South Dakota Traffic Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Below you will find links to traffic laws and driving rules in South Dakota -- including the online vehicle code, statutes on common traffic violations, and state-specific driving manuals (where available).
| Drinking & Driving Violations | Driving Under the Influence (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-23) |
| Driving Without a License / With a Suspended License | Prohibition against driving without license (SD Laws section 32-12-22) Driving while license is revoked, suspended, or canceled (SD Laws section 32-12-65) |
| Driving Without Insurance / With Insufficient Insurance | Maintenance of financial responsibility--Violation as misdemeanor (SD Codified Laws section 32-35-113) |
| Driving Without Registration / With Expired Registration | Operation of vehicle while registration is suspended (SD Laws section 32-5-101) Application for registration (SD Codified Laws section 32-5-2) |
| Illegal U-Turn | U-turn prohibited in passing zone or where unsafe (SD Codified Laws section 32-26-25) |
| Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit & Run | Accidents and Accident Reports (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-34) |
| Mechanical Violations | Vehicle and Accessory Specifications (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-15) Vehicle Lights and Flares (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-17) Wheels, Tires, and Special Vehicles (Ch. 32-19) Weight, Size, and Load Restrictions (Ch. 32-22) |
| Reckless Driving | Reckless and Unsafe Driving (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-24) |
| Running a Red Light / Stop Sign | Traffic Control Devices (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-28) |
| Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations | Safety Belt System Usage in Passenger Vehicles (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-38) Child Passenger Restraint System (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-37) |
| Speeding | Speed Regulation (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-25) |
| Unlawful Vehicle Modifications | Vehicle and Accessory Specifications (SD Codified Laws Ch. 32-15) Wheels, Tires, and Special Vehicles (Ch. 32-19) Weight, Size, and Load Restrictions (Ch. 32-22) |
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex traffic tickets usually require a lawyer
- Experienced lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate penalties
- A lawyer can help you keep your license
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer free consultations.
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