved lots and premises for sale, storage, and display of vehicles. Supplemental lots and premises shall be located and within the county of the principal place of business of the applicant and shall meet local zoning codes or ordinances.

Source: SL 1998, ch 185, § 23.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-49 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-49
Person and vehicle defined
Status: in_force

Terms used in §§ 32-22-47 and 32-22-48 mean:

(1) "Person," any person, firm, association, or corporation;

(2) "Vehicle," any motor vehicle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, or tractor.

Source: SL 1949, ch 175, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 28.1424; SL 2010, ch 145, § 186.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-5.7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-5.7
Permit for sponsor to display customized motorcycles at event
Status: in_force

A person who is sponsoring an event for displaying customized motorcycles built for the event may do so without a license issued under this chapter if the person meets the provisions of this section. Before displaying any such motorcycle, the person sponsoring the event shall register and purchase a permit from the department. The fee for the permit is five hundred dollars. However, if the permit is purchased before the start of the event, the fee is two hundred fifty dollars. The permit is valid for fifteen consecutive days. Any person found to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be denied a permit for a period of fifteen months from the date of the violation. If any person wishes to display any customized motorcycle outside the sponsored event, the person shall register and purchase a permit as provided under § 32-6B-5.6 .

Source: SL 2019, ch 130, § 12.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-30 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-30
Expiration of license
Status: in_force

A commercial driver license issued pursuant to this chapter, expires on the licensee's birthday in the fifth year following the issuance of the license. Any nondomiciled commercial driver license expires on the date of expiration of the licensee's authorized stay in the United States as determined by the systematic alien verification for entitlements system or alternate method approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security or, if there is no expiration date, for a period no longer than one year from date of issuance. However, no nondomiciled commercial driver license may expire on a date later than the licensee's birthday in the fifth year following the issuance of the license.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 21; SL 1994, ch 252, § 4; SDCL § 32-12-102; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 93, 115; SL 2005, ch 167, § 17, eff. Sept. 30, 2005; SL 2009, ch 154, § 14, eff. Dec. 31, 2009; SL 2015, ch 168, § 26.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-50 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-50
Authority to weigh vehicle--Requiring vehicle to be driven to scales
Status: in_force

Any peace officer having reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful is authorized to weigh the same either by means of portable or stationary scales and may require that such vehicle be driven to the nearest scales in the event such scales are within five miles.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0341; SL 1951, ch 230; SL 1983, ch 241, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-21.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-21.1
Mailing fees
Status: in_force

In addition to the license plate and decal fees assessed in §§ 32-6B-21 , 32-6B-22.1 , 32-6B-23 , and 32-6B-36.3 , the department shall charge the dealer, when sent to the owner through the mail:

(1) Two dollars and fifty cents per decal or set of decals; and

(2) Twelve dollars per license plate or set of plates.

If the dealer requests that the decal or plate be express mailed, the dealer must pay the actual costs of postage and handling.

Source: SL 2010, ch 157, § 1; SL 2023, ch 98, § 3, eff. Mar. 14, 2023; SL 2026, ch 129, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-30 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-30
Design of dealers' demonstration, in-transit and temporary license permits--Information required--Source of permits
Status: in_force

The department shall prescribe, by rule, the size, color, material, and design of dealers' demonstration, in-transit, and temporary forty-five day license permits to be used by dealers licensed under this chapter. Every temporary forty-five day license permit, or dealers' demonstration, or in-transit permit, authorized by this chapter shall show the dealer's license number, which shall be of the dimensions prescribed by the department and shall have a space in which the dealer shall enter in ink the date upon which the vehicle was delivered to the purchaser and other information as the department considers necessary. Any dealer may obtain his required supply of dealers' demonstration or in-transit permits from his own source, but the permit shall conform to the requirements of the department.

Source: SL 1986, ch 250, § 31; SL 1990, ch 228, § 8; SL 2015, ch 156, § 16.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-83 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-83
Proof of financial responsibility by surety bond--Individual sureties--Amount of bond--Conditions
Status: in_force

Proof of financial responsibility may be evidenced by the bond of a surety company duly authorized to transact business within this state, or a bond with at least two individual sureties each owning real estate within this state, and together having equities equal in value to at least twice the amount of the bond, which real estate shall be scheduled in the bond approved by a judge of a court of record, which said bond shall be conditioned for payment of the amounts specified in § 32-35-2 . Such bond shall be filed with the Department of Public Safety and shall not be cancelable except after ten days' written notice to the department.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 54; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A54; SL 2004, ch 17, § 168.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-2
Payment of fee--Limitation on attempts to pass examination--Form
Status: in_force

Any application under this chapter shall be accompanied by the proper fee and payment of such fee entitles the applicant to not more than three attempts to pass the examination within a period of six months from the date of application. Any application for a driver license shall be made upon a form furnished by the Department of Public Safety.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 5; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03B05 (1); SL 2001, ch 171, § 2; SL 2003, ch 272, § 23.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-1.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 18 / Section 32-18-1.1
Certain farm vehicles exempt
Status: in_force

Any farm vehicle designed and used primarily for tillage or harvesting, or wagons and other implements of husbandry, drawn by another vehicle, if the use thereof is confined to agricultural purposes or to the conveyance of agricultural products and the transportation of farm property by or for the producers thereof, from farm to farm within his vicinity or from local community or market to farm or from farm to a local community or market, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Any farm vehicle, except wagons and other implements of husbandry drawn by another vehicle, traveling at a speed greater than twenty - five miles per hour shall comply with § 32-18-8 .

Source: SL 1975, ch 196, § 5; SL 1989, ch 256, § 14.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-11 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-11
Registration plate illumination--Requirements respecting on-off switch--Violation as petty offense
Status: in_force

Either the rear lamps required by § 32-17-8 or a separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. If the rear registration plate is illuminated by an electric lamp other than the required rear lamps, the lamps shall be turned on or off only by the same control switch at all times whenever headlamps are lighted. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0352 (5); SL 1989, ch 255, § 45.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-40-15 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 40 / Section 32-40-15
Required transportation network company disclosures to drivers
Status: in_force

The transportation network company shall disclose in writing to each transportation network company driver the following before the driver is allowed to accept a request for a prearranged ride on the transportation network company's digital network:

(1) The insurance coverage, including the types of coverage and the limits for each coverage, that the transportation network company provides while the transportation network company driver uses a personal vehicle in connection with a transportation network company's digital network; and

(2) That the transportation network company driver's own motor vehicle insurance policy might not provide any coverage while the driver is logged on to the transportation network company's digital network and is available to receive transportation requests or is engaged in a prearranged ride, depending on its terms.

Source: SL 2016, ch 167, § 15.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-9 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-15-9
Television receivers prohibited--Violation as petty offense
Status: in_force

No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle in such a position that it is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

Source: SL 1951, ch 236, §§ 1, 2; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03 48-1 , 44.9936; SL 1977, ch 189, § 104.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-37 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-37
Sale of encumbered vehicle with knowledge of lien holder--Effect against subsequent purchasers
Status: in_force

Exposure for sale of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer by the owner thereof, with the knowledge and consent of the holder of any lien, mortgage, or encumbrance thereon, shall not render the same void or ineffective as against subsequent purchasers or the creditors of such owner or the holders of subsequent liens, mortgages, or encumbrances upon such motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0203 (1) as added by SL 1951, ch 229, § 3; SL 1965, ch 186, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-88 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-88
Mount Rushmore design--Costs and feasibility
Status: in_force

The number plates authorized by § 32-5-82 may have impressed thereon, in addition to the words and numerals set forth in § 32-5-84 , a replica of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial sculptured figures; provided, that such replica can be reproduced on a motor vehicle license plate so as to be easily discernible, and shall be satisfactory as to the cost and feasibility thereof to the Governor, secretary of revenue, and warden of the state penitentiary.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0115 as added by SL 1941, ch 183; omitted SL 1943, ch 157, § 1; re-enacted SL 1951, ch 226; SL 1955, ch 159, § 2; SL 1959, ch 249, § 2; SL 1963, ch 250; SL 1989, ch 257, § 84; SL 2004, ch 17, § 57; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-41-7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 41 / Section 32-41-7
Title and registration
Status: in_force

A fully autonomous vehicle must be titled in accordance with chapter 32-3 . The vehicle's autonomy level as defined under SAE J3016B must be submitted to the Department of Revenue and the applicant shall submit documentation that attests to its autonomy level.

A fully autonomous vehicle must be registered in accordance with chapter 32-5 . The vehicle's autonomy level as defined under SAE J3016B must be submitted to the Department of Revenue and the applicant shall submit documentation that attests to its autonomy level.

Source: SL 2024, ch 122, § 7.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-163 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-163
Surrender of military specialty plates--Death of owner--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Military specialty plates shall be surrendered to the county treasurer of the owner's residence if the owner no longer qualifies for the plate. The county treasurer shall notify the secretary who shall make the necessary changes in the registration system. The military specialty plates may be retained by the owner's family upon the owner's death, but may not be displayed on any vehicle beyond the expiration of the military specialty plates or renewal decals. Failure to surrender the military specialty plates as required by this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 2014, ch 142, § 10.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6D-2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6D / Section 32-6D-2
Notice of nonconforming condition--Timeliness--Obligation to repair
Status: in_force

If a new motor vehicle does not conform to any applicable express warranty and the consumer delivers the motor vehicle to the manufacturer or its authorized dealer and gives notice of the nonconforming condition during the lemon law rights period, the manufacturer of the motor vehicle shall make the necessary repairs to the motor vehicle to remedy any such nonconforming condition. The repairs are required even after the expiration of the lemon law rights period if notice of the nonconforming condition was first given during the lemon law rights period. However, the manufacturer's obligation to repair the nonconforming condition does not extend beyond the period of twenty - four months following delivery of the vehicle or twenty - four thousand miles, whichever occurs first.

Source: SL 1993, ch 227, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-34 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-34
Passing by crossing highway center line when vision is obscured--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No driver of a vehicle may drive to the left side of the center line of a highway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be made in safety. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0313; SL 1953, ch 230; SL 1967, ch 192; SL 1989, ch 255, § 171.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-21-27 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 21 / Section 32-21-27
Operation of improperly repaired or adjusted vehicle as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person shall drive or move on any highway any motor vehicle, unless the equipment upon the vehicle is in good working order and adjustment and the vehicle is in such safe mechanical condition as not to endanger the driver or other occupant or any person upon the highway. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1967, ch 182, § 1; SL 1979, ch 220, § 6.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-1
Headlamps required--Exceptions--Violation as petty offense
Status: in_force

Every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, road roller, road machinery, or farm tractor shall be equipped with at least two headlamps with at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0352 (2); SL 1957, ch 226; SL 1974, ch 219, § 19; SL 1989, ch 255, § 42.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-25-1.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 25 / Section 32-25-1.1
Maximum daytime speed--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Except as provided by § 32-25-4 or pursuant to § 32-25-7 , no person may drive a vehicle upon a street or highway at a speed in excess of sixty - five miles per hour. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1941, ch 187, § 2; SL 1959, ch 251, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0303; SL 1965, ch 192; SDCL, § 32-25-1 ; SL 1970, ch 175, § 7; SL 1989, ch 255, § 121; SL 1996, ch 207, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-69 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-69
Permitting unlawful use of driver license--Misdemeanor
Status: in_force

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to permit any unlawful use of a driver license issued to that person.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 27; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.9948 (5); SL 2001, ch 171, § 63.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-122 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-122
Special firefighter or advanced life support personnel plates--Applicability of state motor vehicle laws
Status: in_force

All statutes of this state relating to the registration of motor vehicles; the titling and licensing of motor vehicles; the fees for registering, titling, and licensing of motor vehicles; and the retention of plates from year to year are applicable to any firefighter, advanced life support personnel, or emergency medical technician and the special plates issued in conformity with § 32-5-113 .

Source: SL 1989, ch 261, § 10; SL 2007, ch 173, § 45; SL 2024, ch 109, § 7, eff. Mar. 1, 2025.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-42 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-42
Updating of records to reflect action regarding disqualification of nonresident--Notification of issuing licensing authority
Status: in_force

The department shall, upon receipt of a conviction, update its records to reflect any action that results in the disqualification of a nonresident's commercial driving privileges. No later than ten days after disqualifying a commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license holder permitted or licensed by another state or revoking, suspending, or canceling an out-of-state commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license holder's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle for at least sixty days, the department shall notify the state that issued the license of the disqualification, revocation, suspension, or cancellation. The notification shall include both the disqualification and the violation that resulted in the disqualification, revocation, suspension, or cancellation.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 23E; SL 1990, ch 253, § 2; SL 1991, ch 252, § 14; SL 1996, ch 201, § 5; SDCL § 32-12-109; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 97, 115; SL 2005, ch 167, § 23, eff. Sept. 30, 2005; SL 2015, ch 168, § 32.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-4-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 4 / Section 32-4-1
Duty of law officers to report stolen or recovered vehicles--Holding vehicles
Status: in_force

It is the duty of the Division of Criminal Investigation, the highway patrol, the sheriff or deputies of every county of the state, and of the chief of police or commissioner of police of every municipality, of this state to make an immediate report to the attorney general of all motor vehicles reported to them as stolen or recovered. It is the duty of such officer to hold any such vehicle until the records of such vehicle can be checked.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0210; SL 1965, ch 186, § 8; SL 1983, ch 230, § 1; SL 1992, ch 60, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-9.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-9.1
Offer to sell, sale, or exchange of boat without certificate of title allowed under specified circumstances
Status: in_force

A dealer may offer for sale, sell, or exchange a boat without a certificate of title if the dealer complies with the following applicable provisions:

(1) The dealer has a record of purchase, sale, or exchange of a boat to include the satisfaction of any outstanding liens or encumbrances and a secured power of attorney;

(2) If the boat is encumbered by a lien noted on the title, the dealer shows that payment has been tendered to the lienholder for the amount of the lien, except a lien that is the result of dealer inventory financing; or

(3) If the dealer is required by law to obtain title prior to offering the boat for sale and the dealer has applied for title through the electronic on-line title system and has submitted the documents to the department.

This section does not relieve a dealer from the provisions of § 32-3-7 .

Source: SL 2005, ch 159, § 15.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-15.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-15.1
Silage or seasonal farm trucks exempt--Gross weight--Restrictions on use
Status: in_force

Any silage truck or seasonal farm truck, licensed under the provisions of § 32-5-97.1 and having a gross vehicle weight of six to twenty tons, shall be exempt from the provisions of §§ 32-17-1 , 32-17-8 , 32-17-11 , 32-17-14 , and 32-17-15 ; provided, however, such motor vehicles shall be operated only during daylight hours and only within a twenty - five mile road distance of the main entrance to the farm where such vehicle is ordinarily parked.

Source: SL 1975, ch 213.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-36 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-36
Information required to title a vehicle
Status: in_force

In addition to any information the department may require to title a vehicle, an applicant licensing in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or the terms of an agreement authorized by this chapter and entered into with other jurisdictions shall provide the department with the following information:

(1) The name under which the business is to be conducted;

(2) The business and mailing address;

(3) The name, address, phone number, and social security number of all business owners, corporate officers, or partners;

(4) The applicant's federal employer identification number, if available;

(5) The type of business organization used by the applicant;

(6) A properly signed agreement to maintain records;

(7) A properly signed power of attorney, if the applicant's licensing responsibilities are done by an independent reporting agent and the applicant wishes all department correspondence to be mailed to the agent;

(8) Proof of payment of heavy vehicle use tax, if requested by the department; and

(9) Any other information the secretary may deem necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

The department may not license any applicant who fails to provide the information requested.

Source: SL 1994, ch 240, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-168 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-168
Eligibility for emblem specialty plates
Status: in_force

Any applicant for an emblem specialty plate listed in § 32-5-167 shall meet the following general requirements:

(1) Be a resident of this state;

(2) Possess a valid South Dakota driver license;

(3) Comply with all state laws regarding registration and licensing; and

(4) Pay any applicable fee pursuant to § 32-5-170 .

