Violating South Dakota driving and traffic laws can result in fines, suspension of your driving privileges, and even losing the driver's license. The State Law of South Dakota uses a point system to track violations and their corresponding penalties. Points are added to your driving record if you receive a traffic ticket for moving violations.

[edit] MOVING VIOLATIONS AND POINTS

Different violations are assigned different point values, which are added to your driving record, as mentioned below:

Driving while intoxicated:10
Reckless driving:8
Eluding/Attempting to elude:6
Drag racing:6
Failure to yield right of way:4
Improper passing:4
Driving on wrong side of roadway:4
Stop sign/light violation:3
Other moving violations:2    

The license is revoked if the driver is charged for ‘driving while intoxicated'. For multiple offences, the violation with the highest point value will be used to mark on your license.

[edit] PENALTIES

You will be subject to specific penalties if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving license:

1. Your driver's license will be suspended if you collect 15 points in 1 year or 22 points in 2 years.
2. The period of suspension would depend on the whether you are a first time defaulter or have a history of license suspension. The first suspension can be extended to a maximum of 60 days, second suspension to 6 months, and any subsequent suspension can last for a maximum of 1 year.
3. Out-of-state convictions are treated as committed in South Dakota.
4. Accumulating points on your driving license is also likely to increase your auto insurance rates. See our auto insurance section for more information about obtaining quality car insurance at competitive rates.

[edit] HOW TO CLEAR YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The South Dakota DMV maintains a record of all the points added to your driving license. However, there are a number of ways in which you can remove points from your current driving record.

1. A $50 reinstatement fee is due from a driver whose license has been suspended or revoked.
2. A revoked license needs to be re-applied for, along with all the applicable tests and fee.

[edit] HOW TO DISPUTE A MOVING VIOLATION CHARGE

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged with committing a moving violation, you may be able to fight the charge in court. See Traffic Tickets and Traffic Ticket Attorneys for more information.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Points are not assessed for speeding, standing, parking, equipment or size and weight violations.
• See also Driver's Education and Suspended Licenses.
• You may also want to look at Defensive Driving Course, as it may also qualify you for a reduction in your car insurance rates.