South Dakota Traffic Violations

In South Dakota, a traffic violation is any action that breaks traffic laws in your state or local area. Traffic violations can lead to different penalties. You could face fines, lose your driver's license, or be taken into custody. Other possible consequences include parole or probation, having your vehicle towed, doing community service, or getting points added to your driving record.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a traffic violation is any action that breaks the state's traffic laws. South Dakota traffic laws are mainly found in Title 32 of the South Dakota Codified Laws.

Minor violations like speeding or failing to use turn signals are treated as misdemeanors or petty offenses according to Chapters 32-26 to 32-29. On the other hand, more serious violations, such as DUI, are classified as criminal offenses underSDCL 32-23-1.

The state uses a point system that is overseen by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). If a driver accumulates 15 points within a year or 22 points over two years, the DPS can suspend their license. The length of the suspension increases with each previous suspension. The department might send a warning letter when a driver reaches halfway to the points needed for suspension.

Types of Traffic Violations in South Dakota

There are many kinds of traffic violations in South Dakota, including:

• Speeding / too fast for conditions. In South Dakota, speeding and driving too fast in certain conditions earn you at least two points on your driving record.
• Running a red light or stop sign / disobeying traffic-control devices. In South Dakota, drivers must obey official traffic-control devices and signals. Anyone guilty of a violation is charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor.
• Driving without a license / while suspended. Driving without a license or while your license is suspended is illegal. If you operate a vehicle without the right privileges, you can get points added to your record and possible license suspensions.
• Driving without insurance. In South Dakota, you need to have at least 25/50/25 liability coverage, which often includes mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you do not keep this coverage, you could face penalties and other consequences.
• Reckless driving. Reckless driving is a serious issue in South Dakota. It is considered a criminal offense that can lead to points on your license and even jail time. This charge often comes up when someone is driving too fast and causes a crash in serious situations.
• Hit-and-run / leaving the scene. If you are involved in an accident and it is your fault, you must stop, help anyone who is hurt, and share your information. If you leave the scene without doing these things, it is called a hit-and-run, and the penalties for this offense get worse if someone is injured or killed.
• DUI. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in South Dakota. The penalties can include jail time, mandatory license revocation, treatment programs, and sometimes the requirement to use an ignition interlock device.

Traffic Violation Penalties in South Dakota

The penalty for a traffic violation in this state varies based on the type of violation and whether the offender has accumulated a lot of traffic points within the last 1 to 2 years.

Fines and court fees can differ based on laws and local regulations. Many moving violations are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors, which can lead to up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, jail time is rare for standard tickets if they are dealt with quickly.

Point-based suspensions are handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Points are assigned for each violation according to SDCL 32-12-49. Offenders may receive 2 to 10 points based on the seriousness of the offense. The DPS will suspend your license if you earn 15 points in 12 months or 22 points in 24 months. The first suspension lasts 60 days, the second is 6 months, and any following suspensions last for 1 year. You may receive a warning letter when you hit half of the point threshold.

A first-time DUI is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor in South Dakota. This can result in up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine, along with mandatory license suspension for at least 30 days. However, the suspension can be longer if there are prior offenses or a high blood alcohol content (BAC). Felony DUIs can lead to prison time. Commercial drivers may face disqualification from their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) due to different federal and state regulations.

Finally, insurance rates can go up due to convictions and point-based suspensions. In South Dakota, the minimum insurance limits are 25/50/25, but it is always best to consider higher limits or umbrella coverage due to potential risks.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in South Dakota

A) Court dockets, tickets, and payments (UJS). The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) provides two key tools:

• Public Access Records Search (PARS): This is an online platform where you can find summaries of criminal cases. Note that traffic misdemeanors count as criminal cases. You have the option to request case details either online or by filling out a form.
• UJS ePay: This is the official website for making online payments for criminal or traffic cases that have outstanding balances. Since August 21, 2024, users can search using their name and date of birth (there's no need for a citation number). If you pay for an eligible ticket online, the payment will be applied to your case.

Dockets usually include the case or citation number, the statute, events or hearings, the outcome, and the amounts owed or paid. Some counties connect their local payment pages to the UJS portal.

B) Your official driving record (MVR). You can order this through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) under the Driver Licensing Program. By law, only the most recent three years of records are typically shared with third parties. However, you can ask for your complete history.

These records are not available for instant viewing online. Interested persons must request and pay for them. After payment, the DPS will send the abstract to you via email or USPS.

Typical contents.

• Court portals: charge, statute, scheduling, disposition, and financials.
• MVR: convictions, withdrawals/suspensions, accidents, current status (within the disclosed window). CDL disqualifications appear on CDL histories under separate rules.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in South Dakota?

Regarding points timeline (suspension exposure), DPS uses rolling 12- and 24-month windows for 15/22-point. Points are assigned for each offense (ranging from 2 to 10) and accumulate until they either expire or a suspension resets the total.

As per driving record visibility, public records typically include the last three years. However, the record holder can ask for a complete history. Insurance companies generally consider 3–5 years of history, but the specifics can differ by company.

DUI convictions lead to mandatory license revocations and long-term effects; felony DUIs and serious accident cases can stay on record much longer than regular tickets and will impact CDL eligibility and insurance.