Traffic Signs and Road Rules in South Dakota

1. What is the minimum speed limit on highways in South Dakota?


The minimum speed limit on highways in South Dakota is 75 miles per hour.

2. What is the maximum speed limit on city streets in South Dakota?


The maximum speed limit on city streets in South Dakota is generally 45 mph.

3. What is the maximum speed limit when passing a school zone in South Dakota?


The maximum speed limit when passing a school zone in South Dakota is 15 mph.

4. How many feet must you remain from the vehicle ahead of you when driving in South Dakota?


It is recommended that drivers leave at least two seconds of following distance for every 10 mph of speed. This translates to roughly 88 feet at highway speeds.

5. What type of turn is allowed at a red light in South Dakota?


In South Dakota, a right turn on red is allowed at a red light when there is no sign indicating that it is prohibited.

6. What type of turn is allowed at a green arrow light in South Dakota?


In South Dakota, a green arrow light allows a driver to make a protected or permitted left turn. Protected turns are allowed by yielding to oncoming traffic before turning. Permitted turns are allowed without having to yield to oncoming traffic.

7. Are hand-held devices prohibited while driving in South Dakota?


Yes. South Dakota has a statewide ban on texting while driving, which includes the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. Additionally, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any type of electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

8. Are drivers required to wear a seat belt in South Dakota?


Yes, in South Dakota, drivers are required to use seat belts. All passengers are also required to use a seat belt if they are over the age of 16.

9. Are cyclists required to wear a helmet in South Dakota?


Yes, in South Dakota, cyclists of all ages are required to wear helmets when riding bicycles.

10. Is it permissible to use a cell phone while driving in South Dakota?


No, it is not permissible to use a cell phone while driving in South Dakota. It is illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone while driving, except in the case of emergency personnel.

11. Is it permissible to drive with headphones on in South Dakota?


No, it is not permissible to drive with headphones on in South Dakota. Doing so is considered distracted driving, which is illegal in the state.

12. Are motorcyclists required to use headlights during the day in South Dakota?


Yes, motorcyclists in South Dakota are required to use their headlights during the day as well as at night.

13. Is it permissible to drive through a red light if there is no traffic in the intersection in South Dakota?


No, it is not permissible to drive through a red light in South Dakota, even if there is no traffic in the intersection.

14. How many feet must you remain from railroad crossings in South Dakota?


In South Dakota, drivers must remain at least 15 feet from railroad crossings.

15. Is it permissible to pass vehicles on the right on highways or other roadways in South Dakota?


No, it is not permissible to pass vehicles on the right in South Dakota. According to South Dakota law, it is illegal to pass vehicles on the right except when the vehicle in the left lane is making a left turn, in which case passing on the right is permissible.

16. What is the maximum speed limit for trucks within city limits in South Dakota?


The maximum speed limit for trucks within city limits in South Dakota is usually 25 miles per hour.

17. Are drivers required to yield to pedestrians at intersections in South Dakota?


Yes, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at intersections in South Dakota. According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing streets and highways at crosswalks or intersections.

18. Are drivers required to yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens in South Dakota?


Yes, in South Dakota drivers are required to yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens. Drivers must pull to the right side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes.

19. Are drivers required to use their turn signals prior to turning or changing lanes in South Dakota?


Yes, drivers in South Dakota are required to use their turn signals prior to turning or changing lanes.

20. Is it permissible for large trucks or buses to use the left lane on highways in South Dakota?


No. The left lane on highways in South Dakota is reserved for passing only. Slow-moving vehicles such as large trucks and buses must stay in the right lane and not use the left lane unless they are passing another vehicle.