Source: SL 2014, ch 143, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-2.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-15-2.2
Cracked or broken glass prohibited
Status: in_force

No glass or glazing material, at any location where it is used, may be cracked or broken so as to cut or injure any person in or around the vehicle.

Source: SL 1978, ch 228, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-30 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-30
Overtaking and passing within business or residence district--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district may not deviate from his direct line of travel without ascertaining that such movement can be made with safety to other vehicles approaching from the rear and about to overtake and pass such first mentioned vehicle. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0312; SL 1966, ch 131; SL 1968, ch 172; SL 1989, ch 255, § 169.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-23 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-23
Driver license and learner's permit restrictions
Status: in_force

Restrictions to a commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license shall be as follows:

(1) L--Operation only of a commercial motor vehicle which is not equipped with air brakes;

(2) M--Operation only of a Class B and C commercial passenger vehicle;

(3) N--Operation only of a Class C commercial passenger vehicle;

(4) W--Operation only of a restricted CDL;

(5) V--Operation only if driver has received a medical variance that allows the driver to be issued a medical certificate;

(6) E--Operation only of an automatic transmission commercial motor vehicle;

(7) K--Operation only if driving intrastate;

(8) O--No operation of a tractor-trailer commercial motor vehicle; and

(9) Z--No operation of a fully air brake equipped commercial motor vehicle.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 18; SL 1996, ch 201, § 2; SDCL § 32-12-98; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 90, 115; SL 2011, ch 144, § 7; SL 2015, ch 168, § 19.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-41.4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-41.4
Order to pay fine or suspend or revoke license upon failure to comply with cease and desist order--Deposit of monetary penalties
Status: in_force

If a dealer fails to comply with a cease and desist order issued pursuant to § 32-6B-41.1 , the secretary may issue an order which:

(1) Imposes a monetary penalty on the dealer of five hundred dollars for each violation of the cease and desist order;

(2) Suspends dealer's license for not more than thirty days; or

(3) Revokes the dealer's license.

All monetary penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the state motor vehicle fund.

Source: SL 2005, ch 162, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-6.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-6.1
Increase in dealer bond amount--Implementation
Status: in_force

To implement any increase in the amount of a dealer bond, a dealer, upon renewal of a bond or upon annual renewal of a dealer license, whichever comes first, shall deliver to the department an original bond or a bond rider that is issued by the surety company showing the new bond amount.

Source: SL 2004, ch 207, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-14-13 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 14 / Section 32-14-13
Golf cart defined
Status: in_force

For the purposes of §§ 32-14-14 to 32-14-16 , inclusive, the term, golf cart, means a four wheeled vehicle originally and specifically designed and intended to transport one or more individuals and golf clubs for the purpose of playing the game of golf on a golf course.

Source: SL 2010, ch 164, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-28-6 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 28 / Section 32-28-6
Flashing red or yellow signal--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

If an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, vehicular traffic shall obey such signal as provided by §§ 32-28-7 and 32-28-8 . A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1963, ch 274, § 3; SL 1989, ch 255, § 189.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-38 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-38
Abstract of boat title history--Fee
Status: in_force

The department may upon written request and receipt of a five dollar fee furnish a person an abstract of the title history. The abstract may include all documents filed with the department to establish the title history of the boat. The fee shall be deposited in the state motor vehicle fund. Governmental entities and their subdivisions are exempt from this fee requirement.

Source: SL 1993, ch 322, § 17; SDCL § 42-8-90; SL 1998, ch 74, § 22; SL 2004, ch 203, § 8; SL 2015, ch 157, § 12; SL 2021, ch 130, § 10.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-91 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-91
Inspection of registration by peace officer--Possession of registration--Violation as petty offense
Status: in_force

The registration referred to in § 32-5-90 is subject to inspection by any peace officer at any time. The registration shall, at all times, while the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer for which it was issued is being operated within this state, be in the possession of the operator. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0204; SL 1953, ch 227, § 1; SL 1965, ch 186, § 5; SL 1989, ch 255, § 22; SL 1989, ch 257, § 93.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-14.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-14.1
Requirements for validity of withdrawal or test--Director of laboratories to approve methods and issue permits
Status: in_force

To be considered valid under the provisions of this chapter, the withdrawal or chemical analysis shall be performed at the direction of a law enforcement officer having lawfully arrested the person for a violation of § 32-23-1 or 32-23-21 and the chemical test analysis of the person's breath, if one is performed, shall be performed according to methods approved by the director of laboratories and by a person possessing a valid permit issued by the director of laboratories for this purpose. The director of laboratories may approve satisfactory techniques or methods to ascertain the qualifications and competence of anyone to conduct such analysis and issue permits which are subject to termination or revocation at the discretion of the director of laboratories.

Source: SL 1982, ch 246, § 6; SL 1985, ch 283, § 7; SL 1989, ch 274, § 5; SL 1998, ch 198, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-16 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-16
Vehicles transporting passengers for compensation as requiring clearance and identification lamps--Buses excepted--Times during which lamps must be lighted--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Every motor propelled or motor drawn vehicle designed or used for the transportation of property or for the transportation of passengers for compensation, except buses operated entirely within municipalities when their interiors are illuminated, shall display lighted lamps at the times mentioned in § 32-17-4 when and as required in §§ 32-17-14 and 32-17-15 except that such lamps may be, but are not required to be, lighted when any such vehicle is upon a highway which is sufficiently illuminated by street lamps to render any person or objects visible at a distance of five hundred feet. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0352 (8); SL 1989, ch 255, § 62.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-14
Maximum height of vehicles--Exceptions--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Except for farm machinery and fire department equipment for which there is no maximum height limit and for trailers carrying baledfeed for which the maximum height limit is fifteen feet, no motor vehicle may operate upon a public highway if the maximum height of the vehicle, including the load on the vehicle, exceeds fourteen feet. Nothing in this section requires the public authorities to provide sufficient vertical clearance to permit the operation of such vehicles. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0336 (5); SL 1947, ch 192; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0336 (4); SL 1961, ch 229; SL 1984, ch 230, § 17; SL 1985, ch 261, § 2; SL 1989, ch 272, § 2; SL 2020, ch 122, § 1, eff. Feb. 26, 2020.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-25.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-25.1
Administrative fee--Out of state applicant
Status: in_force

Any owner who chooses to title a boat in South Dakota, but who does not have a South Dakota-issued driver license or identification card, or a physical address in South Dakota, shall pay a one-hundred-dollar fee in addition to the title application fee imposed by § 32-3A-25 . The additional fee does not apply to title correction transactions or duplicate title transactions. Half of the fee must be deposited into the state motor vehicle fund and half must be deposited into the county general fund.

Source: SL 2024, ch 108, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-48 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-48
Seizure of handheld electronic wireless communication device
Status: in_force

No mobile electronic device used in violation of § 32-26-47.1 or 32-26-47.2 may be seized by a law enforcement officer to establish a violation of either of those sections. However, a mobile electronic device may be seized upon compliance with the search and seizure requirements in chapter 23A-35 .

Source: SL 2014, ch 153, § 4; SL 2020, ch 124, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-175 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-175
Application for emblem to be used on emblem specialty plate
Status: in_force

Any entity applying for an emblem to be used on the emblem specialty plate shall submit an application, on a form prescribed by the secretary, to the department. Each application shall include a completed emblem design with the entity's logo and the entity's name, or in the case of a group organization emblem, an emblem design that clearly depicts the common purpose or theme of the group. In addition to the application, each entity applying for an organization emblem shall submit the following:

(1) A copy of the articles of incorporation for the entity;

(2) A copy of the charter or bylaws for the entity; and

(3) Any Internal Revenue Service ruling regarding the entity's nonprofit tax exemption status.

Source: SL 2014, ch 143, § 9.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-17.6 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-17.6
Finality of order to pay fine or suspend or revoke license
Status: in_force

An order issued pursuant to § 32-7B-17.4 becomes final upon expiration of the time allowed for appeals from the secretary's order, if no appeal is taken, or, if an appeal is taken, upon final decision of the court if the court affirms the secretary's order or dismisses the appeal.

Source: SL 2005, ch 162, § 36.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-75 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-75
Excess or additional coverage not affected
Status: in_force

Any policy which grants the coverage required for a motor vehicle liability policy may also grant any lawful coverage in addition to the coverage specified for a motor vehicle liability policy and such excess or additional coverage shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter. With respect to a policy which grants such excess or additional coverage the term, motor vehicle liability policy, shall apply only to that part of the coverage which is required by § 32-35-70 or 32-35-71 .

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 51; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A51 (7).
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-57 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-57
Duration of suspension--Satisfaction of judgment--Proof of future financial responsibility
Status: in_force

A license, registration, and nonresident's operating privilege suspended pursuant to § 32-35-52 shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall any such license or registration be thereafter issued in the name of such person, including any such person not previously licensed, unless and until every such judgment is stayed, satisfied in full, or to the extent provided in § 32-35-59 , and until the said person gives proof of financial responsibility subject to the exemptions stated in §§ 32-35-54 , 32-35-55 , and 32-35-61 .

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 41; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A41.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-28-7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 28 / Section 32-28-7
Meaning of flashing red signal--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

If a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed is subject to the laws applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1963, ch 274, § 3 (1); SL 1989, ch 255, § 190.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-146 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-146
Disclosure to one who has subject's consent
Status: in_force

Personal information may be disclosed to any person who demonstrates, in such form and manner as the department prescribes, that express consent of the person who is the subject of the information has been obtained.

Source: SL 2001, ch 165, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-2.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-2.3
Mopeds exempt
Status: in_force

Mopeds as defined in § 32-3-1 shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter unless an applicant wishes to obtain title to a moped.

Source: SL 1978, ch 230, § 9; SL 1989, ch 257, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-46 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-46
Warning light on certain slow-moving vehicles during darkness--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No vehicle that is required to display a slow - moving vehicle emblem pursuant to § 32-15-20 may be operated during the period of day between one - half hour after sunset and one - half hour before sunrise on the following day on any public highway unless the vehicle has a flashing or rotating white or amber warning light placed on the vehicle. The warning light shall be clearly visible to motorists approaching from the rear. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1995, ch 182, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-40-9 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 40 / Section 32-40-9
Motor vehicle insurance requirements for driver engaged in prearranged ride
Status: in_force

The following motor vehicle insurance requirements apply while a transportation network company driver is engaged in a prearranged ride:

(1) Primary motor vehicle liability insurance that provides at least one million dollars for death, bodily injury, and property damage;

(2) Uninsured and underinsured coverage as required by §§ 58-11-9 and 58-11-9.4 ; and

(3) The coverage requirements of subdivision (1) may be satisfied by motor vehicle insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver, motor vehicle insurance maintained by the transportation network company, or any combination of such insurance.

Source: SL 2016, ch 167, § 9.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-31 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-31
Dealer prohibited from taking certificate which does not show name of vendor and vendee--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Except as provided in § 32-3-32 it is a Class 2 misdemeanor to deliver or accept a transfer or assignment of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer certificate of title issued by the State of South Dakota, or a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer muniment of title from another state, which does not contain or set forth the name of the seller and the name of the purchaser involved in the transfer of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer.

Source: SL 1955, ch 193, §§ 1, 2; SDC Supp 1960, §§ 44.0203-1, 44.9952; SL 1965, ch 186, § 4; SL 1989, ch 257, § 33.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 18 / Section 32-18-1
Brakes required on particular vehicles--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Every motor vehicle, as defined by subdivision § 32-14-1(17) and every trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer manufactured or sold in this state, and any combination of such vehicles operating upon a highway within this state shall be equipped with brakes in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0346; SL 1967, ch 197, § 1; SL 1974, ch 222, § 1; SL 1977, ch 262, § 1; SL 1989, ch 255, § 70.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-36 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-36
All lien spaces filled--Issuance of new certificate
Status: in_force

If all spaces provided on the certificate of title for the notation of liens have been filled, before an additional lien can be noted, the lien holder or the owner of the vehicle shall submit the certificate to the secretary who shall then issue to the owner a new certificate of title, noting thereon in order of priority all unreleased liens shown on the old certificates of title. The additional secured party shall be mailed or delivered conspicuous notification of its security interest as filed and noted on the certificate of title.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0203 (1) as added by SL 1951, ch 229, § 3; SL 1965, ch 186, § 3; SL 1989, ch 257, § 37; SL 1990, ch 229, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-4
Eligibility for license--Mobile and manufactured homes exempt
Status: in_force

No motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer may be licensed in this state until the requirements of this chapter have been met. The certificate of title and license shall be obtained at the time of registration. If the applicant certifies on the application for title that the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is not going to be used upon the highways of this state or any other state, the secretary may, upon completion of an application, payment of title fee and surrender of evidence of ownership, issue a certificate of title, no tax paid, to a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer. If a no tax paid title is issued the applicant may not purchase license plates. This section does not apply to a mobile home or a manufactured home.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0202 (3) as added by SL 1951, ch 229, § 2; SL 1957, ch 214; SL 1965, ch 184; SL 1965, ch 186, § 2; SL 1988, ch 236, § 2; SL 1989, ch 257, § 7; SL 1993, ch 219, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-32-10 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 32 / Section 32-32-10
Civil proceeding for penalty--Lien of penalty
Status: in_force

The state's attorney for the county in which the violation of § 32-32-6 occurs shall commence a civil in rem proceeding against a vehicle charged with violating § 32-32-9 . If it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the charged vehicle did violate § 32-32-6 , the civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars shall be assessed against the vehicle and shall be a lien on such vehicle until the penalty is satisfied.

Source: SL 1979, ch 228, §§ 2, 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-87 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-87
Dealers permitted to lease space in common area of shopping mall for displaying new vehicles--Restrictions--Exception
Status: in_force

A vehicle dealer licensed in this state may lease space in the common area of a shopping mall for the display of new vehicles without a supplemental license if the shopping mall is located within the corporate limits of the municipality where the dealer maintains its principal place of business. A dealer may not display more than four vehicles in a single shopping mall, contract for an exclusive right to lease all common areas of the shopping mall available for vehicle display, or negotiate the sale of any vehicle on the premises of the shopping mall. The lease shall be in writing. The dealer shall maintain a copy of the lease for a period of one year from the date of expiration of the lease and allow a representative of the department to examine the lease at the dealer's principle place of business during regular business hours. For purposes of this section, a shopping mall is any building or series of interconnected buildings containing a minimum of two hundred thousand square feet of leasable space for occupancy by a variety of retail stores and restaurants which is located in a municipality with a population that exceeds thirteen thousand. The provisions of this section do not apply to a licensed dealer with a principal place of business located on the premises of the shopping mall.

Source: SL 2018, ch 187, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-19-5 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 19 / Section 32-19-5
Special permits authorizing operation of traction engines
Status: in_force

The Department of Transportation and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may in their discretion issue special permits authorizing the operation upon a highway of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations upon the periphery of such movable tracks or farm tractors or other farm machinery.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0344; SL 1973, ch 2, § 232.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-31-6.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 31 / Section 32-31-6.1
Occupying highway shoulder or stopped--Requirements for approaching vehicles--Penalty
Status: in_force

Upon approaching from any direction any stopped authorized emergency vehicle making use of red visual signals meeting the requirements of this title, the driver of a motor vehicle shall come to a complete stop before reaching the stopped emergency vehicle and may, unless otherwise directed, proceed with caution only after ascertaining that it is safe to do so.

