Free South Dakota DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed South Dakota DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real South Dakota knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free South Dakota DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

Posted speed limits represent a maximum safe speed under ideal conditions, and the manual instructs drivers to slow down further in rain, snow, ice, or fog.
The manual explains some roads post minimum speeds, and a vehicle unable to safely meet that minimum should use another route.
When school zone lights are flashing or children are present, drivers must obey the posted lower speed limit for that zone.
SDCL 32-25-1.1 sets the default statutory maximum speed limit on a street or highway generally at 65 mph.
SDCL 32-25-4 sets the interstate maximum speed limit at 80 mph, one of the highest posted interstate limits in the country.
SDCL 32-25-4 specifies that violating the 65 mph or 80 mph speed statutes is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
SDCL 32-25-7 allows the Transportation Commission to post rule-based speed zones lower than statutory limits, and violating them is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
SDCL 32-25-19.1 doubles speeding fines in an active, posted work zone with workers present, up to the Class 2 misdemeanor maximum fine.

Right of way

South Dakota treats the lead vehicle as responsible for obeying signs and signals, while following procession vehicles, marked by headlights on, may proceed through with it.
South Dakota's basic right-of-way rule gives priority to whichever driver is at or arrives at the intersection first.
A driver turning left must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic before completing the turn.
Drivers entering a public roadway from a driveway or private road must yield to traffic already using that road.
Drivers entering a limited-access or interstate highway from an acceleration ramp must yield to traffic already on the highway.
The manual notes pedestrians retain the right-of-way in an intersection even on a green light, and vehicles turning must yield to them.
Following vehicles in a funeral procession use their headlights on to identify themselves as part of the group traveling together behind the lead vehicle.
South Dakota's right-of-way hierarchy gives way to the driver on your right when two vehicles arrive at an all-way stop at the same time.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way in an intersection, and drivers turning right or left must yield to them even when facing a green light.
SDCL 32-26-27 permits passing on the right only in these three narrow circumstances; violating this rule is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
SDCL 32-26-16 grants maintenance equipment and personnel statutory right-of-way to drive on the left side while displaying a flashing/revolving warning light and leaving reasonable room for traffic; violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

Unlike states that use 0.01% or an absolute zero standard, South Dakota sets the underage threshold at 0.02% BAC, well below the adult 0.08% level.
The manual notes that vision impairment can begin at just 0.02% BAC for any driver, which is part of why that level is used as the underage zero-tolerance limit.
Because South Dakota's zero tolerance threshold for drivers under 21 is 0.02%, a BAC of 0.05% still violates that law even though it is under the adult 0.08% limit.
The manual ties the lower Zero Tolerance threshold to the fact that vision can already be affected at a BAC as low as 0.02%.
SDCL 32-23-1 sets the DUI threshold at 0.08% by weight of alcohol in blood as shown by chemical analysis of breath, blood, or other bodily substance.
SDCL 32-23-2 makes a first DUI a Class 1 misdemeanor with mandatory revocation of not less than 30 days, though a limited work/school/medical privilege may be granted.
SDCL 32-23-3 makes a second DUI a Class 1 misdemeanor with at least a one-year revocation, and driving unlicensed during that revocation carries a mandatory, non-suspendable minimum 3-day county jail sentence.
SDCL 32-23-4 elevates a third DUI to a Class 6 felony with at least a one-year license revocation, and driving unlicensed during revocation carries a mandatory minimum 10-day county jail sentence.
SDCL 32-23-10 deems operating a vehicle in South Dakota as automatic consent to chemical testing after a DUI arrest, covering alcohol, marijuana, and other controlled substances.
SDCL 32-23-11 triggers an automatic one-year revocation for a valid refusal, and the driver must request a contested hearing within 120 days of arrest.

Signals and markings

When a signal is malfunctioning and shows no light at all, drivers must treat the intersection as if governed by stop signs in all directions.
A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn but the driver must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
A flashing yellow signal is a caution indicator meaning drivers may proceed but should do so carefully.
Double solid yellow lines indicate that passing is not permitted from either direction on that stretch of road.
A solid yellow line on a driver's side of the centerline indicates that passing is prohibited from that side of the road.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A dashed yellow centerline indicates passing is generally allowed on that side when it is safe to do so and no other restriction applies.
A broken yellow line on your side permits passing when safe, while a solid yellow line on your side prohibits passing, a standard center-line marking convention drivers must recognize.
A steady red signal requires a full stop; any right turn on red is only allowed after stopping and when safe and not prohibited by signage.
When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
The manual requires dimming high beams for oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.
A dashed yellow centerline indicates passing is permitted on that side, provided it can be done safely and there is no oncoming traffic conflict.
A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive signal allowing a left turn, but only after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians/cyclists in the crosswalk.
A solid yellow line facing your direction of travel indicates passing is not allowed from your side of the roadway.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not cross it to pass; passing is prohibited from that side.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

