South Dakota Driving Laws 2026: Speed Limits, DWI BAC and South Dakota DPS Road Rules for the Permit Test

What is the default speed limit in South Dakota when no sign is posted in an urban area? South Dakota law sets 25 mph in unposted urban areas, 55 mph on township roads, a general maximum of 65 mph, and 80 mph on interstate highways. The statewide school-zone maximum is 15 mph during recess or while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours, unless a properly posted local school-zone limit applies. South Dakota DWI law prohibits driving or being in actual physical control at 0.08% BAC for adults; the under-21 threshold is 0.02%. A DWI conviction carries 10 points and license revocation, while speeding violations do not add points. The South Dakota Driver License Manual recommends at least a four-second following distance.

1. South Dakota Speed Limits: 25 MPH Unposted Urban, 55 Township, 65 General and 80 Interstate

What is the speed limit in an unposted urban area in South Dakota, and what limits apply on township roads, rural highways, interstates, and school zones? These statutory limits apply unless a different lawful limit is posted:

Key test point: A posted or statutory limit is the maximum under ideal conditions. South Dakota law still requires a reasonable and prudent speed for traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions. Work-zone speeding fines are doubled while workers are present. Speeding violations do not add points to a South Dakota driving record.

2. South Dakota Right-of-Way: Roundabouts, 4-Way Stops & Yielding to Funeral Processions

Who has the right-of-way at a 4-way stop in South Dakota, and when must drivers yield to pedestrians? Right-of-way is something you give, never something you take.

4-way stop (all arrive at once)

Driver to the right

4-way stop (one arrives first)

Driver who arrived first

Roundabout / traffic circle

Vehicles already inside the circle

Emergency vehicles (lights/siren)

Emergency vehicle, pull to the right and stop

Pedestrians in crosswalk

Yield to pedestrians entering or in the crosswalk

T-intersection (no signs)

Through road traffic; drivers on the dead-end must yield

Yield sign

Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection or roadway you are entering

Merging onto a highway

Traffic already on the highway

South Dakota funeral procession rule: Vehicles in a continuous funeral procession have the right-of-way when each vehicle displays headlights, tail lamps, and flashing hazard or warning signal lamps and follows as closely as is safe. Other drivers may not cut between moving procession vehicles, and the procession must yield to emergency vehicles.

3. South Dakota Turn Signal Law: 100 Feet Before a Turn and 4 to 5 Seconds at Higher Speeds

Can you turn right on red in South Dakota, and how far in advance must you signal? State law requires a continuous turn signal during at least the last 100 feet before turning. At higher speeds, the South Dakota Driver License Manual recommends signaling for 4 to 5 seconds before the turn.

Right turn on red

Permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

No right turn on red

When posted, you must wait for a green light before turning right.

Left turn on red

Allowed only where a municipality has authorized it: from the extreme left lane of a one-way roadway onto a one-way roadway moving left, after a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic.

Left turn from two-way street

Start from the left lane; end in the left lane of the cross street.

Right turn

Stay as close to the right curb as possible; end in the right lane.

U-turns

Do not make a U-turn in a marked no-passing zone or where it cannot be made safely without interfering with traffic. The manual also prohibits mid-block U-turns in business districts and on through highways in residential districts except at a lawful divided-road opening.

4. South Dakota Lane Rules: Drive Right Unless Passing, No-Pass Zones & Highway Markings

When can you use the center turn lane in South Dakota, and what do solid versus broken yellow lines mean for passing? Lane rules determine where you drive and when you can cross a line, all commonly tested on the knowledge exam.

Center turn lane (CTSL)

Reserved for left turns and permitted U-turns. Enter only when it is safe and do not use the center turn lane for ordinary through travel or passing.

Solid white line

A solid white line marks the roadway edge or separates lanes moving in the same direction where lane changes should be avoided. Obey any accompanying signs or lane-control markings.

Solid yellow line (your side)

No passing allowed.

Broken yellow line

Passing allowed when safe.

Solid + Broken yellow centerline

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side.