Upon approaching from any direction any vehicle that is either stopped or occupying the shoulder of the highway, and using amber, yellow, or blue warning lights, the driver of any other motor vehicle must:

(1) If driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction as the vehicle, merge into the lane farthest from the vehicle at least three hundred feet before the vehicle and proceed with caution, unless otherwise directed; or

(2) If driving on a two-lane highway, at least three hundred feet before the vehicle, slow to a speed that is at least twenty miles per hour less than the posted speed limit or five miles per hour when the speed limit is posted at twenty miles per hour or less and proceed with caution, unless otherwise directed.

A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor and has a minimum fine of two hundred seventy dollars.

Source: SL 1975, ch 210, § 2; SL 1989, ch 255, § 215; SL 2003, ch 173, § 1; SL 2020, ch 127, § 1; SL 2025, ch 130, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-43 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-43
Notation of lien on certificate of title--Liability of holder of certificate of title for refusal to deliver
Status: in_force

The county treasurer, upon receipt of a lien or title instrument duly executed in the manner prescribed by law governing such instruments, together with the fee prescribed for notation thereof which is nonrefundable, shall notify the holder of the certificate of title to deliver to the treasurer, within fifteen days from the date of notice, the certificate of title to permit notation of a lien, and, if necessary, the issuance of a new certificate of title provided in § 32-3-36 . After the notation of lien the treasurer shall deliver the certificate of title to the owner or as otherwise directed by the owner. The secured party shall be mailed or delivered notification of the party's security interest as filed and noted on the certificate of title. The holder of a certificate of title who refuses to deliver a certificate of title to the treasurer for the purpose of showing the lien on the certificate of title within fifteen days from the date when notified to do so by the treasurer, is liable for damages to the lien holder for the amount of damages the lien holder suffered by reason of the holder of the certificate of title refusing to permit the showing of the lien on the certificate of title.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0203 (1) as added by SL 1951, ch 229, § 3; SL 1965, ch 186, § 3; SL 1990, ch 229, § 4; SL 1992, ch 206; SL 2003, ch 160, § 6.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-11-5 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 11 / Section 32-11-5
Quarterly apportionment of amounts set aside to townships
Status: in_force

In apportioning the amount set aside to the various civil townships pursuant to § 32-11-4.1 , the apportionment shall be made quarterly by the county commissioners at the first meeting in January, April, July, and October, and shall be made as provided by §§ 32-11-6 and 32-11-7 .

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0118 (3); SL 1939, ch 170; SL 1949, ch 163, § 2; SL 1977, ch 249, § 51.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-60 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-60
Adoption of rules
Status: in_force

The secretary of revenue may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 as may be necessary to ensure and obtain uniformity in the administration of this chapter. All local officials charged with the administration of the provisions of this chapter are governed in their official acts by the rules promulgated by the secretary.

Source: SL 1986, ch 250, § 61; SL 2004, ch 17, § 89; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-17.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-17.1
Cease and desist order for specified violations--Period of effectiveness
Status: in_force

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the secretary of revenue may issue an order directing a boat dealer to cease and desist from engaging in any act or practice enumerated in § 32-7B-17 . A cease and desist order issued pursuant to this section is effective for a period of two years.

Source: SL 2005, ch 162, § 31; SL 2008, ch 156, § 4; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-39 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-39
Books of single trip permits--Payment of fee--Designation of routes
Status: in_force

The Division of Highway Patrol shall provide for the publication, sale, and delivery of books containing single trip permits, in multiples of ten, upon application made therefor and payment in advance of the total permit fee, for the transportation of oversize or overweight vehicles over a designated route or routes under rules adopted by the transportation commission pursuant to chapter 1-26 .

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0342 (1) as added by SL 1964, ch 126; SL 1966, ch 133; SL 1983, ch 335, § 24; SL 1987, ch 210, § 28; SL 1992, ch 372, § 17.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-2-11 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 2 / Section 32-2-11
Fund from which compensation is paid--Vouchers
Status: in_force

Compensation fixed under § 32-2-10 and expenses incurred by agents, patrolmen, and employees of the Division of Highway Patrol, and the salary of the superintendent, may be paid out of the state highway fund, and such payments shall be made upon vouchers properly executed and presented in the manner prescribed by law.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0606; SL 1939, ch 179; SL 1987, ch 214.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-28-11 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 28 / Section 32-28-11
Requirement that official signal be in proper position and legible
Status: in_force

No provision of this chapter for which signs are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official sign is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person.

Source: SL 1963, ch 274, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-51.20 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-51.20
Insurer or self insurer acquiring ownership of salvage vehicle without salvage vehicle title to surrender certificate of title--Salvage title issued--Rebuilt title
Status: in_force

If an insurer, in settlement of a total loss insurance claim, or self insurer acquires the ownership of any salvage vehicle as defined in § 32-3-51.19 that does not have a salvage vehicle title, the insurer shall within forty-five days following acquisition of the certificate of title of that vehicle, surrender the certificate of title for the vehicle to the department. The department shall promptly issue a title indicating it is a salvage vehicle to the insurer or self insurer. If a vehicle has been branded a salvage vehicle, nothing in this section prohibits a person from obtaining a rebuilt title pursuant to § 32-3-53 .

Source: SL 2005, ch 155, § 3; SL 2016, ch 154, § 6.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-27 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-27
Solid or cushion rubber tires--Maximum weight per inch width of tire--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No vehicle equipped with solid or cushion rubber tires may be operated upon the highways of this state if the weight of such vehicle or vehicles and load resting upon the surface of the highway exceeds four hundred pounds upon any inch width of such solid or cushion rubber tires to be measured between the flanges of the rim. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0336 (6) (e) as added by SL 1943, ch 158, § 2; SL 1947, ch 192; SL 1953, ch 234; SL 1957, ch 223, § 2; SL 1959, ch 260, § 2; SL 1984, ch 230, § 24.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-186 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-186
Lost, stolen, or mutilatedDignitysculpture plate
Status: in_force

If a Dignity sculpture license plate is lost, mutilated, or destroyed, the owner of the registered vehicle may obtain a duplicate set of plates upon filing an affidavit showing the fact the license plate was lost, mutilated, or destroyed and after paying a ten dollar fee to the department. The fee shall be credited to the license plate special revenue fund.

Source: SL 2017, ch 131, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-12 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-12
Issuance of commercial learner's permit--Renewal--Restrictions on vehicle operation
Status: in_force

A commercial learner's permit may be issued to a person eighteen years of age who holds a valid operator's license.

No commercial learner's permit may be issued for a period to exceed one year. No commercial learner's permit may be renewed without the holder having to retake each general and endorsement knowledge test. A score for a successfully completed segment of the skills test is only valid during initial issuance of the commercial learner's permit. If the permit is renewed, the person shall retake each segment of the skills test. A commercial learner's permit holder is not eligible to take the skills test in the first fourteen days after initial issuance of the permit.

The holder of a commercial learner's permit may, unless otherwise disqualified, drive a commercial motor vehicle only if accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver license with the proper class and endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle, who is twenty-one years of age, and is at all times physically present in the front seat of the vehicle next to the permit holder or if in a passenger vehicle directly behind the driver, and at all times has the permit holder under observation and direct supervision for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the commercial motor vehicle.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 8A; SL 1994, ch 254, § 4; SL 1994, ch 256, § 1; SDCL § 32-12-88; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 81, 115; SL 2015, ch 168, § 10; SL 2021, ch 136, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-48 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-48
Reciprocity required
Status: in_force

The provisions of § 32-5-46 as to the exemption from registration of any motor vehicle owned by a nonresident shall apply only to the extent that under the law of the state of his residence like exemptions and privileges are granted to motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, truck tractors, road tractors, and motor buses, duly registered under the laws and owned by residents of this state.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0112; SL 1951, ch 225.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7A-7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7A / Section 32-7A-7
Fee for license--Renewal
Status: in_force

The license fee for a dealer or manufacturer of mobile homes or manufactured homes is three hundred dollars and the annual license renewal fee is one hundred fifty dollars. An applicant shall pay the license fees to the department at the time an application for license is made. The license is for a year, unless it is revoked for cause.

Source: SL 1984, ch 223, § 7; SL 1987, ch 215, § 14; SL 2008, ch 155, § 3; SL 2013, ch 141, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-14-5 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 14 / Section 32-14-5
Traffic control devices--One-way traffic--Processions and assemblages
Status: in_force

Local authorities may provide by ordinance for the regulation of traffic on highways under their jurisdiction by means of traffic officers or traffic control devices on any portion of the highway where traffic is heavy or continuous or local authorities may prohibit other than one - way traffic upon certain highways and may regulate the use of the highway by processions or assemblages.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0334; SL 1980, ch 211, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7A-19 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7A / Section 32-7A-19
Investigation--Purpose--Inspection--Examination
Status: in_force

The department may investigate any dealer licensed under this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining any violation of this chapter or chapters 32-3 to 32-7A , inclusive. The investigation shall include an inspection of the principal place of business, supplemental lots, and any books, records, or files required by the department. An examination of titles and manufactured homes or mobile homes owned or offered for sale by the dealer shall also be conducted.

Source: SL 1986, ch 251, § 16; SL 2005, ch 160, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-7
Registration, license, or other fixed fees apportioned according to miles traveled
Status: in_force

Agreements pursuant to § 32-10-6 , under such terms, conditions, or restrictions as the administrator deems proper, may provide that owners or operators of vehicles operated in interstate or combined interstate and intrastate commerce in this state shall be permitted to pay registration, license, or other fixed fees on an apportionment basis commensurate with and determined by the miles traveled on and the use made of the highways of this state or any other equitable basis or apportionment.

Source: SL 1961, ch 237, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-27 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-27
Late application for certificate--Additional fee--Application delay as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Except as provided in § 32-3-26 for licensed dealers, if the application for certificate of title is presented more than forty-five days after date of assignment of the certificate of title or the manufacturer's certificate of origin of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to the purchaser, the officer receiving the application shall collect, in addition to the fee established in § 32-3-18 , a late fee of one dollar for each week or fraction thereof beyond the forty-five day limitation for twenty-five weeks and a late fee of fifty dollars for twenty-six weeks or more. Any person applying for a title more than ninety days after the date of assignment is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. If the purchaser of a vehicle fails to comply with the provisions of § 32-3-26 to transfer the title within forty-five days, and the seller files a written complaint attesting to the facts, the purchaser is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0202 (8) as added by SL 1955, ch 161; SL 1957, ch 215; SL 1965, ch 186, § 2; SL 1981, ch 231, § 2; SL 1986, ch 242, § 2; SL 1990, ch 228, § 3; SL 1992, ch 205; SL 1997, ch 179, § 1; SL 2015, ch 156, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-76 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-76
Person with substantial physical disability--Special plates--Requirements--Promulgation of rules--Surrender--Penalty
Status: in_force

An owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, who has complied with all the laws of this state in regards to the registration of a motor vehicle, and who operates or directs the operation of the vehicle, may submit to the county treasurer an application, on a form approved by the secretary, containing a certification signed by any physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, physical therapist, or certified nurse practitioner, licensed under title 36, stating that the applicant is an individual with a substantial physical disability that makes it impossible or causes substantial hardship to walk. The certification must be within the practitioner's applicable scope of practice.

An owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, who has complied with all the laws of this state in regards to the registration of a motor vehicle, and who is the parent or legal guardian of a dependent with a substantial physical disability and operates the motor vehicle for the purpose of transporting the dependent, may submit to the county treasurer an application, on a form approved by the secretary, containing a certification signed by any physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, physical therapist, or certified nurse practitioner, licensed under title 36, stating that the dependent has a substantial physical disability that makes it impossible or causes substantial hardship to walk. The certification must be within the practitioner's applicable scope of practice.

The secretary shall promulgate a rule, pursuant to chapter 1-26 , defining an individual with a substantial physical disability.

If the secretary determines that the applicant meets the criteria, the department must issue and deliver to the applicant special plates with letters, numbers, or symbols, or any combination thereof, as the secretary may prescribe. The special plates must be designed to readily apprise law enforcement officers of the fact that the motor vehicle is owned by, operated by, or used in transporting an individual with a substantial physical disability. No charge may be made for the issuance of the special plates.

The special plates are in lieu of the regular number plates issued for the motor vehicle. The special plates must be displayed as set forth in § 32-5-98 .

If the applicant is no longer an individual with or the parent or legal guardian of a dependent with a substantial physical disability, or is deceased, the special plates must be surrendered within thirty days, to the county treasurer of the applicant's residence. The treasurer shall notify the secretary who shall make the necessary changes in the registration file. The owner shall obtain regular number plates. Failure to surrender the special license plates as required by this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to submit a false or fraudulent application.

Source: SL 1966, ch 134, § 1; SL 1974, ch 211; SL 1979, ch 204, § 1; SL 1982, ch 234; SL 1986, ch 242, § 14; SL 1997, ch 179, § 3; SL 2002, ch 149, § 1; SL 2007, ch 173, § 26, eff. July 1, 2008; SL 2016, ch 156, § 1; SL 2018, ch 179, § 1; SL 2026, ch 130, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-68 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-68
Disqualification of commercial driving privileges for human trafficking conviction
Status: in_force

If a person is convicted of a felony under chapter 22-49 or a federal felony offense involving a severe form of trafficking in persons, as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11), as of January 1, 2022, the department shall disqualify that person from driving a commercial motor vehicle for life and the person is not eligible for reinstatement.

Source: SL 2022, ch 96, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-11-33 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 11 / Section 32-11-33
Balance maintained in license plate fund--Transfer of excess to local government highway and bridge fund
Status: in_force

A balance necessary for the manufacturing and distribution of license plates shall be maintained in the license plate special revenue fund. All other moneys shall be transferred to the local government highway and bridge fund.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0115 as added by SL 1963, ch 251; SL 1976, ch 188; SL 1985, ch 252, § 7; SL 1987, ch 29, § 14.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-37 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-37
Validation of nonnegotiable interstate title application
Status: in_force

The county treasurer shall forward each nonnegotiable interstate title to the department with the application for registration, a copy of the valid ownership document or out - of - state registration. The department shall determine if such documents were valid at the time of application for registration.

Source: SL 1993, ch 322, § 15; SDCL 42-8-89.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-181 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-181
Fees for special interest motor vehicle plates
Status: in_force

In addition to the noncommercial annual registration fees, each applicant for a special interest motor vehicle license plate shall pay an annual twenty-five dollar fee. All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be credited to the license plate special revenue fund.

Source: SL 2016, ch 158, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-23 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-23
Application for proportional registration of interstate fleet--Contents of application--Computation of in-state miles
Status: in_force

Application for proportional registration of an interstate fleet to be operated in this state for the first time shall state the mileage data with respect to such fleet for the preceding year in other jurisdictions and the estimated annual mileage for such fleet in this state. If no operations were conducted with such fleet during the preceding year, the application shall contain a full statement of the proposed method of operation and estimates of annual mileage in this state and other jurisdictions. From the application so submitted the administrator shall fix the in - state and total fleet miles to be used by him in determining the mileage proportion for such fleet, and in so doing may evaluate and adjust the estimate in the application of the administrator if not satisfied as to the correctness thereof.

Source: SL 1961, ch 237, § 15.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-34-9 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 34 / Section 32-34-9
Duty of occupant of vehicle to give notice where driver is physically incapable--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

If the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of giving an immediate notice of an accident and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of doing so, such occupant shall make or cause to be given the notice not given by the driver. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0331 as added by SL 1961, ch 226; SL 1967, ch 193; SL 1989, ch 255, § 228.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-14
Title issuance or transfer prohibited unless tax paid--Exception
Status: in_force

No title may be issued or transferred for the ownership of any motor vehicle unless the tax levied by § 32-5B-1 is paid, except as provided in subdivision 32-5B-2(12) and vehicles taxed pursuant to § 32-5B-20 .

