On South Dakota roads, drivers often ignore basic traffic laws such as following too closely or texting and driving.
South Dakota’s traffic code is in place to ensure all motorists and their passengers reach their destinations safely. Yet, many drivers continue to disobey the rules of the road. By failing to comply with the law, these drivers are creating a safety hazard.
Below you’ll find seven rules of the road most commonly ignored by South Dakota drivers. Read on to learn what they are and find out how you can become a better motorist.
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1. South Dakota Slower Traffic Keep Right Law: The “Move Over” Rule
If you are driving slower than the flow of traffic, South Dakota law requires you to keep to the right. You must either drive in the right lane or as close to the right edge of the road as possible. Exceptions exist for when the road is too narrow or you’re passing.
Upon all highways of sufficient width, the driver of a vehicle shall drive a slow-moving vehicle as closely as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of such highway, unless it is impracticable to travel on such side of the highway and except when overtaking and passing another vehicle.
2. South Dakota Flow of Traffic Law: The “Minimum Speed” Rule
South Dakota prohibits motorists from driving slow enough to impede the normal flow of traffic. However, you can drive slower if you need to for safety or to obey the law.
No person may drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
3. South Dakota Driving in Left Lane Law: The “Passing on the Left” Rule
In South Dakota, you must pass on the left and cannot cut off the other car. Before moving back to the right lane, you must completely clear the other vehicle. Additionally, it is illegal to pass if you are approaching a hill or curve that prevents you from seeing oncoming traffic that may be hazardous.
The driver of any vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass at a safe distance to the left thereof. The driver of an overtaking vehicle shall pass at a safe distance to the side of an overtaken vehicle and may not cut in front of the latter until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
No person may drive any vehicle on the left side of the roadway when approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard if another vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.
4. South Dakota Rear-End Collision Law: The “Following Too Closely” Rule
South Dakota defines illegal tailgating as not leaving a “reasonable and prudent” space between vehicles. A reasonable distance can change based on your speed, the weather, and traffic conditions on the road.
The driver of a motor vehicle may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and condition of the highway. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
5. South Dakota Mobile Phone Driving Law: The “Hands-Free Driving” Rule
South Dakota bans the use of mobile phones while you are driving. There is an exception to the law for when you call or text emergency services like 911 or a police or fire department.
No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device.
This does not apply to the use of a mobile electronic device for emergency purposes, including a text messaging device to contact a 911 system, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.
6. South Dakota Four-Way Intersection Law: The “4-Way Stop” Rule
South Dakota’s code requires the driver to the left to yield if they reach an intersection at nearly the same time as another driver. Unless the driver to the right is speeding, they have the right of way to proceed first.
When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed shall forfeit any right-of-way which he might otherwise have hereunder.
7. South Dakota Left Turn Intersection Law: The “Right of Way” Rule
Before you make a left turn, South Dakota requires you to yield to any cars in the intersection or close enough to be hazardous. Once oncoming traffic has cleared and you signal, you can proceed with the left turn.
The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard. The driver after having so yielded and having given a signal when and as required by this chapter, may make such left turn.
Complying with the rules of the road will help make you a safer driver. It can also prevent you from receiving a traffic ticket or even getting in an accident. So, keep these often ignored South Dakota traffic laws in mind during your next trip.