5. South Dakota Passing Rules: 100-Foot Restrictions, 10-Second Gap and Bicycle Clearance

When is it illegal to pass another vehicle in South Dakota, how much space must you leave when passing a bicycle, and how large a gap is needed at highway speed? South Dakota law and the Driver License Manual use these rules:

• Pass on the left using the oncoming lane only when the maneuver is lawful and there is enough clear distance to complete it safely.
• Do not drive left of center within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing. Do not pass where a hill, curve, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel blocks the view enough to create a hazard, and obey all no-passing signs and markings.
• The driver being passed may not increase speed until the passing vehicle has completely passed.
• The Driver License Manual advises that at 55 mph you need about a 10-second gap in oncoming traffic because the two vehicles together can cover more than 1,600 feet. Return to the proper lane when both headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in your rearview mirror.
• When passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction, leave at least 3 feet on a road posted at 35 mph or less and at least 6 feet on a road posted above 35 mph. You may cross a center or lane line only when it is safe to do so.
• Never pass a school bus displaying flashing red lights when South Dakota law requires you to stop.
• Passing on the right is allowed only in situations authorized by law, including when the vehicle ahead is turning left or when sufficient marked lanes or a one-way roadway permit it. Never leave the pavement or main-traveled portion of the road to pass on the right.

6. South Dakota Following Distance: Minimum 4 Seconds and More in Bad Weather

What is the safe following distance in South Dakota, and how should it change at night or in bad weather? The South Dakota Driver License Manual recommends a minimum 4-second following distance under normal conditions. Pick a fixed object ahead; after the vehicle in front passes it, count four seconds before your vehicle reaches the same point.

7. South Dakota School Bus Stops and 2025 Move Over Law

Do you have to stop for a school bus on a four-lane highway in South Dakota, and how does the current Move Over law work? South Dakota changed both rules in 2025, so use the lane-count and warning-light requirements below.

School Buses

• On a highway with fewer than two travel lanes in each direction, or on a private road, slow to 15 mph or less and pass cautiously when the bus has flashing amber lights.
• When flashing red lights are displayed, make a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights are extinguished.
• On a highway with two or more travel lanes in each direction, drivers approaching from the opposite direction do not have to slow for amber lights or stop for red lights.
• On a highway with two or more travel lanes in each direction, traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must slow to 15 mph or less for amber lights and must stop for red lights.
• A lane designated only for turning is not counted as a travel lane when applying the school-bus exception.
• A violation of the school-bus stopping law is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
• Railroad crossings: A school bus carrying passengers is among the vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings covered by South Dakota law.

Emergency Vehicles and Roadside Warning Lights

• When an emergency vehicle approaches with audible or visual signals, pull as close as practical to the right edge or curb, stop clear of intersections, and remain stopped until it has passed unless directed otherwise.
• Stopped emergency vehicle with red lights: Approaching traffic from any direction must come to a complete stop before reaching the vehicle and may proceed cautiously only after determining it is safe or when directed.
• Amber, yellow, or blue warning lights on a multilane highway: Merge into the lane farthest from the stopped or shoulder vehicle at least 300 feet before reaching it and proceed cautiously.
• Amber, yellow, or blue warning lights on a two-lane highway: At least 300 feet before the vehicle, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit, or to 5 mph when the posted limit is 20 mph or less.
• A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $270.

8. South Dakota DWI Laws: BAC Limits, Actual Physical Control, 10 Points and SR-22

What is the South Dakota BAC limit for adults and drivers under 21, what does actual physical control mean, and what happens after a refusal or first DWI conviction? These are the current statewide rules:

9. South Dakota Seat Belt and Child Restraint Laws: Secondary Enforcement

Can police stop a driver only for a seat-belt violation in South Dakota, and which children need a child restraint? South Dakota uses secondary enforcement for the adult front-seat belt law, while separate statutes require restraints for passengers under 18.

