Read about South Dakota’s distracted driving laws and the costs of a violation.
South Dakota has distracted driving laws that generally prohibit texting, cell phone use, and other electronic device use while driving. This article covers the specifics of the law, including the penalties you'll face for a texting or cell phone ticket in South Dakota.
South Dakota's Distracted Driving Law
South Dakota has two distracted driving laws: one that generally applies to using an electronic device while driving and another that specifically addresses social media while driving.
South Dakota's Texting and Cell Phone Rules
South Dakota's distracted driving law simply states "no person may operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device." However, the law is more precisely defined by its exceptions. The electronic device use restriction doesn't apply to:
- law enforcement and emergency services personnel in the discharge of their official duties
- electronic device use for emergency purposes such as calling 9-1-1
- use of a GPS unit requiring no manual entry of data
- reading, selecting, or entering a number or name for the purpose of making a call, or
- use of an electronic device in hands-free modes.
(S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-47.1.)
South Dakota's Ban on Using Social Media While Driving
South Dakota law prohibits accessing, reading, or posting to a social networking site while operating a motor vehicle. (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-26-47.2.)
Penalties for Distracted Driving Tickets in South Dakota
Distracted driving violations are class 2 misdemeanors in South Dakota. For a violation, the driver will generally need to pay $178.50.