South Dakota Driving Laws
Updated: March, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in South Dakota – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety website.
Speed Limits
In South Dakota, the maximum speed limit for cars is 75 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 75 mph. Speed limits vary by state and, in some cases, county-by-county. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
South Dakota allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 14. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 3 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 14 years and 3 months. An Intermediate License allows you to drive yourself without a qualified co-pilot in the car. However, driving restrictions still apply including the time-of-day you can drive and the maximum number of passengers allowed.
In South Dakota, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 16.
License Renewal
South Dakota requires you to renew your license every 5 years.
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of South Dakota enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Workers must be present and there must be signs idicating road work is in progress in order for Work Zone Enhancements to be enforced. In South Dakota, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. Most states impose increased mandatory penalties for driving above a specific BAC. In South Dakota, driving with a BAC above 0.17% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Most states do not allow cellphone use while driving. In South Dakota, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in South Dakota. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In South Dakota, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
South Dakota requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered secondary, which means you cannot be pulled over for violating a seatbelt law. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in South Dakota is $20.00. Seatbelt use laws depend on the driving experience of the driver and which seat of the car a passenger is sitting in.
Data Source
South Dakota Office of Highway Safety
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
