South Dakota
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 Universal helmet law repealed 1977.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
16 years
14
180 days (less 90 days with driver's ed.)
None
14 + 180 days (less 90 days with driver's ed.)
10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
None
Front
Secondary
18 and over
Yes. Primary law.
No
Drivers with learner or intermediate license. Secondary law.
All drivers. Secondary law.
None
n/a
Prohibited
n/a
Seat belt use up in South Dakota, but still below national rate
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.
Seat belt use up in South Dakota, but still below national rate
June 28, 2019
New Holland girl wins $10K in highway safety's "Lesson Learned SD" program
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.
New Holland girl wins $10K in highway safety's "Lesson Learned SD" program
May 24, 2019
Jim Reaper's Super Bowl Bar Hop
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.
Jim Reaper's Super Bowl Bar Hop
Story by Perry Groten
January 31, 2019
NRSF Drowsy Driving Grant Results: South Dakota
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.
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety Reminding You To Buckle Up
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.
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety Reminding You To Buckle Up
Story by Brittany Kaye
October 16, 2018
White Lake High School receives $10K from 'Lesson Learned SD' Program
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.
White Lake High School receives $10K from 'Lesson Learned SD' Program
September 19, 2018
Area family reacts to increase of traffic fatalities 20 years after losing son
Lesson Learned: South Dakota Teen Driver Safety
Motorcycle Helmet Laws: South Dakota
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.