South Dakota · Handbook chapter 2 · 3 min read
Chapter 2: Your driving record, points and insurance
How South Dakota drivers lose their license: suspension and revocation, the point system, reinstatement fees, proof of insurance and SR22 filings, and vehicle registration.
Why this chapter matters
A license is a privilege you keep only by driving safely. South Dakota's point system has some unusual rules, and the test can ask how many points an offense carries or what insurance proof you must carry.
Ways to lose your license
You can lose your license for, among other things:
- a DWI conviction, or refusing an alcohol or drug test
- an alcohol conviction as a minor, or being under 21 with a BAC of 0.02 to 0.079
- driving while suspended or revoked, or eluding police
- too many points on your record
- driving without proof of insurance
- failing to pay a traffic fine, or owing $1,000 or more to a state agency
- breaking the restrictions on a license or permit held by a driver under 18
Revocation means you must retake the tests and pay a reinstatement fee. The DPS fee page lists reinstatement fees of $75 to $225, depending on the case (the older manual says $50 to $225). After a suspension, no testing is needed unless the license has expired.
The point system
You face suspension if you collect 15 points in 12 months or 22 points in 24 months.
| Conviction | Points |
|---|---|
| Driving while intoxicated | 10 (plus mandatory revocation) |
| Reckless driving | 8 |
| Eluding police; drag racing | 6 |
| Failure to yield; improper passing; wrong side of the road | 4 |
| Stop sign or signal violation | 3 |
| Other moving violation | 2 |
- No points are given for speeding, parking, equipment, size or weight violations.
- When one incident leads to several offenses, only the highest point value counts.
- Out-of-state convictions earn points as if they happened in South Dakota.
- Suspensions last 60 days the first time, 6 months the second and 1 year after that.
Proof of insurance
Every registered vehicle must have financial responsibility, usually a liability insurance policy. Carry written proof, such as an insurance card showing the company, policy number and coverage dates, and show it to an officer on request.
Driving without it is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail, a $100 fine or both), a suspension of 30 days to one year, and an SR22 filing for 3 years. A DWI conviction, a judgment from an uninsured crash or two reckless driving convictions in a year also require an SR22.
Registration and title
Register a vehicle brought from another state within 90 days. Keep the registration in the vehicle and the title somewhere safe at home.
Frequently asked questions
Does speeding add points to my South Dakota record?
No. The point system does not assess points for speeding, although you still pay the fine.
How long does a first point suspension last?
60 days.
What is an SR22?
A form your insurance company files with the state to prove you carry insurance. It is required for 3 years after certain convictions, including DWI and driving uninsured.
Based on the South Dakota Driver License Manual (South Dakota Department of Public Safety) and the DPS Driver License/ID Card Fees page.