10. South Dakota Parking Rules: Hydrant, Crosswalk, Railroad and Rural Highway Distances

How far from a fire hydrant, crosswalk, traffic signal, or railroad crossing may you park in South Dakota, and what clearance is required on a rural highway? Know where you cannot stop, stand, or park:

• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
• Within 30 feet on the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal at the side of the roadway
• Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
• On a sidewalk, within an intersection or crosswalk, on railroad tracks, on a bridge or other elevated highway structure, or within a highway tunnel
• In front of a public or private driveway or where official signs prohibit stopping, standing, or parking
• On the roadway side of a vehicle already stopped or parked at the edge or curb
• Outside a business or residential district, park off the paved or main-traveled portion when practical. If a vehicle is left on a highway, at least 20 feet of unobstructed roadway must remain and the vehicle must be visible from 200 feet in each direction.
• Headed downhill: turn wheels toward the curb. Headed uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from the curb. Uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the shoulder.

11. South Dakota Winter Driving: Blizzards, Ice and the 200-Foot Snowplow Rule

Are headlights required in rain or snow in South Dakota, what should you do during a skid or hydroplane, and how far back must you stay from a working snowplow? Blowing snow, black ice, fog, and strong prairie winds can reduce visibility and traction quickly.

• Headlights required: Use lighted front and rear lamps from sunset to sunrise and whenever there is not enough light to clearly see a person on the highway 200 feet ahead. The Driver License Manual recommends turning on headlights whenever wipers are needed for rain, snow, or fog.
• In heavy fog, use low beams; high beams reflect from fog and reduce visibility.
• If the vehicle starts to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator. Avoid hard braking and sharp steering.
• On ice or packed snow, brake gently, begin slowing much earlier, and increase the following distance well beyond the normal four seconds.
• If the vehicle begins to skid, look and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to travel, and avoid overcorrecting.
• Do not use cruise control on wet, icy, snowy, or otherwise slippery roads.
• On a highway posted at 35 mph or more, stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow displaying red or amber warning lights unless you are passing lawfully.

12. South Dakota Points: 15 in 12 Months, DWI 10, Reckless 8 and No Speeding Points

How many points does a speeding ticket add to a South Dakota license, and when does point accumulation cause suspension? South Dakota uses 12-month and 24-month windows, not a three-year accumulation period.

Key test point: Speeding offenses do not add points in South Dakota. Points also are not assessed for standing, parking, equipment, seat-belt, or size-and-weight violations. A DWI conviction carries 10 points and separate mandatory license action.

13. South Dakota Headlight Law: 200-Foot Visibility Rule and 500-Foot Manual Guidance

When are headlights required in South Dakota, and when should high beams be dimmed? The statute uses a 200-foot visibility standard, while the Driver License Manual gives 500-foot guidance for approaching and following other vehicles.

Key test point: Do not confuse the rules. The 200-foot visibility requirement is in state law. The 500-foot distances are South Dakota Driver License Manual guidance for high-beam use.

14. Night Driving in South Dakota: Headlight Range, Deer and Extra Following Distance

What does overdriving your headlights mean in South Dakota, and how much extra following distance should you leave at night? Night driving requires a lower speed whenever you cannot stop within the illuminated distance.

15. South Dakota Cell Phone Law: Primary Offense and Permit-Holder Wireless Ban

Can a police officer stop a driver for mobile-device use in South Dakota, may a driver make a call, and can GPS be used? The statewide law prohibits using a mobile electronic device while driving but lists specific call, hands-free, navigation, emergency, and official-duty exceptions.

Key test point: Texting, social-media use, and manual data entry while driving are prohibited. A phone call, hands-free feature, or navigation function is allowed only within the statute's stated exceptions.

16. South Dakota Railroad Crossing Rules: Stop 15 to 50 Feet and Required Vehicles

How far from railroad tracks must you stop in South Dakota, and which vehicles must stop even when no train is visible? The exact stop range is 15 to 50 feet when a stop is required.

Key test point: Never drive around, under, or through a lowered gate. Wait until the gate is fully raised, the warning signals have stopped, and all tracks are clear.

17. South Dakota Roundabouts: Yield on Entry, Lane Selection & How to Navigate

How do you enter, choose a lane, and exit a roundabout in South Dakota? Slow before the yield line, choose the correct lane from the signs and pavement arrows, and yield to traffic approaching from the left that is already circulating.

Key test point: An entering driver must yield to circulating traffic, follow lane-control signs and arrows, and signal right before exiting.