Source: SL 1985, ch 241, § 6; SL 1988, ch 236, § 24; SL 1994, ch 245, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-46 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-46
Cause for suspension or revocation of license--Notice and examination--Failure to submit to examination--Issuance of restricted license
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety, having good cause to believe that a licensed driver is incompetent or otherwise not qualified to be licensed, may, upon written notice of at least five days to the licensee, require the driver to submit to an examination or interview. Upon the conclusion of the examination or interview the department shall take action as may be appropriate and may cancel the license of such person or permit the retention of the license, or may issue a license subject to restrictions as permitted under §§ 32-12-36 and 32-12-37 . Refusal or neglect of the licensee to submit to the examination or interview shall be grounds for cancellation of the license.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 22; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03B22; SL 1963, ch 269; SL 2001, ch 171, § 42; SL 2003, ch 272, § 23.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-16.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 9 / Section 32-9-16.3
Staggered registration of intrastate commercial vehicles
Status: in_force

The annual registration of all intrastate commercial vehicles shall be staggered in accordance with the provisions set forth in §§ 32-5-2.1 , 32-5-2.2 , and 32-5-2.4 .

Source: SL 2010, ch 158, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-41.6 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-41.6
Finality of order
Status: in_force

An order issued pursuant to § 32-6B-41.4 or 32-6B-41.7 becomes final upon expiration of the time allowed for appeals from the secretary's order, if no appeal is taken, or, if an appeal is taken, upon final decision of the court if the court affirms the secretary's order or dismisses the appeal.

Source: SL 2005, ch 162, § 6; SL 2020, ch 139, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-16.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-16.1
Formula for weight on group of consecutive axles
Status: in_force

For the purposes of § 32-22-16 the maximum gross weight on a group of two or more consecutive axles allowable on a public highway shall be determined by the following formula:

W = 500 [LN/(N-1) + 12N + 36]

In applying the above formula, "W" equals the overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred pounds, "L" equals the distance measured longitudinally to the nearest foot from the foremost axles to the rearmost axle in a group of two or more consecutive axles, and "N" equals the number of axles in group under consideration.

Source: SL 1980, ch 226, § 2; SL 1985, ch 15, § 40.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-29-7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 29 / Section 32-29-7
Posting of dangerous grade crossings--Stop required of all vehicles--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

The Department of Transportation and local authorities with the approval of the Transportation Commission may designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and to erect stop signs thereat. If such signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle shall stop within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due care. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0305; SL 1965, ch 193; SL 1970, ch 175, § 28; SL 1989, ch 255, § 198.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-50 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-50
Failure to pay judgment--Forwarding copy of judgment to department
Status: in_force

Whenever any person fails within thirty days to satisfy any judgment, then upon the written request of the judgment creditor or his attorney it shall be the duty of the clerk of the court, or of the magistrate of a court which has no clerk, in which any such judgment is rendered within this state to forward to the Department of Public Safety immediately upon such request a certified copy of such judgment.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 35; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A35; SL 2004, ch 17, § 156.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-1
Power of local authorities to enforce laws--Arrest of violators without warrant--Impounding offending vehicles
Status: in_force

The county highway superintendent of each organized county shall have authority to act in the capacity of a peace officer within the boundaries of the county in which he holds office, for the purpose of enforcement of all license and loading laws and traffic regulations governing the highways of the state, and shall have authority to stop any and all vehicles as defined in § 32-14-1 for the purpose of examining or measuring the form or for weighing the loads transported thereon, and may place violators of the provisions of this title under arrest without warrant for offenses committed in his presence, and take any violator of the provisions of this title and any vehicle which does not conform to any provisions of this title or of the registration or license laws, to the nearest convenient circuit or magistrate court for trial at the earliest opportunity, and the court shall impound any offending vehicle and not permit the same to be driven until it shall be made to conform to the laws relating to licensing and registration and also the provisions of this title relating to lighting, loading, and size.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0339; SL 1973, ch 130, §§ 10 to 12; SL 1973, ch 137.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-2.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-2.2
Bench warrant for defendant failing to appear after promise given--Costs assessed against defendant
Status: in_force

If the defendant has given his promise to appear in court in accordance with § 32-33-2 and does not appear, the court may order or issue a bench warrant for his arrest and may assess costs of such issuance against the defendant in the sum of ten dollars.

Source: SL 1987, ch 181, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-82.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-82.1
Number stickers--Evidence of current registration
Status: in_force

The county treasurer or department shall furnish for each annual registration two identical number stickers to designate the year and month of registration. Each number sticker shall be valid only for the registration period for which the sticker is issued. The display of the sticker is evidence of current registration.

Source: SL 1975, ch 198, § 5; SL 1987, ch 215, § 10; SL 2018, ch 179, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-93 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-93
Substitution of forms of proof of financial responsibility
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety shall consent to the cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance or the department shall direct and the state treasurer shall return any money or securities to the person entitled thereto upon the substitution and acceptance of other adequate proof of financial responsibility pursuant to this chapter.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 60; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A60; SL 2004, ch 17, § 175.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-1
Definitions
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, terms are defined in § 32-14-1 . Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Driver license," a document issued by a state or jurisdiction to an individual that authorizes the individual to drive a motor vehicle, including an operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, restricted minor's permit, motorcycle restricted minor's permit, instruction permit, motorcycle instruction permit, and temporary permit;

(2) "Operator's license," any document issued by a state or jurisdiction to an individual that bestows full driving privileges upon the individual; and

(3) "Personally identifiable information," any information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as name, social security number, or driver license or nondriver identification card number; and

(4) "Principal residence," the location where a person currently resides even if at a temporary address.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 5; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03B05 (1); SL 2001, ch 171, § 1; SL 2009, ch 154, § 1, eff. Dec. 31, 2009; SL 2013, ch 143, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-32-16 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 32 / Section 32-32-16
Deadline for equipping bus with stop arm signal
Status: in_force

Any school bus purchased or in operation before September 1, 1992, shall be equipped with a stop arm signal by September 1, 1999. Any school bus equipped with a stop arm signal shall comply with the provisions of § 32-32-5.2 .

Source: SL 1992, ch 230, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-20A-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 20A / Section 32-20A-1
Definition of terms
Status: in_force

Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Highway," as it is defined by subdivisions 31-1-5(1) to (4);

(2) "Law enforcement officer," as it is defined by § 23-3-27 ;

(3) "Operate," to control the operation of a snowmobile;

(4) "Operator," every person who operates or who is in actual physical control of a snowmobile;

(5) "Owner," any person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a snowmobile and entitled to the use or possession thereof;

(6) "Raceway facility," any area designated and clearly defined with appropriate flags, fencing, markers, or delineators for the purpose of drag racing, oval racing, or special exhibitions;

(7) "Roadway," as it is defined by subdivision 32-14-1(26);

(8) "Snowmobile," any engine-driven vehicle of a type which uses sled type runners or skis with an endless belt tread or similar means of contact with the surface upon which it is operated and the vehicle does not exceed forty-eight inches in width;

(9) "Super modified snowmobile," any snowmobile which has been individually built from parts expressly for track racing or has had the chassis, suspension, track, and engine substantially altered.

Source: SL 1971, ch 182, § 1; SL 1990, ch 256, § 3; SL 2013, ch 146, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-18 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-18
Permission to change principal place of business within county
Status: in_force

If the licensee desires to move from the principal place of business occupied at the time the license was granted to a new location within the county, he shall secure written permission from the department to do so. The licensee is required to furnish proof to the department that the new location constitutes a principal place of business as defined in § 32-6B-2 .

Source: SL 1986, ch 250, § 19.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-83.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-83.1
Color of number stickers--Contrast with plates
Status: in_force

The number stickers authorized by § 32-5-82 shall be of distinctly different color each year of issuance and there shall be at all times a marked contrast between the color of the number stickers and the background of the base plate.

Source: SL 1975, ch 198, § 6.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-25-6.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 25 / Section 32-25-6.2
Maximum speed with solid rubber or cushion tires--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may drive any vehicle equipped with solid rubber or cushion tires at a speed greater than a maximum of ten miles per hour. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 175, § 14, § 4; SL 1989, ch 255, § 130.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-21 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 9 / Section 32-9-21
Discontinuing use of vehicle--Return of plates and certificates--Portion of fees refunded
Status: in_force

Each motor carrier desiring to discontinue using a vehicle as a commercial motor vehicle, may, on or before the termination of any year as provided in § 32-9-17 , return the commercial motor vehicle plates and certificates to the county treasurer of the county where the vehicle was registered together with an application for the discontinuance. Upon satisfactory evidence that the carrier will not further operate the vehicle as a commercial motor vehicle, the county treasurer shall issue to the person, corporation, or limited liability company, so applying, a warrant for the amount due for the remaining months of that year less a ten dollar administrative fee which shall be retained by the county. The commercial motor vehicle plates and certificates shall be in the possession of the county treasurer on or before the fifth day of the month to receive credit for that month.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0426; SL 1939, ch 176, § 2; SL 1943, ch 161, § 2; SL 1947, ch 195, § 3; SL 1961, ch 236; SL 1977, ch 249, § 32; SL 1978, ch 224, § 5; SL 2014, ch 139, § 13; SL 2016, ch 47, § 9.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-25-9.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 25 / Section 32-25-9.2
Township road speed limit--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may drive a vehicle on a township road in excess of fifty-five miles per hour. However, notwithstanding the provisions of § 32-25-9.1 , any board of township supervisors may determine and establish speed zones upon all or any highways under its jurisdiction. The township board shall notify the county of any changes and the speed zones shall be conspicuously posted at the beginning and ending of the zones. Driving in excess of the speed limit established in this section or by the township board pursuant to this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1997, ch 194, § 1; SL 2015, ch 155, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-41 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-41
Late application--Fee--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

If application for certificate of title is presented more than forty-five days after date of assignment of title or acquisition of the large boat if no title exists or more than forty-five days after assignment of the manufacturer's statement of origin, the officer receiving the application shall collect, in addition to the regular established fees, a late fee of one dollar for each week or fraction thereof beyond the forty-five day limitation for twenty-five weeks and a late fee of fifty dollars for twenty-six weeks or more. Any person applying for a title twenty-six weeks beyond the forty-five day limitation is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1993, ch 322, § 22; SL 1994, ch 335, § 44; SDCL § 42-8-93; SL 2015, ch 156, § 10.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-11-37 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 11 / Section 32-11-37
Local government transportation technology transfer special revenue fund--Apportionment
Status: in_force

Prior to the apportionment required by § 32-11-35 , the secretary of revenue shall apportion one - half of one percent of the local government highway and bridge fund per fiscal year to the local government transportation technology transfer special revenue fund created in § 32-11-36 . The remaining money in the local government highway and bridge fund shall be apportioned pursuant to § 32-11-35 . The secretary of revenue shall apportion funds to the local government transportation technology transfer special revenue fund at the same time and in the same manner as specified in § 32-11-35 .

Source: SL 1991, ch 251, § 2; SL 2001, ch 170, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-1.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-1.3
Licensing and titling of used vehicle by dealer--Payment of tax by subsequent purchaser
Status: in_force

A licensed motor vehicle dealer may license a used motor vehicle which is part of his inventory. If the dealer licenses the motor vehicle, he shall title the motor vehicle, but is exempt from the motor vehicle excise tax. A licensed dealer may title the vehicle without licensing it. Any vehicle titled by a dealer but not licensed is exempt from the motor vehicle excise tax. A subsequent purchaser shall pay the excise tax. This section does not apply to those motor vehicles required to be titled pursuant to § 32-5-27 .

Source: SL 1986, ch 247, § 1; SL 1987, ch 219, § 1; SL 1993, ch 225, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-34-4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 34 / Section 32-34-4
Duty to stop after accident with unattended vehicle or property--Leaving information--Report to police--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

The driver of any vehicle which collides with or is involved in an accident with any vehicle or other property which is unattended resulting in any damage to such other vehicle or property shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle or other property of his name, address and the name and address of the owner and the license number of the vehicle he is driving or shall attach securely in a conspicuous place in or on such vehicle or other property a written notice giving his name, address, and the name and address of the owner and the license number of the vehicle he is driving and shall without unnecessary delay notify the nearest office of a duly authorized police authority. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1953, ch 232, § 2; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03 30-1 ; SL 1970, ch 175, § 37; SL 1989, ch 255, § 226.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-47.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-47.1
Renewal or restoration after suspension, revocation or disqualification--Time--Application--Fee
Status: in_force

Any individual whose license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle on public highways has been revoked, suspended, or disqualified may not have the license or privilege renewed or restored unless the period of revocation, suspension, or disqualification has expired. The period begins on the date ordered by the court, on the date specified in the notice from the department, or on the date the suspension order is effective for failure to comply with a citation, whichever date is earlier. At the expiration of the period of revocation, suspension, or disqualification, an individual may apply for license reinstatement by:

(1) Paying the following, applicable licensing fee, in addition to an application fee pursuant to § 32-12-16 :

(a) If revocation of the license was a result of a conviction for a violation of § 32-23-2 , one hundred dollars;

(b) If revocation of the license was a result of a conviction for a violation of § 32-33-18 , or a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of § 32-24-1 within one year, one hundred twenty-five dollars;

(c) If revocation of the license was a result of a conviction for a violation of § 32-23-3 , one hundred fifty dollars;

(d) If revocation of the license was a result of a conviction for a violation of § 32-23-4 , 32-23-4.6 , or 32-23-4.7 , two hundred dollars;

(e) If revocation of the license was the result of a conviction for a violation of § 22-16-41 or 22-18-36 , two hundred twenty-five dollars; and

(f) If none of the preceding subdivisions apply, seventy-five dollars; and

(2) Fulfilling a knowledge examination requirement of a new applicant for a revocation listed in subsections (a) to (e), inclusive.

An individual who had a restricted minor's permit, motorcycle restricted minor's permit, instruction permit, or motorcycle instruction permit, or privilege to apply for a permit or license suspended pursuant to § 32-12-15 is not required to pay the fee prior to reinstatement of the permit, unless the suspension is for a conviction of a moving traffic offense assessed six or more points pursuant to § 32-12-49.1 .

Source: SL 1985, ch 253, § 1; SL 1991, ch 252, § 4; SL 1992, ch 220, § 1; SL 2001, ch 171, § 44; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 23; SL 2009, ch 152, § 4; SL 2017, ch 135, § 1; SL 2025, ch 120, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-74 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-74
Unauthorized use of vehicle under restricted license--Misdemeanor
Status: in_force

It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to operate a motor vehicle in any manner in violation of the restrictions imposed on the driver license issued to that person.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 12; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.99 48-1 ; SL 1977, ch 189, § 98; SL 2001, ch 171, § 68.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-56.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-56.1
Trailer franchisees not subject to certain provisions
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 32-6B-45 to 32-6B-56 , inclusive, do not apply to any trailer franchisee dealing in trailers with a weight of three thousand pounds or less. This section may not be construed to exclude such a franchisee from the licensing and other requirements contained in this chapter.

Source: SL 2010, ch 156, § 4, eff. Mar. 9, 2010.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-83 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-83
Extension of time period in32-6B-81--Application--Limit
Status: in_force

On a showing by a manufacturer or franchisor of good cause, the department may extend the time limit set forth in § 32-6B-81 . No extension under this section may exceed twelve months. An application for an extension after the first extension is granted is subject to protest by a vehicle dealer of the same line - make whose dealership is located in the same county as, or within fifteen miles of, the dealership owned or controlled by the manufacturer or franchisor. The department may not grant more than two extensions.

Source: SL 2000, ch 151, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-12 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-12
Requirements for establishing temporary roadblock--Warning signals
Status: in_force

For the purpose of warning and protecting the traveling public, the minimum requirements to be met by officers establishing temporary roadblocks, if time and circumstances allow are:

(1) The temporary roadblock must be established at a point on the highway clearly visible at a distance of not less than one hundred yards, in either direction;

(2) At a distance of not less than one hundred yards from the point of the temporary roadblock, at least one flashing amber light shall be placed at the side of the roadway so as to be clearly visible to oncoming traffic;

(3) At the same point of the temporary roadblock, a flashing red light must be displayed. Said flashing red light may be one which is attached to a vehicle but in any event shall be clearly visible to the oncoming traffic, at a distance of not less than one hundred yards.

