Motorcycle Laws

Know the rules. Focus on the ride.

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.

gavel and padBoots, gloves and helmet

motorcycle licensing

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 info
Close up of motorcycle engine

Road Laws

Minimum Operator Age

At least 16 years of age with operator license.

Safety Helmet

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.

Eye Protection

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%.

Daytime Headlight Use

Modulating headlight permitted.

Tail Lamp

Must have at least one which, when lighted, emits a red light visible for a distance of 500 feet.

Passenger Seat

Required if carrying passenger.

Passenger Footrest

Required if carrying passenger.

Passenger Age Restriction

No.

Helmet Speakers

No restrictions.

Handlebars

No restrictions.

Mirrors

One left and one right required by law.

Radar Detector

No restrictions.

Turn Signals

Required by law.

Muffler

Must at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

Maximum Sound Level

No acoustical criteria.

Insurance Requirement

Compulsory liability (minimum limits 25/50/25).

Periodic Safety Inspection

None.

Rider Education Certificate

Driver test only: road test, written test.

Accept Motorcycle

Yes.

Motorcycles Operating Two Abreast in Same Lane

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

Lane Splitting

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

Off-Road Laws

Minimum Operator Age

No restriction.

Operator License

Not required.

Safety Helmet

Required by law under age 18.

Eye Protection

Required by law.

Headlamp

Not required.

Tail Lamp

Not required.

Muffler

Not required.

Maximum Sound Level

No acoustical criteria.

Spark Arrestor

Not required.

Registration

Not required.

Vehicle Title

Required by law.

Rider Education Certificate

Not required.

Trails Program

Not required.

Safe Riding
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