South Dakota DPS · Quick Reference 2026
South Dakota Driver's License Cheat Sheet
All the key numbers, limits, and rules from the official SD Driver License Manual. Print it, screenshot it, memorize it.
| Rule | South Dakota Value |
|---|
| BAC limit — drivers 21+ | 0.08% |
| BAC limit — under 21 (Zero Tolerance) | 0.02% to 0.08% |
| BAC limit — commercial drivers (CDL) | 0.04% |
| Impaired driving term | DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) |
| 1st DWI — classification | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| 1st DWI — fine | $300 – $1,000 |
| 1st DWI — jail | Up to 1 year imprisonment |
| 1st DWI — license loss | 90 – 365 days |
| 1st DWI — reinstatement fee | $75 |
| 2nd DWI — reinstatement fee | $125 |
| 3rd+ DWI — classification | Class 6 felony |
| 3rd+ DWI — reinstatement fee | $175 |
| BAC test refusal penalty | 1-year license loss |
| SR22 insurance requirement after DWI | 3 years from eligibility date |
| Zero Tolerance 1st offense penalty | 30-day license loss |
| Zero Tolerance 2nd offense penalty | 180-day license loss |
| Stage | Detail |
|---|
| Instruction Permit — minimum age | 14 years old |
| Permit hold — no driver ed | 275 days |
| Permit hold — with driver ed (80%+ both parts) | 180 days |
| Supervised driving hours required | 50 hours total |
| Required night hours | 10 hours |
| Required inclement weather hours | 10 hours |
| Supervisor requirement | Valid license + 1 year experience, seated beside |
| Restricted Minor's Permit — solo driving hours | 6 AM – 10 PM |
| Restricted Permit — 10 PM–6 AM rule | Parent/guardian must sit beside (exceptions: work, school, church, farm) |
| Restricted Permit — passengers (first 6 months) | Immediate family/household only |
| Restricted Permit — minimum hold | 6 months |
| Full Operator's License — minimum age | 16 years old |
| No wireless devices | Permit and restricted permit holders |
| License converts at 18 | Restricted Minor's Permit → Operator's License |
| Rule | Distance / Number |
|---|
| Signal before turning / lane change | 100 feet |
| Dim high beams — oncoming vehicle | 500 feet |
| Dim high beams — following vehicle | 500 feet |
| Following distance (minimum) | 4 seconds |
| Bicycle passing clearance (≤35 mph posted) | 3 feet |
| Bicycle passing clearance (>35 mph posted) | 6 feet |
| Parallel park — distance from curb | 12 inches |
| Rural highway parking — road width remaining | 15 feet |
| Rural highway parking — visibility each direction | 500 feet |
| U-turn prohibited — can't see ahead on undivided hwy | 500 feet |
| Snowplow following distance (35+ mph roads) | 200 feet |
| Braking distance at 50 mph (dry pavement) | 158 feet |
| Pass safely at 55 mph — sight distance needed | 1,600 feet (≈⅓ mile) |
| School zone — speed when lights flashing | 20 mph |
| Item | Cost / Detail |
|---|
| Driver's License or Instruction Permit | $28 |
| Identification Card | $28 |
| Address / name change or replacement license | $15 |
| Test attempts per fee | 3 attempts / 6-month period |
| New resident license deadline | 90 days |
| CDL holder new resident deadline | 30 days |
| License valid for | 5 years |
| Renew up to | 180 days before expiration |
| Vision requirement (no restriction) | 20/40 both eyes; no worse than 20/50 either eye |
| Work zone speeding fines | May be doubled |
| No insurance — classification | Class 2 misdemeanor — 30 days jail, $100 fine, or both; license suspension 30 days to 1 year; SR22 required for 3 years (p.14) |