GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of South Dakota. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.
5 years
65 and over: vision statement required
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Illegal
Zero tolerance for THC and metabolites
80
80
80
80
70
70
0.17
30 days
Yes
Discretionary
Yes
No
Under 2 yrs or until height or weight limit reached in rear-facing seat
2-8 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat or in booster seat secured by lap/shoulder belt (lap belt alone is not permissible)
7 yrs or under in rear seat if available
8 yrs and at least 57" if child can be properly secured by adult belt
10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
None
16 years
14
180 days (less 90 days with driver's ed.)
None
14 + 180 days (less 90 days with driver's ed.)
Secondary
18 and over
Front
Yes. Primary law.
No
Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Secondary law.
All drivers. Secondary law.
None
n/a
Prohibited
n/a
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety (SDOHS) received a grant from GHSA and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) to hold an Impaired Driving Conference in December 2019. Nearly 100 law enforcement officers attended, as well as prosecutors from South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska.
Seat belt use has risen to nearly 80% in South Dakota, increasing at a rate faster than the national average. South Dakota Office of Highway Safety Director Lee Axdahl speaks to the progress made and the work remaining.
June 28, 2019
The winner of the South Dakota's annual "Lessons Learned SD" teen driver safety contest has been announced. South Dakota Office of Highway Safety Director Lee Axdahl discusses the contest's impact.
May 24, 2019
On Super Bowl Sunday, Jim Reaper, a character created by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety, bar hopped around Sioux Falls to spread the word against impaired driving. Office of Highway Safety Director, and GHSA Treasurer, Lee Axdahl elaborates.
Story by Perry Groten
January 31, 2019
Choosing to tailor outreach to motorcyclists, the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety took an innovative approach to the use of its drowsy driving grant from The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. and GHSA. The state is home to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which occurred in August of 2018 and drew more than 500,000 vehicles to the state.
In advance of the Youngstown Sate vs. USD game, South Dakota Office of Highway Safety Director Lee Axdahl reminds fans to buckle up and drive safely.
Story by Brittany Kaye
October 16, 2018
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety has completed another year of its "Lessons Learned SD" campaign, which encourages young drivers to watch and respond to safe driving videos. Office of Highway Safety Director and GHSA Treasurer Lee Axdahl comments on the campaign.
September 19, 2018
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.
