South Dakota

Highway safety laws differ from state to state. The summary information here can be used to compare laws in specific categories. We monitor legislative changes and update this information as needed.

RESTRICTIONS ON CELLPHONE USE AND TEXTING
Hand-held ban no
Young drivers all cellphone ban learner's permit and intermediate license holders
Texting ban all drivers
Enforcement secondary
MAXIMUM POSTED SPEED LIMITS
Rural interstates (mph) 80
Urban interstates (mph) 801
Other limited access roads (mph) 70
Other roads (mph) 70
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
To get a learners license you must:
Have a minimum age of 142
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
Before getting a license or restricted license you must:
Have a mandatory holding period of 6 months (3 months with driver education)
Have a minimum supervised driving time of none2
Have a minimum age of 14, 6 months (14, 3 months with driver education)
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
Restrictions during intermediate or restricted license stage:
Nighttime restrictions 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Passenger restrictions

(family members excepted unless otherwise noted)		 none
YOUNG DRIVER LICENSING SYSTEMS
Minimum age at which restrictions may be lifted:
Nighttime restrictions until age 16 (min. age: 16)
Passenger restrictions none
OLDER DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL PROCEDURES
License renewal cycle
General population 5 years
Older population 5 years
OLDER DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL PROCEDURES
Proof of adequate vision required at renewal
General population when renewing in person
Older population 65 and older, every renewal
OLDER DRIVER LICENSE RENEWAL PROCEDURES
Mail or online renewal permitted
General population both, every other renewal
Older population both, every other renewal
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Must be in child restraint 4 years and younger and less than 40 pounds
Adult safety belt permissible 5 through 17 years; all children 40+ pounds, regardless of age
Maximum fine 1st offense $25
Seating preference law states no preference for rear seat
Children not covered all children covered
SAFETY BELT USE
Initial effective date 01/01/95
Standard enforcement? no
Who is covered? In what seats? 18+ years in front seat
Maximum fine 1st offense $20
Can nonuse decrease monetary awards for injuries in lawsuits? no
MOTORCYCLE HELMET USE
Motorcyclists covered 17 and younger
BICYCLE HELMET USE
Covered by state law no law
PICKUP TRUCKS: RESTRICTIONS ON RIDING IN CARGO AREAS
Restrictions on riding in cargo areas no state law
Gaps in coverage no state law
LOW-SPEED VEHICLES
On which roads are low-speed vehicles permitted? roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less
What is the top speed permissible for low-speed vehicles? 25 mph

1The Transportation Commission may establish a maximum speed limit of less than 80 upon any highway or portion of highway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, and any portion of highway under the jurisdiction of a state or federal agency.

2In South Dakota, learner's permit holders may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless under the supervision of a parent or guardian.