The manual explicitly warns that right-of-way rules describe who should yield, but situation and circumstances always control, so drivers must still act with caution.
Drivers must stop and yield when signaled by a patrolled school crossing, even beyond simply obeying posted speed limits.
The SMV emblem warns that vehicles such as farm tractors commonly travel at 25 mph or less, so drivers need extra caution and time when approaching or passing.
Beyond the specific legal thresholds, general safe-driving practice is to reduce speed and give extra space to any vehicle stopped on the shoulder with warning lights.
Because SMV-marked vehicles like tractors move slowly and may turn into fields or driveways, safe practice is to keep distance and watch for signals before passing.
SDCL 32-15-6 makes it a petty offense to drive with an object dangling between the driver's view and the windshield, but it is only a secondary enforcement offense.
SDCL 32-15-7 requires working windshield wipers on all motor vehicles except farm tractors and motorcycles; violating this is a distinct petty offense.
SDCL 32-38-3 exempts occupants of pre-September 1, 1973 passenger vehicles, those with a doctor's written medical exemption, vehicles not federally required to have belts, and certain rural mail/newspaper delivery drivers on route.
General safe-driving principles call for maintaining an adequate following distance that increases with speed and worsening conditions to allow safe stopping.
A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
Sudden braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while steering straight is safer.
Safe lane changes require checking mirrors, checking blind spots by looking over the shoulder, and signaling the intended move before moving over.
The manual advises reducing speed for wet roads, reducing it further for packed snow, and slowing to a crawl on ice, since traction decreases as conditions worsen.
Because posted speed limits assume ideal conditions, the handbook advises reducing speed in rain and other hazardous conditions.
Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; drivers should reduce speed further and increase following distance in poor weather like heavy rain or fog.
The manual sets a specific cutoff allowing mopeds/scooters only on roads posted at 50 mph or lower.
Advisory speed plates on curve warning signs indicate a safe reduced speed that drivers should slow to before entering the curve.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with active lights and siren by safely moving aside, not stopping in the travel lane.
A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
A time based following distance, counting seconds behind the vehicle ahead, adjusts naturally for speed and is the standard safe driving practice.
A safe following distance gives a driver time to react and stop without a collision if traffic ahead slows or stops.
Children under 7 must use a child restraint system meeting 49 CFR 571.213 standards unless they are 57 inches or taller.
Work zones require reduced speed and heightened alertness because of workers, equipment, and changing lane patterns.
Hydroplaning occurs when water accumulates faster than tire treads can disperse it, causing loss of contact with the road.
The manual requires yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, and others still clearing the intersection even if you'd otherwise have priority.
Since entering roundabout traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating, slowing down and watching for a safe gap is the correct approach.
Drivers in both directions on an undivided road must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights until it is safe to proceed.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

The slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem, a reflective orange triangle, warns other drivers that the vehicle, such as a farm tractor or road maintenance vehicle, often travels at 25 mph or less.
The manual specifically calls out farm tractors, animal-drawn buggies, and road maintenance vehicles as commonly using the SMV triangle because they often travel 25 mph or less.
STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs establish legally mandated driver actions, distinct from purely informational or warning signage.
The triangular shape is uniquely reserved for Yield signs, telling drivers to slow and give way rather than come to a full stop.
The downward-pointing red and white triangle is the standard yield sign, instructing drivers to slow and give way to traffic as needed, stopping only if required for safety.
The circular yellow sign shape is specifically reserved in the national sign system for advance railroad crossing warnings.
The five-sided pentagon shape is reserved specifically for school-related warning signs, distinct from all other warning sign shapes.
The eight-sided red STOP sign requires a complete stop at the marked line or intersection before proceeding when safe.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are the standard shape/color combination used for general warning signs about upcoming hazards or conditions.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
A stop sign requires a complete stop, regardless of whether other vehicles or pedestrians are present.
The manual specifically calls out School Crossing signs with children present as requiring reduced speed.
The octagon shape combined with red coloring is reserved exclusively for stop signs, requiring a full stop.
A circular sign with a diagonal slash through it is used nationally to show that a prior restriction (like a speed limit) no longer applies.
Speed limit signs are standard rectangular white regulatory signs, distinct from the diamond-shaped yellow warning signs.
The manual specifies reduced speed limits apply at locations marked with a School Crossing sign when children are present.
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changing conditions ahead, while regulatory signs like stop/yield signs impose legally required actions.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

