Question 1

On a South Dakota two-lane highway, how much must a driver slow down when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle using red lights?

Accepted Answer

At least 20 mph below the posted limit, or to 5 mph if the limit is 20 mph or less — On a two-lane highway, South Dakota law requires slowing to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit (or 5 mph if the limit is posted at 20 mph or less), starting at least 300 feet before the stopped emergency vehicle.

Question 2

What happens if a South Dakota driver's move-over law violation actually causes a crash with the stopped vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The offense is elevated from a Class 2 to a Class 1 misdemeanor — A simple move-over violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor, but causing an accident while violating it is elevated to a Class 1 misdemeanor under South Dakota Codified Law 32-31-6.2.

Question 3

When can a South Dakota driver legally pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing?

Accepted Answer

Only if the roadway is separated from the bus by a physical barrier — Drivers from any direction must stop for a school bus's flashing red lights or extended stop arm unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.

Question 4

What does South Dakota's distracted-driving law actually ban for a licensed adult driver?

Accepted Answer

Texting, reading texts, and social networking -- not a broader handheld phone-call ban — South Dakota's statewide distracted-driving ban for licensed adult drivers covers texting, reading texts, and social networking; a full device ban applies only to Instruction and Restricted Minor's Permit holders, not general adult drivers.

Question 5

Who is a South Dakota driver legally responsible for securing with a seatbelt, beyond themselves?

Accepted Answer

Any front-seat passenger who is at least 5 but younger than 18 — South Dakota Codified Law 32-38-1 specifically requires the driver to secure a properly fastened seatbelt on any front-seat passenger who is at least 5 but younger than 18.

Question 6

Under South Dakota law, can a 4-year-old ever legally ride in just a regular seatbelt instead of a child safety seat?

Accepted Answer

Yes -- if the child is under 5 but already at least 40 pounds, a seatbelt satisfies the law — South Dakota's child restraint law applies to children under 5, but is satisfied by a regular seatbelt instead of a car seat once the child weighs at least 40 pounds.

Question 7

According to South Dakota's Car Seat Guide, when can a booster seat be used with just a lap belt?

Accepted Answer

When the booster seat has a shield — A booster seat with a shield can be used with just a lap belt; one without a shield instead needs a tethered harness or shoulder straps.

Question 8

How much road width must be left open when a vehicle is parked along a South Dakota rural highway?

Accepted Answer

At least 15 feet of road width for other traffic to pass — South Dakota requires at least 15 feet of road width to remain open for passing traffic when a vehicle is parked along a rural highway, and the vehicle must be visible for at least 500 feet in either direction.

South Dakota: Rules of the Road Questions

1. On a South Dakota two-lane highway, how much must a driver slow down when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle using red lights?

2. What happens if a South Dakota driver's move-over law violation actually causes a crash with the stopped vehicle?

3. When can a South Dakota driver legally pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing?

4. What does South Dakota's distracted-driving law actually ban for a licensed adult driver?

5. Who is a South Dakota driver legally responsible for securing with a seatbelt, beyond themselves?

6. Under South Dakota law, can a 4-year-old ever legally ride in just a regular seatbelt instead of a child safety seat?

7. According to South Dakota's Car Seat Guide, when can a booster seat be used with just a lap belt?

8. How much road width must be left open when a vehicle is parked along a South Dakota rural highway?

More South Dakota Topics