Source: SL 1961, ch 149, § 3; SL 1972, ch 183, §§ 1, 2; SL 1975, ch 212, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-98 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-98
Operation of motor vehicle without visible license plates prohibited-- Removal of unauthorized plates--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise specifically provided, no person may operate or drive a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state unless the vehicle has a distinctive number assigned to it by the department, and two number plates, bearing the number conspicuously displayed, horizontally and in an upright position, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle, each securely fastened. The plates shall at all times, as far as is reasonably possible, be kept clear and free of mud, ice, or snow so as to be clearly visible. All number plates, markers, or stamps evidencing registration or licensing of any vehicle in this or any foreign state, territory, district, or possession and any plate, marker, or stamp used in substitution for or in lieu of the number plates required by this section by virtue of any law or executive order for any prior year or years shall be removed from such vehicles. A motorcycle is only required to display one number plate. The motorcycle plate may be mounted in any visible manner other than upside down. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0113; SL 1945, ch 186; SL 1989, ch 255, § 16; SL 1989, ch 257, § 99; SL 2016, ch 157, § 2; SL 2017, ch 129, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6C-12 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6C / Section 32-6C-12
Investigation of dealers
Status: in_force

The department may investigate any dealer licensed under this chapter for the purpose of ascertaining any violation of this chapter or chapter 32-20A and chapters 32-3 to 32-5 , inclusive. The investigation shall include an inspection of the principal place of business, supplemental lots, and any books, records, or files required by the department. An examination of titles and vehicles owned or offered for sale by the dealer shall also be conducted.

Source: SL 1990, ch 246, § 2; SL 2005, ch 160, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-15 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-15
Proportional registration of fleets of commercial vehicles in interstate commerce--Application to administrator--Contents of application
Status: in_force

Any owner engaged in operating one or more fleets, each consisting of one or more commercial vehicles in this state in interstate commerce, may, in lieu of registering each vehicle individually, register and license each fleet for operation in this state by filing a verified application with the administrator which shall contain the following information and such other vehicle registration information as the administrator may require:

(1) Fleet miles, which is the total number of miles operated by all vehicles within the fleet in all jurisdictions during the preceding year;

(2) In - state miles, which is the total number of miles operated by all vehicles within the fleet in this state during the preceding year;

(3) A description and identification of each vehicle contained within the fleet which is intended to be operated in this state during the registration year for which proportional fleet registration is requested;

(4) Verification that the fleet vehicles are registered under an interstate fuel user license issued by this state prior to the date when fleet registration is submitted.

Source: SL 1961, ch 237, § 11 (1); SL 1978, ch 225, § 2; SL 1990, ch 230, § 9.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-47 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-47
Notification of licensing authority in licensing state of conviction of nonresident
Status: in_force

If any nonresident is convicted in this state of any violation of state law or local ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic control, other than parking violations, committed in any type of vehicle, the department shall notify the driver licensing authority in the licensing state of the conviction within ten days of the conviction.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 26; SL 1996, ch 201, § 6; SDCL § 32-12-112; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 101, 115; SL 2004, ch 213, § 6; SL 2005, ch 167, § 25; SL 2010, ch 161, § 9.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-16 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-16
Impounding of nonconforming vehicles--Penalties for failure to comply
Status: in_force

Whenever a criminal prosecution is instituted by the Division of Highway Patrol, or any of its agents, patrolmen, or employees, and it appears to the court in which such prosecution is instituted or maintained that any vehicle has been operated which does not conform to the provisions of this title or chapter 49-28 governing the operation of such vehicle, or operation by motor carriers, or the registration or license laws, the court shall impound such vehicle and not permit the same to be driven until it shall be made to conform to such laws; and if such vehicle is operated as a motor carrier in violation of laws relating to compensation for unusual use of the highways, such court may impose the penalties provided in such laws.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0608.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-126 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-126
Certain trailers licensed more than one year--Fee
Status: in_force

The department may provide, to an owner of any fleet of fifty or more trailers, registrations and license plates for the trailers which are valid for a period of not more than seven consecutive years. Such registered trailers are exempt from the requirements of an annual registration as provided by this chapter. The owner of such a fleet shall make application directly to the department. The owner shall pay at the time of registration for each trailer the registration fee as provided by § 32-5-8 for the entire registration period. The owner shall pay any registration fee increases which occur during the period for which the trailers are registered. All fees collected shall be deposited in the local government highway and bridge fund created pursuant to § 32-11-34 . The department may cancel the registrations and license plates at any time for any reason.

Source: SL 1993, ch 224; SL 2021, ch 125, § 6.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-71 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-71
Downgrade of license--Termination of downgrade--Reinstatement of permit or privilege--Notification
Status: in_force

After the department completes and records the downgrade of the commercial driver license information system driver record, if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notifies the department that pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 382.503(a) (October 7, 2021), a driver is no longer prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle, the state must make the driver eligible for reinstatement of the commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license privilege to the driver's license.

Source: SL 2024, ch 117, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-7.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-7.1
Extension of time to deliver certificate of title to secondhand vehicle--Temporary license permit
Status: in_force

If a licensed dealer does not deliver title within forty-five days as required by § 32-3-7 , and the dealer has satisfied any lien in compliance with chapter 32-6B , 32-6C , 32-7A , or 32-7B and the delay in delivering title was caused because the lien holder failed to release the lien or deliver the title document in accordance with § 32-3-44 , the dealer may request additional time to deliver title to the retail purchaser. The dealer's request for an extension shall be made within fifty days of the date of sale. Any request after the fifty days shall be denied and the dealer is in violation of § 32-3-7 . The dealer shall provide to the department documentation to support the steps taken to satisfy the lien in a timely manner and request the title. If the department finds the request for additional time is substantiated, the department may authorize the issuance of another temporary license permit not to exceed forty-five days.

Source: SL 2008, ch 148, § 1; SL 2015, ch 156, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-30-4.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 30 / Section 32-30-4.2
Disabled vehicle--Removal from public waters--Owner responsible for cost--Liability limited
Status: in_force

Any agent of the Division of Highway Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, any sheriff or peace officer of this state, and any removal agency or other person acting at the direction of law enforcement or any state agency personnel specified in this section, may, in the interest of public safety, remove from the public waters of this state a disabled:

(1) Boat, as defined in § 32-3A-2 ;

(2) Motor vehicle, as defined in § 32-5-1 ;

(3) Off-road vehicle, as defined in § 32-20-1 ; and

(4) Snowmobile, as defined in § 32-20A-1 .

The owner of the boat, motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, or snowmobile, is responsible for any costs of removal incurred by the state, any political subdivision of the state, or any removal agency acting on behalf of the state or a political subdivision thereof.

Absent gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct in removing a boat, motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, or snowmobile, and its cargo, no agent of the Division of Highway Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, and no removal agency or other person acting under the direction of law enforcement or any state agency personnel specified in this section, is liable for damages to the disabled boat, motor vehicle, off-road vehicle, or snowmobile, or to its cargo, the personal property of the operator, or the surrounding area.

Source: SL 2026, ch 139, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-61 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-61
Installment payments and proof of financial responsibility as obviating suspension
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety shall not suspend a license or nonresident's operating privilege, and shall restore any license or nonresident's operating privilege suspended following nonpayment of a judgment, when the judgment debtor gives proof of financial responsibility and obtains an order under § 32-35-60 permitting the payment of such judgment in installments, and while the payment of any said installments is not in default. The Department of Revenue shall not suspend a registration, and shall restore any registration suspended following nonpayment of a judgment, when the judgment debtor gives proof of financial responsibility and obtains an order under § 32-35-60 permitting the payment of such judgment in installments, and while the payment of any said installments is not in default.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 44; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A44; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 23; SL 2004, ch 17, § 162; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-78 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-78
General license fees in lieu of other taxes against vehicle
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise specifically provided and except as to compensation for use of the highways by motor carriers, the license fees and taxes imposed upon all of the classes of motor vehicles as specified in §§ 32-5-5 to 32-5-46 , inclusive, §§ 32-5-77 , 32-5B-1 , and 32-5B-20 are in lieu of all taxes, general or local, except for the tax created in § 32-5A-1 , to which such vehicle would otherwise be subject.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0109; SL 1941, ch 182; SL 1964, ch 119; SL 1970, ch 20, § 1 (2); SL 1985, ch 248, § 3; SL 1986, ch 27, § 2; SL 1989, ch 257, § 75; SL 1994, ch 245, § 7.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-20A-25 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 20A / Section 32-20A-25
Permit to operate motorcycle as a snowmobile
Status: in_force

Any resident owner who has titled a motorcycle which has been modified to comply with the definition of a snowmobile for use as a snowmobile on a state snowmobile trail or area established pursuant to the provisions of chapter 41-19 may purchase an annual permit valid from December first to March thirty-first, inclusive, for a fee of twenty dollars. The permit shall be affixed to the motorcycle on the right side of the unit and shall be clearly visible. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks shall collect the annual permit fee imposed by this section and shall deposit the fees in the snowmobile trails fund established by § 32-5-9.2 .

Source: SL 2013, ch 146, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-190 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-190
Nonresident off-road vehicles--Application--Fee
Status: in_force

Application for the decal authorized by § 32-5-189 shall be made to the department or a county treasurer. The application shall be on a form approved by the secretary and contain the names of all owners, each owner’s social security number, a description of the off-road vehicle with vehicle identification or serial numbers, and proof of ownership of the off-road vehicle. The application shall be accompanied by a fifty-dollar fee. If the decal is mailed, the applicant shall include the mailing fee imposed pursuant to § 32-5-127 .

Source: SL 2023, ch 99, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-50 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-50
Cancellation of receipt of registration upon cancellation of certificate--Return of receipt and license plates--Confiscation
Status: in_force

If a receipt of registration has been issued to the holder of a certificate of title canceled by the secretary, the secretary shall immediately cancel the same and demand the return of such receipt of registration, and the license plates or tags issued therewith, and the holder of such receipt of registration or license plates or tags shall return the same to the secretary forthwith. If the registration, license plates or tags, or title is not returned, the secretary may notify the highway patrol or the local law enforcement agency which shall confiscate license plates or tags and return them to the department.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0208 (1) as added by SL 1951, ch 229, § 4; SL 1965, ch 186, § 7; SL 1986, ch 242, § 34.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-47.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-47.1
Suspended license--Fee for reinstatement
Status: in_force

Any person whose license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle on public highways is suspended pursuant to this chapter must pay the reinstatement fee, pursuant to subsection 32-12-47.1 (1)(f), to the department prior to the reinstatement of the license.

Source: SL 1982, ch 237, § 3; SL 2003, ch 272, § 23; SL 2026, ch 140, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-22.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-22.1
Stopping or slowing signal required--Improper use of signals--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in § 32-26-23 to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal. The signal provided in § 32-26-23 shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or stop and shall not be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle or flashed as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 175, § 21, § 2; SL 1989, ch 255, § 161.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-30 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-30
Subsequent violations of flare requirements--Revocation of license
Status: in_force

If a person violates § 32-17-28 or 32-17-29 more than once, the court may impose as an additional penalty the revoking of any permit or license, or both, which the person so convicted holds pertaining to ownership or operation of motor vehicles.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.9918; SL 1976, ch 158, § 43-6 ; SL 1989, ch 255, § 66.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-81 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-81
Application to county treasurer--Issuance of distinctive number plate--Fuel used by vehicle--Failure to identify fuel as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

On receipt of any application under §§ 32-5-2 and 32-5-3 , the county treasurer shall register the vehicle. Upon payment of the fee prescribed by law for the registration of the vehicle described in the application, the county treasurer or department shall issue a distinctive number plate. The registration for the vehicle shall identify the motor vehicle and the type of fuel used by the vehicle.

The applicant shall indicate the fuel type used in the motor vehicle as one of the following: gas only, diesel, liquified petroleum gas, or other. The treasurer shall reject any application that does not specify the type of fuel used. Any applicant who fails to correctly identify the fuel used in the applicant's motor vehicle is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0104; SL 1959, ch 246, § 2; SL 1965, ch 178; SL 1983, ch 100, § 75; SL 1989, ch 257, § 78; SL 2018, ch 179, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-177 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-177
Specific additional requirements for emblem specialty plates
Status: in_force

Any entity applying for an emblem to be used on the emblem specialty plate shall also meet the following specific additional requirements for the respective emblem specialty plate:

(1) To qualify for an organization emblem, the entity shall be a nonprofit corporation, or a group of nonprofit corporations with a common purpose, on file with the Office of the Secretary of State and must have a minimum of two hundred members, volunteers, or donors; and

(2) To qualify for a first responder emblem, the application and emblem design must be approved by the Department of Public Safety.

Source: SL 2014, ch 143, § 11; SL 2018, ch 182, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-23 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-23
Assignment of title for transfer by boat dealer or motor vehicle dealer--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Any boat dealer or motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to chapter 32-6B transferring a large boat requiring titling under §§ 32-3A-20 to 32-3A-32 , inclusive, shall assign the title to the new owner within forty-five days of the date of sale, or if a new large boat, the boat dealer shall assign the manufacturer's certificate of origin to the new owner within forty-five days of the date of sale. Within forty-five days the applicant shall forward all title fees and applications to the county treasurer. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Any subsequent violation that occurs within two years from any violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1991, ch 362, § 6; SL 1994, ch 335, § 32; SL 1994, ch 336; SDCL § 42-8-74; SL 1998, ch 74, § 15; SL 2014, ch 138, § 1; SL 2015, ch 156, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-41.5 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-41.5
Contest of order--Procedure
Status: in_force

A dealer or public auction may request a hearing to contest an order issued pursuant to § 32-6B-41.4 or 32-6B-41.7 . The request shall be submitted to the secretary in writing within twenty days after service of the order. Any hearing shall be conducted pursuant to, and judicial review shall be available as provided by, chapter 1-26 .

Source: SL 2005, ch 162, § 5; SL 2020, ch 139, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-17.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 9 / Section 32-9-17.1
Denial of registration or title to certain commercial motor carriers--Suspension or revocation or registration or permit--Conditions for issuance or restoration
Status: in_force

The department or its agent shall refuse to issue a registration, license plate, permit, or a certificate of title or to transfer any title on a vehicle licensed under chapter 32-9 or 32-10 that has been assigned to a commercial motor carrier who has been prohibited from operating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. However, the department or its agent may allow a commercial motor carrier, who has been prohibited from operating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to transfer a title if the commercial motor carrier does not retain an interest, either directly or indirectly, in the vehicle.

The department or its agent may suspend, revoke, or remove the registration, plate, or any permit issued to any vehicle assigned to a commercial motor carrier who has been prohibited from operating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

If the prohibition by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is rescinded, the department or its agent may issue a registration, license plate, permit, or a certificate of title to the vehicle provided all other taxes and fees have been paid to the department.

