Whether you’re a local or just rolling through, it pays to know the rules of the road. South Dakota’s motorcycle laws are made to keep you safe and make sure everyone shares the road the right way.
To get your South Dakota motorcycle license, you must be at least 16 years of age and pass the vision, knowledge and motorcycle test. Minors who are at least 16 but under 18 years of age must also complete the Instruction Permit requirements.
Licencing infoAt least 16 years of age with operator license.
Required by law under age 18; helmet must be an approved US DOT helmet. A person riding in an enclosed cab attached to a motorcycle does not have to wear a safety helmet.
Required by law unless equipped with windscreen of sufficient height and design that protects the motorcycle operator. When headlights are required to be on, a motorcycle operator cannot wear protective eye devices that are tinted or shaded to reduce the light transmission of the device below 35%.
Modulating headlight permitted.
Must have at least one which, when lighted, emits a red light visible for a distance of 500 feet.
Required if carrying passenger.
Required if carrying passenger.
No.
No restrictions.
No restrictions.
One left and one right required by law.
No restrictions.
Required by law.
Must at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
No acoustical criteria.
Compulsory liability (minimum limits 25/50/25).
None.
Driver test only: road test, written test.
Yes.
No person may operate a motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane. A violation of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor. 32-20-9.5
No person may operate a motorcycle between adjacent lines of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. 32-20-9.3 The operator of a motorcycle may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. This section does not apply to motorcycles being operated two abreast in the same lane or a motorcycle and a bicycle being operated two abreast in the same lane. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. 32-30-9.2
No restriction.
Not required.
Required by law under age 18.
Required by law.
Not required.
Not required.
Not required.
No acoustical criteria.
Not required.
Not required.
Required by law.
Not required.
Not required.
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