Source: SL 2002, ch 154, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-13 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-13
Sale or transfer without certificate as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Any person who sells or transfers a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer without complying with the requirements of this chapter is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.9908; SL 1955, ch 184; SL 1986, ch 242, § 29; SL 1989, ch 257, § 15.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-48 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-48
Promulgation of rules
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Public Safety may promulgate rules, pursuant to chapter 1-26 , in the following areas:

(1) Definitions;

(2) Commercial driver license waivers;

(3) Single license requirement;

(4) Notification requirements and employer responsibilities;

(5) Federal disqualifications and penalties;

(6) Testing and licensing procedures;

(7) Vehicle groups and endorsements;

(8) Required knowledge and skills;

(9) Tests;

(10) Background check requirements;

(11) Commercial learner's permit and commercial driver license documents; and

(12) Other rules necessary to implement the provisions of C.F.R. 49, Chapter 3, Subchapter B, parts 383, 384, 390, 391, and 392, inclusive, as of January 1, 2015.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 27; SL 1991, ch 252, § 16; SL 1994, ch 254, § 3; SL 1996, ch 201, § 14; SDCL § 32-12-113; SL 2001, ch 171, § 115; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 23; SL 2004, ch 213, § 7; SL 2005, ch 167, § 26, eff. Sept. 30, 2005; SL 2007, ch 182, § 10; SL 2010, ch 161, § 10; SL 2011, ch 144, § 10; SL 2015, ch 168, § 33.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-1.5 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-1.5
Payment of excise tax by dealer required to take title--Subsequent purchaser not exempt
Status: in_force

Except as provided in § 32-5-27 , any dealer who is required by law to take title to a motor vehicle, or required to take title to a motor vehicle for the purpose of resale because of the requirements of his dealer license, shall pay the excise tax established in § 32-5B-1 and the next purchaser is not exempt from the excise tax on the subsequent purchase.

Source: SL 1988, ch 236, § 23.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-40 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-40
Annual or single trip permits by local subdivisions
Status: in_force

The local subdivisions of government charged with maintenance of highways in their respective jurisdictions may issue written annual or single trip permits authorizing an applicant to move any kind or form of vehicle or building to any point within their respective jurisdictions upon the highways whose maintenance is under their jurisdiction, despite the fact that the weight or size of the vehicle and load or building exceeds the maximum vehicle and load specifications set forth in this chapter.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0342; SL 1957, ch 225, § 2; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0342 (2); SL 1988, ch 262.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-12 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-15-12
Bell, siren, or whistle permitted on emergency vehicles
Status: in_force

Every police and fire department and fire patrol vehicle and every ambulance used for emergency calls shall be equipped with a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0347; SL 1989, ch 255, § 32.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-20 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-20
Authority to modify method of turning--Violation as misdemeanor--Posting signs--Approval of Department of Transportation
Status: in_force

The Department of Transportation or local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may modify the method of turning at intersections provided by §§ 32-26-17 and 32-26-18 by clearly indicating by buttons, markers, or other direction signs installed within an intersection the course to be followed by vehicles turning thereat. It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any driver to fail to turn in a manner as so directed. No such signs or buttons shall be placed upon any state highway without the approval of the Department of Transportation. When an intersection is so constructed and laid out that different and clearly defined courses of travel are provided for vehicles turning to the left or right, as the case may be, it shall be lawful for any driver in making any such turn to follow the course thereby indicated.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0316; SL 1978, ch 158, § 52.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-17.8 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-17.8
Bar code on license--Medical information
Status: in_force

If a bar code, or other means by which information may be retrieved electronically, is placed on a license pursuant to § 32-12-17.10 , the secretary of the Department of Public Safety may include information identifying the licensee's blood type, medical condition, allergies, medications, or other medical alert data, if the licensee requests such information to be included. Before such information may be included, the licensee shall submit a document clearly identifying this information to the department and the document shall be signed by the licensee and the licensee's physician.

Source: SL 1998, ch 187, § 3; SL 2004, ch 17, § 131.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-44 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-44
Plates without yearly designation--Distinctive color--Yearly renewal dispensed with
Status: in_force

The department shall issue to motor vehicles, owned by public corporations listed in § 32-5-42 or school buses owned by individuals who contract with public school corporations and use the vehicles solely for the purpose of transporting school students and school employees, license plates which may be used on the motor vehicles for more than one year. The department shall design and adopt a special license plate for this purpose, with the plates bearing no yearly designation, and which are of a distinctive color, and may not be duplicated by the regular license plate issues required by §§ 32-5-82 to 32-5-89 , inclusive. No yearly renewal of the registrations is required for such motor vehicles unless directed by the department.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0108 (11) as added by SL 1963, ch 249; SL 1977, ch 249, § 11; SL 1989, ch 257, § 64; SL 1994, ch 240, § 3.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 18 / Section 32-18-7
Service brakes required--Exceptions--Adequacy--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Every vehicle described in § 32-18-1 and combination of vehicles except special mobile equipment which includes vehicles not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch - digging apparatus, well - boring apparatus, and road construction and maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earth - moving carry - alls and scrapers, power shovels and draglines, and self - propelled cranes and earth - moving equipment, shall be equipped with service brakes complying with the performance requirements of §§ 32-18-8 and 32-18-9 and adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle under all conditions of loading, and on any grade incident to its operation. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1967, ch 197, § 1 (a); SL 1968, ch 178, § 1; SL 1989, ch 255, § 71.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-13 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-13
Failure to invoke refusal procedure as permission to make chemical analysis
Status: in_force

If any operator of a motor vehicle in this state who has been requested to submit to a chemical test fails to invoke the provision in § 32-23-11 which permits him to refuse to submit to a test, then the failure to invoke the provision permitting a refusal to submit to a test shall constitute consent and authority to administer a test notwithstanding the age of the operator of the motor vehicle.

Source: SL 1959, ch 264, § 5; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0302-2; SL 1971, ch 193, § 1; SL 1982, ch 246, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-23 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 18 / Section 32-18-23
Combined air and vacuum power warning signal devices--Gauge not considered adequate
Status: in_force

When a vehicle required to be equipped with a warning device is equipped with both air and vacuum power for the operation of its own brakes or the brakes on a towed vehicle, the warning devices required by §§ 32-18-20 and 32-18-22 may be, but are not required to be, combined into a single device which will serve both purposes. A gauge or gauges indicating pressure or vacuum shall not be deemed to be an adequate means of satisfying this requirement.

Source: SL 1967, ch 197, § 1 (j) (3).
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-52 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-52
Surrender of indicia of ownership by dealers, salvage yards, and others
Status: in_force

Employees of the department authorized by the secretary shall require the surrender of the plates and documents for such vehicles from dealers, salvage yards, and other similar establishments, when it is determined that the plates and documents have not been forwarded to the department as required herein.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.02 11-4 as enacted by SL 1965, ch 183; SL 1989, ch 257, § 44.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-45 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-45
Suspension not required--Furnishing proof of financial responsibility for future
Status: in_force

If an owner whose license is suspended or revoked by reason of a conviction or a forfeiture of bail has previously given or shall immediately give and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility for the future with respect to all vehicles registered by such person as the owner, the Department of Revenue shall not suspend such registration unless otherwise required by law.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 31; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A31 (1); SL 2004, ch 17, § 153; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-2.9 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-15-2.9
Sunscreening devices on windshield prohibited--Extension of film limited
Status: in_force

No sunscreening devices may be placed on or affixed to a windshield so as to obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view through the windshield. No film may be extended downward beyond the AS-1 line or more than the lowest point of the sun visor of the motor vehicle. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1994, ch 257, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-1.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-1.1
Arrest or summons on probable cause at accident scene
Status: in_force

A law enforcement officer arriving at the scene of a traffic accident may, based on probable cause, arrest or issue a summons to any person believed to have caused the accident by violating a criminal provision of this title. Any person assigned by a law enforcement agency to investigate traffic accidents may, based on probable cause, issue a summons to any person believed to have caused the accident by violating a criminal provision of this title.

Source: SL 1978, ch 238; SL 1998, ch 197, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-14
Entry of highway from alley, building or private road--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a public highway from an alley, building, private road, or driveway shall yield the right - of - way to all vehicles approaching on such public highway. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0319; SL 1945, ch 189; SL 1959, ch 252, § 2; SL 1970, ch 175, § 15; SL 1989, ch 255, § 151.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-49.4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-49.4
Restricted license for employment or school purposes when driving privilege has been withdrawn--Rules
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Public Safety may issue a restricted license to a person whose license has been suspended, revoked, disqualified, or canceled pursuant to § 32-12-49 to allow the person to drive to and from the person's place of employment, for purposes of the person's employment, or for attendance at school. The secretary of the Department of Public Safety may promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 for restricted licenses with regard to eligibility, application, determination, limitations, duration, and grounds for revocation.

Source: SL 1999, ch 158, § 1; SL 2003, ch 272, § 23.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-20A-3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 20A / Section 32-20A-3
Age restrictions on drivers--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

There is no age limitation for the operation of a snowmobile. However, no person under the age of fourteen may drive a snowmobile across a roadway as defined in subdivision 32-14-1(27) of a highway as defined in subdivisions 31-1-5(1) to (4), inclusive, except under the immediate direction of a parent, legal guardian, or person who is eighteen years of age or older. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1971, ch 182, § 2; SL 1989, ch 255, § 116; SL 2005, ch 172, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-14.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-14.1
Restrictions voided at age eighteen--Suspension or revocation for conviction committed before age eighteen
Status: in_force

The restrictions in §§ 32-12-12 , 32-12-13 , 32-12-14 , and 32-12-12.1 do not apply if the minor has obtained the age of eighteen years. Nothing in this section precludes the suspension or revocation of the minor's driving privileges upon the receipt of a record of conviction for a violation of the restrictions committed prior to the minor's eighteenth birthday.

Source: SL 1989, ch 265, § 15; SL 1998, ch 186, § 3; SL 2001, ch 171, § 14.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-2
License required--Exceptions--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may engage in the business of selling, or may offer to sell, display, act as a broker, or advertise the sale of new or used boats, without a license as provided in this chapter. Any violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Any subsequent violation that occurs within two years from any violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The licensing requirements of this section do not apply to any regulated lenders as that term is defined in § 54-3-14 , any insurance company authorized to do business in this state, or any financing institution as defined in and licensed pursuant to chapter 54-4 that acquires new or used boats as an incident to its regular business.

Source: SL 1998, ch 185, § 2; SL 2014, ch 137, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-43 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-43
Proof of financial responsibility for future--Person convicted of certain vehicle law offenses--Nonpayment of judgments
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 32-35-44 to 32-35-97 , inclusive, requiring the deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future, subject to certain exemptions, shall apply to any person who has been convicted of or forfeited bail for a violation of §§ 22-16-41 , 32-23-1 , 32-24-3 , 32-35-113 , and 32-35-120 or to any person who has failed to pay judgments upon causes of action arising out of ownership, maintenance, or use of any vehicle subject to registration under the laws of this state.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 30; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03A30; SL 1986, ch 269, § 12; SL 1989, ch 265, § 36.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-10 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-10
Entering controlled-access highway--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled - access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1961, ch 150, § 3; SL 1989, ch 255, § 149.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-15-22 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-15-22
Misuse of slow-moving vehicle emblem prohibited--Violation as petty offense
Status: in_force

No vehicle, other than those specified in § 32-15-20 , shall display a slow - moving vehicle emblem, and its use on any type of stationary object is prohibited. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

Source: SL 1970, ch 189, §§ 2, 4; SDCL Supp, § 32-15-23 .
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7B-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7B / Section 32-7B-14
Dealer inspectors
Status: in_force

The department may appoint dealer inspectors to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The inspectors may enter property pursuant to § 32-7B-15 and sign complaints against persons found in violation of this chapter.

Source: SL 1998, ch 185, § 14.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-10.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-10.3
Serious bodily injury defined
Status: in_force

For purposes of § 32-23-10 , serious bodily injury is such injury as is grave and not trivial, and gives rise to apprehension of danger to life, health, or limb.

Source: SL 2004, ch 217, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-3
Dealer's inventory exempt--Filing required
Status: in_force

Any used, licensed motor vehicle which is in the inventory of a motor vehicle dealer on May 31, 1985, is exempt from the provisions of § 32-5B-1 . However, to qualify for this exemption, each motor vehicle dealer shall file on or before June 3, 1985, with the Department of Revenue and the county treasurer, a verified list of used, licensed motor vehicles on inventory.

Source: SL 1985, ch 241, § 3A; SL 2004, ch 17, § 77; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-12 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-12
Eligibility for reciprocity--Annual statement--Contents
Status: in_force

A person, firm, corporation, or limited liability company described in § 32-10-11 shall, on or before the first day of January of each year, file with the Department of Revenue a verified statement showing for the preceding year:

(1) Total amount paid to the State of South Dakota for commercial motor vehicle licenses on any such vehicles;

(2) Total amount which would have been paid to the State of South Dakota if all such vehicles had been licensed in South Dakota;

(3) Total miles traveled in South Dakota by all motor vehicles owned or leased by the operator;

(4) Total miles traveled by all motor vehicles owned or leased by the operator.

If the statement establishes that the ratio of (1) to (2) is at least as great as the ratio of (3) to (4), the secretary of revenue may certify that the operator is eligible for the reciprocity provisions granted in §§ 32-10-5 to 32-10-11 , inclusive.

Source: SL 1961, ch 237, § 8; SL 1977, ch 249, § 46; SL 2004, ch 17, § 124; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011; SL 2014, ch 139, § 16.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-125 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-125
Fees only used for operating driver licensing program
Status: in_force

Except for the portion of the fee used to administer the Division of Highway Patrol pursuant to § 32-12-16 , all other fees collected pursuant to chapters 32-12 and 32-12A and credited to the state motor vehicle fund shall remain in the fund for the next fiscal year. These fees may only be used for purposes of operating the driver licensing program.

Source: SL 2015, ch 167, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7A-4.7 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7A / Section 32-7A-4.7
Hearing to contest order to pay fine or suspend or revoke license--Procedures
Status: in_force

A dealer may request a hearing to contest an order issued pursuant to § 32-7A-4.6 . The request shall be submitted to the secretary in writing within twenty days after service of the order. Any hearing shall be conducted pursuant to, and judicial review shall be available as provided by, chapter 1-26 .

Source: SL 2005, ch 162, § 25.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-7A-8 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 7A / Section 32-7A-8
Disposition of fees
Status: in_force

The fees collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited in the state motor vehicle fund.

Source: SL 1984, ch 30, §§ 47, 48; SL 1984, ch 223, § 8; SL 2004, ch 17, § 100; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011; SL 2013, ch 141, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-1.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-1.2
Leasing or rental company separate from dealership--Distinct name--Daily rental operations--Exemption from excise tax
Status: in_force

Any leasing or rental company which operates within the principal place of business of a dealer, licensed pursuant to chapter 32-6B , is a business separate from the dealership for the purposes of this chapter. A leasing company shall title, license, and tax any leased vehicle which is leased for more than twenty - eight days in a name that is distinct and separate from that of the dealership name as indicated on the dealer license under chapter 32-6B . If the lessee is a rental company leasing vehicles for use in a daily rental operation, neither the lessor nor the lessee is required to pay the excise tax. In order to be exempt, the rental company shall be indicated on the title as the lessee. A rental company shall title and license any rental vehicle which is rented for twenty - eight days or less which is part of the rental company in a name that is distinct and separate from that of the dealership name as indicated on the dealer license under chapter 32-6B .

Source: SL 1986, ch 248, § 3; SL 1988, ch 246; SL 1993, ch 219, § 7; SL 1994, ch 245, § 4.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-20A-8 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 20A / Section 32-20A-8
Permit to operate on closed or posted roadway
Status: in_force

A permit authorized under subdivision 32-20A-7(4) may be issued to persons, or associations or clubs formed by owners of snowmobiles, to be operated upon roadways which are closed to travel by other motor vehicles or which during the hours of use by snowmobiles will be adequately posted for warning to other motor vehicle operators of its authorized use by snowmobile operators. The permit shall specifically define the routes and the time of day that the operators will be permitted to use the roadway. When operated under such a permit the operator shall comply with the provisions of chapter 32-14 .

Source: SL 1971, ch 182, § 7.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-25-9.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 25 / Section 32-25-9.1
Establishment of speed zones by county commissioners--Posting of zones
Status: in_force

Any board of county commissioners may determine and establish speed zones upon all or any part of the highways under its jurisdiction and upon streets and highways on the request of and after any other local authority, including any road district, having charge of the maintenance of the highway has declared its intention to post speed zones. Such speed zones shall be conspicuously posted at the beginning and ending of the zones.

Source: SDCL, § 32-25-8 as added by SL 1977, ch 264; SL 1985, ch 259, § 1; SL 1999, ch 151, § 9.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-30-18 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 30 / Section 32-30-18
Lien for costs of removal and storage of vehicle--Limit--Exception
Status: in_force

The sheriff, law enforcement officer, or removal agency taking custody of any vehicle under the provisions of §§ 32-30-12 to 32-30-15 , inclusive, 32-30-19 , and 32-36-4 has a possessory lien on the vehicle and the contents of the vehicle for the reasonable costs in taking custody and storing of the vehicle. No lien on the contents of the vehicle may exceed five hundred dollars. No possessory lien attaches to the tools and implements which a person uses and keeps for the purpose of carrying on his or her trade or business or to any clothing or food.

Source: SL 1967, ch 211, § 6; SL 1970, ch 180, § 1; SL 1989, ch 275; SL 1998, ch 195, § 2; SL 2001, ch 180, § 1; SL 2007, ch 185, § 1; SL 2018, ch 196, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5A-1.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5A / Section 32-5A-1.1
Publication of ordinance on imposition of tax--Content of announcement
Status: in_force

If a county imposes a wheel tax pursuant to § 32-5A-1 in excess of two dollars per wheel, the ordinance shall be published within ten days of the decision by the board of county commissioners. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 7-18A-5 , publication shall be made at least twice in the legal newspapers designated by the board pursuant to § 7-18-3 , with no fewer than five days between publication dates, before the increase takes effect. The announcement shall consist of a reproduction of the ordinance, a statement of the right to refer the decision of the board to a vote of the people as provided in chapter 7-18A , and notification that a referendum petition form, prepared by the county and ready for circulation, for such ordinance may be obtained from the office of the county auditor.

Source: SL 2004, ch 205, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-53 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-53
Restored or rebuilt vehicle--Submission to department--Inspection--Issuance of rebuilt title
Status: in_force

If any vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is rebuilt as defined in § 32-3-1 and is restored to operation, the owner shall submit an application to the Department of Revenue for a rebuilt title. The motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer may not be licensed or titled until there is submitted to the department proper affidavits, photo copies of receipts, bills of sale establishing ownership, or titles and the source of all parts and component parts used to rebuild the vehicle. The rebuilt title and registration shall be issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. After the motor vehicle is inspected, the owner shall take his copy of the certificate of inspection to the county treasurer, purchase his license plates and pay any tax owed. Once the department is notified that the inspection is complete and has verified that the correct amount of tax has been paid, it shall issue a rebuilt title. Each new certificate of title shall have noted thereon that the vehicle has been rebuilt. The highway patrol or an employee of the department may inspect rebuilt titles and rebuilt motor vehicles.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0211-4 as enacted by SL 1965, ch 183; SL 1984, ch 217, § 1; SL 1985, ch 239, § 5; SL 1988, ch 238, § 14; SL 2004, ch 17, § 42; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011; SL 2025, ch 44, § 7.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-28 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-28
Otherwise registered vehicles not required to be proportionally registered--Temporarily registered vehicles
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this chapter relating to proportional registration of fleet vehicles shall be construed as requiring any vehicle to be proportionally registered if it is otherwise registered in this state for the operation in which it is engaged including, but not by way of limitation, regular registration, temporary registration, or trip permit fee or registration.

Source: SL 1961, ch 237, § 20.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-38 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-38
Single trip permit for moving building or other oversize load--Carrying and inspection of permit
Status: in_force

The Division of Highway Patrol may issue a written, telegraphic, or telephonic permit for a fee or fees to be fixed, authorizing an applicant to move any kind or form of vehicle or building for a single trip over a route to be designated by the Department of Transportation to any point in or through this state upon the state trunk highways or the national system of interstate highways despite the fact that the maximum specifications of the vehicle and load or building exceed the maximum vehicle and load specifications set forth in this chapter. A written or telegraphic permit issued pursuant to this section shall be carried in the vehicle and shall be open to inspection by any peace officer or authorized agent of the authority granting the permit. Prepaid telephonic permits in books of ten may be issued to an applicant by the Division of Highway Patrol. One of the telephonic permits from the book of ten, after being telephonically authorized by the Division of Highway Patrol, shall be carried in the vehicle and shall be open to inspection by any peace officer or authorized agent of the authority granting the permit.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0342; SL 1957, ch 225, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0342 (1); SL 1963, ch 261; SL 1964, ch 126; SL 1966, ch. 133; SL 1980, ch 217, § 4; SL 1983, ch 335, § 23; SL 1984, ch 230, § 33; SL 1987, ch 234, § 5; SL 1992, ch 372, § 17.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-5 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-5
Misfeasance by public officer--Removal from office
Status: in_force

Any officer violating any of the provisions of §§ 32-33-1 to 32-33-4 , inclusive, shall be guilty of misconduct in office and shall be subject to removal from office.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0502.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-20-6.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 20 / Section 32-20-6.3
Carrying package on motorcycle--Restrictions--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No person may operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 176, § 1, § 3; SL 1989, ch 255, § 96.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-34 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-34
Registration requirements--Time to apply for large boat registration
Status: in_force

No boat may be registered in this state until all of the requirements of this chapter have been met. A certificate of title shall be applied for at the time of registration for any large boat.

Source: SL 1993, ch 322, § 8; SL 1994, ch 335, § 41; SDCL 42-8-86.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-14
Persons authorized to withdraw blood to determine alcohol content--Liability
Status: in_force

Only a physician, laboratory technician, registered nurse, physician's assistant, phlebotomist, licensed practical nurse, medical technician, medical technologist, or other person authorized pursuant to a certification, license, or training may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content therein. This limitation does not apply to the taking of a breath or other bodily substance specimen. Such authorized persons, acting on the presumption of consent in § 32-23-10 , and any hospital or facility employing such persons, are not liable and may not be held to pay damages to the party from whom the blood sample is withdrawn, if the withdrawal is administered with usual and ordinary care. No person authorized to withdraw blood under this section may be required or forced to withdraw blood for the purposes outlined in this chapter, unless required pursuant to a written agreement.

Source: SL 1959, ch 264, § 3; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0302-2; SL 1971, ch 193, § 2; SL 1975, ch 208, § 1; SL 1982, ch 246, § 5; SL 1983, ch 245, § 4; SL 1989, ch 274, § 4; SL 2006, ch 169, § 4; SL 2010, ch 163, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-16.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 9 / Section 32-9-16.1
Promulgation of rules for staggered registration system
Status: in_force

The secretary of revenue may promulgate rules pursuant to the provisions of chapter 1-26 to provide for a staggered registration system.

Source: SL 2004, ch 210, § 1; SL 2010, ch 158, § 5; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12A-65 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12A / Section 32-12A-65
Expiration of medical certification--Expiration, removal, or rescission of medical variance
Status: in_force

If a commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license holder's medical certification or medical variance expires, or if the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notifies the department that a medical variance was removed or rescinded, the department shall do the following:

(1) Notify the commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license holder that his or her medical certification or variance is not valid and that the commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license privilege will be removed from the driver license unless the driver submits a current medical certificate or medical variance or changes his or her self-certification to driving only in excepted or intrastate commerce; and

(2) Downgrade the driver's commercial driver license to a noncommercial driver license, or cancel a commercial learner's permit, within sixty days of the driver's medical certification status becoming noncertified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Source: SL 2011, ch 144, § 17; SL 2015, ch 168, § 44.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-20-6.4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 20 / Section 32-20-6.4
Rider interfering with control or view of operator--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 176, § 1, § 4; SL 1989, ch 255, § 97.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-19-3.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 19 / Section 32-19-3.1
Vehicles restricted on state trunk highways during inclement weather--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding § 32-19-2 , the secretary of transportation may restrict public travel upon the state trunk highway system to four - wheel drive vehicles or motor vehicles equipped with tire chains, studded snow tires, or snow tires having a tread of sufficient abrasive or skid - resistant design or composition and depth to provide adequate traction on icy or snow - packed roads. Notice of travel restriction under this section shall be given by placing at the beginning and end and major points of intersection, signs of substantial construction which conspicuously indicate motor vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires when traveling over this highway. Any person operating a motor vehicle not described herein on portions of the state trunk highway system on which travel has been restricted pursuant to this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1986, ch 252.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6C-17 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6C / Section 32-6C-17
Adoption of rules--Administration by local officials
Status: in_force

The secretary of revenue may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 as may be necessary to ensure and obtain uniformity in the issuance of dealers' licenses, the inspection of dealers, and the use of dealer plates, demonstration permits, and temporary licenses as provided by this chapter. All local officials charged with the administration of the provisions of this chapter are governed in their official acts by the rules promulgated by the secretary.

Source: SL 1990, ch 246, § 7; SL 2004, ch 17, § 94; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1 ), § 161, eff. Apr. 12, 2011.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-30-11.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 30 / Section 32-30-11.1
Persons with physical disabilities entitled to park without time limitation--Reserved spaces--Exceptions for fire-lane and rush-hour ordinances
Status: in_force

Any person with a physical disability, who displays special license plates issued under § 32-5-76 or subdivision 32-5-157(2), a serially numbered certificate issued under § 32-5-76.1 or 32-5-76.2 , or a similar license plate or certificate issued in another state on a motor vehicle used in transporting that person, shall be entitled to park without limitation in areas where parking is normally restricted by time factors and to park in any space reserved for a person with a disability. However, a municipality may, by ordinance, prohibit parking on any street or highway for the purpose of creating a fire lane, or to provide for the accommodation of heavy traffic during morning and afternoon rush hours. The privileges extended to persons with disabilities do not apply on streets or highways where and during any time parking is prohibited.

Source: SL 1975, ch 97, § 1; SL 1979, ch 204, § 2; SL 1986, ch 267; SL 1989, ch 30, § 58; SL 2002, ch 149, § 6; SL 2014, ch 142, § 15.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-22 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-22
No tax refund for early termination of lease
Status: in_force

If the lease is terminated prior to the termination date contained in the lease agreement, no refund may be allowed for tax previously paid under §§ 32-5B-1 , 32-5B-1.1 , 32-5B-4(7), and 32-5B-21 to 32-5B-24 , inclusive.

Source: SL 2000, ch 145, § 5.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-23-23 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-23-23
Driving permit issued to certain persons conditioned on abstinence from alcohol use and participation in 24/7 sobriety program--Revocation for violation of condition
Status: in_force

Any driving permit issued by the court to any person, who has been convicted of a violation of § 32-23-1 shall be conditioned on the person's total abstinence from the use of alcohol, the person's participation in the 24/7 sobriety program created by §§ 1-11-17 to 1-11-25 , inclusive, in those counties where 24/7 sobriety testing is available, the payment of associated costs and expenses and the person meeting one of the following conditions:

(1) The person had a previous conviction for a violation of § 32-23-1 within the last ten years; or

(2) That the person had a 0.17 percent or more by weight of alcohol in that person's blood at the time the violation occurred.

The court shall immediately revoke the permit upon a showing of proof by a preponderance of the evidence that the person has violated this condition.

Source: SL 2006, ch 168, § 15; SL 2007, ch 4, § 12; SL 2011, ch 4, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-32-4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 32 / Section 32-32-4
Use of color for other vehicles prohibited--Repainting of buses formerly used--Violation as petty offense
Status: in_force

No person, persons, or organizations may use the color reserved for school buses as provided in § 32-32-3 in connection with the operation of any other vehicle or vehicles, whether school bus or not, for purposes not connected with or incident to the transportation of school children to and from school and as authorized under § 13-29-1 . Any school bus which was formerly used by school districts to transport children shall be completely repainted in a color other than national school bus yellow or any colors commonly referred to as yellow. A violation of this section is a petty offense.

This section does not apply to school buses if rented by or its use has been granted as provided in subdivision 49-28-2(1). This section does not apply to school buses if they are used by a municipality to provide public transportation in times of a local fuel shortage, as determined by the governing body of the municipality.

Source: SL 1963, ch 255, § 5; SL 1972, ch 175, § 3; SL 1981, ch 249, § 1; SL 1986, ch 132, § 6; SL 1989, ch 255, § 223.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-41-1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 41 / Section 32-41-1
Definitions
Status: in_force

The terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Automated driving system," the hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis;

(2) "Dynamic driving task," all of the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic within an automated driving system's operational design domain, excluding strategic functions such as trip scheduling and selection of destinations and waypoints, including without limitation:

(a) Lateral vehicle motion control via steering;

(b) Longitudinal motion control via acceleration and deceleration;

(c) Monitoring the driving environment via object and event detection, recognition, classification, and response preparation;

(d) Object and event response execution;

(e) Maneuver planning; and

(f) Enhancing conspicuity via lighting, signaling, and gesturing;

(3) "Dynamic driving task fallback," the response by the person or human driver to either perform the dynamic driving task or achieve a minimal risk condition after the occurrence of a dynamic driving task performance-relevant system failure or upon operational design domain exit, or the response by an automated driving system to achieve minimal risk condition, under the same circumstances;

(4) "Fully autonomous vehicle," a motor vehicle equipped with an automated driving system designed to function without a human driver as a level 4 or 5 system under SAE J3016B;

(5) "Human driver," a natural person with a valid license to operate a motor vehicle who controls all or part of the dynamic driving task;

(6) "Minimal risk condition," a reasonably safe condition to which a person, human driver, or an automated driving system may bring a vehicle after performing the dynamic driving task fallback to reduce the risk of a crash when a given trip cannot or should not be completed;

(7) "Motor vehicle," all vehicles or machines, trailers, semitrailers, recreational vehicles, truck tractors, and road tractors propelled by any power other than muscular and used upon the public highways for the transportation of persons or property, or both;

(8) "On-demand autonomous vehicle network," a transportation service network that uses a software application or other digital means to dispatch or otherwise enable the pre-arrangement of transportation with fully autonomous vehicles for purposes of transporting passengers or goods;

(9) "Operational design domain," the operating conditions under which a given automated driving system is designed to function, including environmental, geographical, and time-of-day restrictions, or the presence or absence of certain traffic or roadway characteristics;

(10) "Request to intervene," notification by an automated driving system to a human driver that the human driver should promptly begin or resume part or all of the dynamic driving task; and

(11) "SAE J3016B," the Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor Vehicles published by SAE International in April 2021.

Source: SL 2024, ch 122, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-10-17.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 10 / Section 32-10-17.1
Alteration or forging of registration card prohibited--Violation as felony
Status: in_force

No person may alter or forge, or may cause to be altered or forged, a vehicle registration card or other temporary registration device or copy thereof issued by the department pursuant to this chapter or chapter 32-9 . Any violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.

Source: SL 1988, ch 251, § 14; SL 1990, ch 230, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-110 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 35 / Section 32-35-110
Driving after suspension of license or registration as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Any person whose license or registration has been suspended under this chapter and who, during such suspension, drives any motor vehicle upon any highway or knowingly permits any vehicle of a type subject to registration under the laws of this state owned by such person to be operated by another upon any highway, except as permitted under this chapter, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1957, ch 212, § 67; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.9944; SL 1976, ch 158, § 43-6 ; SL 1989, ch 265, § 32.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-5.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-5.1
Denial of license or permit to person subject to convulsions or blackouts--Temporary permit on applicant's statement
Status: in_force

The Department of Public Safety may deny the issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license, motorcycle operator's license, restricted minor's permit, motorcycle restricted minor's permit, instruction permit, or motorcycle instruction permit to any individual who has experienced convulsions, seizures, or blackouts, until the individual has experienced a period of twelve months without any such episode. However, upon receipt of a statement signed by the applicant that the applicant's condition is adequately controlled by medication, the applicant is continuing to take medication, and the applicant is under the care of a physician, the Department of Public Safety may issue a temporary permit to the applicant. This temporary permit is subject to the provisions of § 32-12-36 and is reviewable by the department every six months, or until the applicant has gone a period of twelve months without any episode.

Source: SL 1979, ch 216; SL 1988, ch 252; SL 1989, ch 265, § 7; SL 1990, ch 251; SL 2001, ch 171, § 4; SL 2003, ch 272, § 23.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-30-2.4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 30 / Section 32-30-2.4
Stopping, standing, parking, or standing outside vehicle prohibited or restricted where sign posted by department--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

The Department of Transportation with respect to highways under its jurisdiction may promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 to prohibit or restrict the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles or the presence of any person standing outside of a motor vehicle, on any highway or highway right-of-way if such stopping, standing, parking, or presence of any person standing is dangerous to those using the highway or if the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles or the presence of persons outside of a motor vehicle would unduly interfere with the free movement of traffic on the highway. If such a rule is promulgated, the highway shall be signed to indicate where such stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited. The secretary of transportation may establish a temporary no parking zone, not to exceed ninety days, if the secretary of public safety and the secretary of transportation, after consultation with the director of the highway patrol, agree that a no parking zone is necessary for the protection of life and property. The signs are official signs and no person may stop, stand, or park any vehicle or stand outside a motor vehicle in violation of the restrictions stated on the signs. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 175, § 31, § 8; SL 1987, ch 210, § 37; SL 1993, ch 239; SL 2004, ch 17, § 144; SL 2017, ch 42, § 3, eff. Mar. 13, 2017.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-12-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 12 / Section 32-12-14
Vehicles operable under restricted minor's permit
Status: in_force

A restricted minor's permit issued under § 32-12-12 or a motorcycle restricted minor's permit issued under § 32-12-12.1 does not entitle the minor to operate a motor vehicle on which is mounted a sawmill; a motor vehicle used in transportation of products originating in, or produced from, or necessary to mining or logging operations; a motor vehicle used in the construction of roads and highways; or a motor vehicle used in the construction of stock water dugouts or dams and other soil and water conservation projects that are not located on the farm or ranch of the parent or guardian.

Source: SL 1959, ch 261, § 4; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03B04 (4); SL 1963, ch 268; SL 1965, ch 199; SL 1965, ch 200; SL 1967, ch 201; SL 1989, ch 265, § 14; SL 1993, ch 213, § 217; SL 2001, ch 171, § 13.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5B-19 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5B / Section 32-5B-19
Rental vehicle and leased vehicle defined
Status: in_force

Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Leased vehicle," a motor vehicle which is titled in the name of a leasing company or the individual who is leasing the motor vehicle which is leased for a period of more than twenty - eight days;

(2) "Rental vehicle," a motor vehicle which is titled in the name of a rental company licensed under chapter 10-45 which is rented for twenty - eight days or less; or a trailer which is titled in the name of a rental company licensed under chapter 10-45 and that has an unladen weight of nine thousand pounds or more, that is rented for six months or less, and that is not consecutively rented to the same person for more than one six - month period.

Source: SL 1994, ch 245, § 1; SL 1997, ch 181, § 1; SL 2000, ch 146, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-18.1 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-18.1
Licensing and compensation requirements applicable to highway construction or reconstruction--Special permits not required while engaged in construction
Status: in_force

All highway construction projects, whether being construction upon a new highway location or reconstruction of an existing highway, shall be treated in an identical manner as a public highway of this state for purposes of licensing and compensation of vehicles used on such projects. Such construction vehicles or equipment shall not be required to obtain special permits as required in chapter 32-22 , while engaged in construction on a highway project.

Source: SL 1969, ch 118; SL 1971, ch 184; SL 1977, ch 249, § 8.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-18-24 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 18 / Section 32-18-24
Check valve required on air or vacuum reservoirs--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

All motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, when equipped with air or vacuum reservoirs or reserve capacity as required by § 32-18-19 or 32-18-21 , shall have such reservoirs or reserve capacity so safeguarded by a check valve or equivalent device that in the event of failure or leakage in its connection to the source of compressed air or vacuum, the stored air or vacuum may not be depleted by the leak or failure. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1967, ch 197, § 1 (i) (3); SL 1989, ch 255, § 83.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-13-2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 13 / Section 32-13-2
Participation by subordinate political subdivisions
Status: in_force

Subject to the provisions of § 32-13-1 , the political subdivisions of this state are hereby authorized and empowered to participate in said state and federal highway safety programs and do all acts necessary to carry out the purposes thereof.

Source: SL 1967, ch 120, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-48 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-48
Power to revoke or refuse to issue certificate or registration--Notification to applicant
Status: in_force

If it appears at any time to the secretary that an applicant for a certificate of title or registration of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is not entitled thereto, under the provisions of this chapter or chapter 32-5 or 32-5B , the secretary may refuse to issue a certificate or to register any vehicles owned by the person. If it is determined that the title holder or lienholder was not entitled to a title or registration already issued, under the provisions of this chapter or chapter 32-5 , 32-9 , 32-10 , or 32-5B , the department shall by certified mail notify the title holder or lienholder that the title or license plate will be revoked and canceled ten days after the date of receipt, refusal to accept receipt, or the last day the postal service attempted delivery. The notice shall also demand that the title holder or lienholder return the certificate of title or license plates to the department. If the vehicle owner or lienholder believes that the title or registration should not be revoked, the owner may request in writing, a hearing pursuant to the provisions of chapter 1-26 . The request for hearing shall be made prior to the effective date of the title or registration revocation. The intentional use of title after receiving the department's notice of revocation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0207; SL 1965, ch 186, § 6; SL 1986, ch 242, § 3; SL 1989, ch 257, § 42; SL 1997, ch 179, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-30-2.2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 30 / Section 32-30-2.2
Position of parking on one-way road--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided by local ordinance, every vehicle stopped or parked upon a one - way roadway shall be so stopped or parked parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway, in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with its right - hand wheels within twelve inches of the right - hand curb or edge of the roadway, or its left - hand wheels within twelve inches of the left - hand curb or edge of the roadway. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1970, ch 175, § 31, § 6; SL 1989, ch 255, § 204.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-30-11.6 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 30 / Section 32-30-11.6
Municipal designation of parking spaces for persons with disabilities
Status: in_force

Each municipality shall by ordinance, designate special parking spaces which shall be accessible to and usable by persons with physical disabilities. Each municipality may, by ordinance, designate parking spaces that are only for use by a person using a wheelchair. The parking spaces shall be designed in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act as amended on January 1, 2002.

Source: SL 1979, ch 204, § 6; SL 1996, ch 208; SL 2002, ch 149, § 11.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-22-31.3 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 22 / Section 32-22-31.3
Review of county overweight vehicle enforcement programs--Factors considered--Certification of unsatisfactory programs--Prior specification of deficiencies--Withholding funds
Status: in_force

The secretary of the Department of Transportation shall, not less than semi - annually, review the performance of each county's program of overweight vehicle enforcement and shall certify a list of those counties whose enforcement programs are unsatisfactory. In reviewing each county's enforcement program, the secretary shall consider the following factors:

(1) Whether the county has requested that the Division of Highway Patrol assist in the enforcement of that county's spring or other posted load limits;

(2) The diligence of that county in enforcing in court to the fullest extent possible all fines authorized by chapter 32-22 without plea bargaining or reducing statutory fines or civil penalties under the following conditions:

(a) For any second or subsequent offense by a driver occurring in a four - year period; or

(b) For any violation of the provisions of § 32-22-24 ;

(3) The effort of local law enforcement agencies to enforce chapter 32-22 on the roads of that county; and

(4) Such other factors as the secretary may deem appropriate after consultation with the state associations for county sheriffs, county commissioners, state's attorneys, and county highway superintendents and with the Division of Highway Patrol.

The secretary may not find any county's program to be unsatisfactory unless the secretary has given the county a written specification of the county's program deficiencies at least thirty days before the unsatisfactory certification.

For any county whose overweight vehicle enforcement program is certified by the secretary as unsatisfactory, the secretary may withhold or suspend for a period of one hundred eighty days all or any portion of any transfer of federal surface transportation funds and state funds otherwise authorized by § 32-11-35 to be distributed to such county. The Department of Revenue shall cooperate with the secretary in the administration of this section.

Source: SL 1999, ch 162, § 6; SL 2003, ch 169, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-2.4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-2.4
Renewal of registration during assigned month--Expiration of staggered license plates or validation stickers--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

All owners shall continue to renew the registrations of their vehicles during the month assigned to the first initial of their last name. Each registration fee shall be prorated on a monthly basis. All license plates or validation stickers issued on a staggered basis shall expire on the last day of the month assigned for the renewal of registration by § 32-5-2.2 . If a person operates a motor vehicle without the current license plate displaying the proper validation sticker he is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SL 1987, ch 215, § 4; SL 1990, ch 232; SL 2007, ch 173, § 2.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-22 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-22
Acquisition of used large boat by dealer--Application for title
Status: in_force

If a dealer buys or acquires a used large boat for resale, the dealer may apply for and obtain a certificate of title as provided in §§ 32-3A-20 and 32-3A-21 . If a dealer buys or acquires a used unnumbered large boat, the dealer shall apply for a certificate of title in the dealer's name within forty-five days. If a dealer buys or acquires a new large boat for resale, the dealer may apply for a certificate of title in the dealer's name.

Source: SL 1991, ch 362, § 5; SL 1994, ch 335, § 31; SDCL § 42-8-73; SL 2015, ch 156, § 7.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-33-11 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 33 / Section 32-33-11
Definition of temporary roadblock
Status: in_force

For the purpose of §§ 32-33-10 to 32-33-14 , inclusive, a temporary roadblock means any structure, device, or means used by the duly elected or appointed law enforcement officers of this state, and their deputies, for the purpose of controlling all traffic through a point on the highway whereby all vehicles may be slowed or stopped.

Source: SL 1961, ch 149, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-19 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-19
False swearing in connection with certificates--Perjury--Punishment
Status: in_force

Any person who makes any false affidavit, or knowingly swears or affirms falsely, to any matter or thing required by the terms of this chapter to be sworn or affirmed to, is guilty of perjury, and punishable by a fine and imprisonment as other persons committing perjury are punishable.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.9915; SL 1989, ch 25, § 21.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-5-9 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 5 / Section 32-5-9
Schedule of fees for motorcycles
Status: in_force

License fees and compensation for use of the highways payable pursuant to § 32-5-5 for motorcycles shall be determined by the piston displacement as follows:

(1) Less than three hundred fifty cubic centimeters, eighteen dollars;

(2) Three hundred fifty to one thousand cubic centimeters, inclusive, twenty-one dollars; and

(3) Greater than one thousand cubic centimeters, twenty-four dollars.

The license fee for any motorcycle propelled by an electric motor that draws power from a battery that is capable of being recharged is the highest fee level authorized by this section.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0107 (2); SL 1970, ch 170; SL 1977, ch 249, § 7; SL 1978, ch 224, § 1; SL 1999, ch 59, § 8; SL 2011, ch 139, § 5; SL 2011, ch 139, § 15, eff. July 1, 2013; SL 2015, ch 158, § 1; SL 2015, ch 165, § 16, eff. Apr. 1, 2015.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3A-4 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3A / Section 32-3A-4
Registration of boats--Application--Fee--Promulgation of rules--Deposit--Penalty for falsifying
Status: in_force

A boat requiring numbering by this state must be registered with the department. An application for registration must be accompanied by a fee to be set by rules promulgated by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission pursuant to chapter 1-26 . The new owner of the boat must present to the county treasurer in the county of the owner's residence or, if the new owner is a nonresident, to any county treasurer:

(1) A manufacturer's statement of origin or assigned certificate of title if a title has been previously issued for the large boat, or if no title is required, the ownership document issued by that jurisdiction;

(2) A bill of sale containing a complete description of the large boat;

(3) The purchaser's name and address;

(4) The previous owner's name and address;

(5) The full purchase price as defined by this chapter;

(6) The trade-in allowance and description of the trade, if any; and

(7) Any other relevant information the department may require.

All fees collected pursuant to this section must be deposited into the parks and recreation fund.

If a person intentionally falsifies information on the certificate, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Source: SL 1959, ch 125, § 4; SDC Supp 1960, § 25.1404 (1); SL 1963, ch 143, § 2; SL 1976, ch 258, § 6; SL 1984, ch 29, § 6; SL 1985, ch 15, § 61; SL 1985, ch 333; SL 1988, ch 346, § 1; SL 1993, ch 322, § 4; SDCL § 42-8-5; SL 1998, ch 74, § 6; SL 2010, ch 151, § 2; SL 2025, ch 117, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-2 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 26 / Section 32-26-2
Intersections and grade crossings--Use of right half of highway--Obstructions--Violation as misdemeanor
Status: in_force

In crossing an intersection of highways or the intersection of a highway by a railroad right - of - way, the driver of a vehicle shall at all times cause such vehicle to travel on the right half of the highway unless such right half is obstructed or impassable. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0310; SL 1989, ch 255, § 142.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-49 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-49
Factors which are not cause for termination or noncontinuance of franchise or for establishing additional franchise for same line-make
Status: in_force

The following circumstances are not cause for the termination or noncontinuance of a franchise, nor for entering into a franchise for the establishment of an additional dealership in a community for the same line - make:

(1) The change of executive management or ownership by the franchisee, unless the franchisor can show that the change would be detrimental to the representation or reputation of the franchisor's product;

(2) Refusal by the franchisee to purchase or accept delivery of any motor vehicles or vehicles, parts, accessories, or any other commodity or service not ordered by said franchisee;

(3) The sole fact that franchisor desires further penetration of the market;

(4) The fact that the franchisee owns, has an investment in, participates in the management of, or holds a franchise for the sale of another line - make of vehicle, or that the franchisee has established another line - make of vehicle in the same dealership facilities as those of the franchisor, if the franchisee maintains a reasonable line of credit for each line - make of vehicle; or

(5) Refusal by the dealer to participate in any advertising campaign or contest or purchase any promotional materials, display devices, or display decoration or materials which are at the expense of the dealer.

Source: SL 1986, ch 250, § 50; SL 1990, ch 244, § 1.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-3-30 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 3 / Section 32-3-30
Certificate to show chain of title--Exceptions
Status: in_force

Except as provided in §§ 32-3-6 , 32-3-24 , and 32-3-32 , every motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer certificate of title, upon transfer of ownership, shall contain a complete record showing the chain of title of such motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer from the owner named on the front of the title to and including the applicant presenting the same as evidence of ownership and applying for a new certificate of title.

Source: SL 1955, ch 193, § 1; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.0203-1; SL 1965, ch 186, § 4; SL 1988, ch 236, § 7; SL 1989, ch 257, § 30.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-44 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-17-44
Command post vehicle to be equipped with green light
Status: in_force

Any vehicle used as a command post at the site of any accident or emergency incident involving any hazard may be equipped with one green rotating beacon light to be visible 360 degrees.

Source: SL 1989, ch 269.
S.D. Codified Laws § 32-6B-14 — SD Code / Title 32 / Chapter 6B / Section 32-6B-14
Dealer license--Annual review--Renewal notice--Suspension or revocation--Promulgation of Rules
Status: in_force

The application for license and all applicable fees are due prior to the issuance of the initial license. Each license renewal shall be reviewed annually by the department. The department shall mail to the licensee at the last known address a renewal notice. If the licensee is registered on the electronic dealer system, the licensee shall receive the renewal notice by electronic means. The department shall establish by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26 the review date, if other than October first to December thirty-first, inclusive. If the licensee fails to return the renewal notice or to pay the applicable fees the department shall suspend or revoke the license pursuant to the provisions of §§ 32-6B-41.1 to 32-6B-41.6 , inclusive.

Source: SL 1986, ch 250, § 15; SL 1987, ch 215, § 13; SL 1997, ch 182, § 4; SL 2013, ch 141, § 3; SL 2019, ch 130, § 15; SL 2020, ch 137, § 1.