South Dakota allows several alternatives to a standard insurance policy, including a cash deposit or securities bond with the State Treasurer, a surety bond, or self-insurance for large fleets.
A lapse in proof of insurance in South Dakota can require the driver to file an SR-22 for several years, in addition to facing a misdemeanor charge and possible suspension.
Graduated driver licensing programs, including South Dakota's, use a minimum permit-holding period to ensure young drivers build experience under supervision before less restricted driving.
One of South Dakota's alternatives to a standard insurance policy is a cash deposit or securities bond filed directly with the State Treasurer.
Only the lead vehicle in a funeral procession must obey traffic signs and signals; following vehicles may proceed with the procession, and other drivers should not cut in.
SDCL 32-12-11 allows a learner's permit starting at age 14, valid for a full 5 years.
SDCL 32-12-12 requires that driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on a restricted minor's permit occur under the direct 'direction' of a parent or guardian, while 6 a.m.-10 p.m. driving needs only parental permission.
SDCL 32-12-12.5 restricts passengers to immediate family/household members for the first six months; after that, one non-family passenger under 18 is allowed unless a qualifying adult is present.
SDCL 32-12-13 bars restricted minor's permit holders from operating vehicles over 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, except certain unregistered self-propelled agricultural machinery.
SDCL 32-12-14 bars restricted minor's permit holders from operating vehicles mounted with sawmills, or used in mining/logging transport, road construction, or certain dam/dugout construction off the family farm.
SDCL 32-12-15 imposes a 180-day suspension or until the driver turns 16, whichever is longer, for such convictions; a first Class 2 misdemeanor traffic conviction triggers a 30-day suspension.
SDCL 32-12-22 makes driving without a valid license a distinct Class 2 misdemeanor offense.
SDCL 32-26-46 defines 'mobile electronic device' extremely broadly, covering cell phones, tablets, wearables with touchscreens, PDAs, laptops, gaming devices, and any device that can photograph, record, or transmit video.

Emergencies

South Dakota's move-over law applies to any stopped vehicle showing amber, yellow, or blue warning lights, not just police or emergency vehicles, and requires changing lanes away from it on multi-lane roads when safe.
On two-lane roads where a lane change isn't possible, drivers must slow significantly below the posted speed limit when passing a stopped vehicle with amber, yellow, or blue warning lights.
South Dakota law treats causing a crash while violating the move-over/slow-down requirement as a criminal misdemeanor, reflecting how seriously the rule is enforced.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping, while making sure not to block the intersection.
The manual notes that if you're already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, you should proceed through it first before pulling over to stop.
Pumping the brakes can build pressure in some systems, and downshifting uses engine braking to help slow the vehicle safely.
The lane-change requirement applies on interstates and any multi-lane highway with four or more lanes that has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction.
The handbook states drivers must always yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Sudden hard braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while holding a straight line is safer.
If pulling fully off the road isn't immediately possible, drivers should slow down and use extra caution, but the priority is always to get completely off the pavement as soon as safely possible per Pull Aside, Stay Alive guidance.
Drivers must yield right-of-way, pull as far right as possible, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Standard guidance for hydroplaning is to ease off the gas and avoid sudden braking or steering, letting the tires regain contact with the road.
General emergency guidance for brake failure is to pump the brakes and use engine braking by downshifting to slow down safely.
With a median under 20 feet wide, all lanes in both directions are required to stop for the school bus.
Drivers must yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles operating with active lights and siren.
Moving vehicles safely out of the flow of traffic prevents further collisions before drivers exchange license and insurance information.
The manual requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless a physical median or barrier separates the roadways.
Drivers must yield the right of way to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Regardless of whether a crossing has gates or signals, drivers must never attempt to beat a visible train and must stop and wait for it to clear.
The priority is to stop safely away from traffic, shut off the engine, and move away from the vehicle before dealing with the fire.
Standard practice is to safely move to the right and stop, clearing the path for the emergency vehicle to pass.
Per N.J.S.A. 39:4-81, a malfunctioning or dark traffic signal must be treated as an all-way stop.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free South Dakota DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see South Dakota DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

South Dakota DMV cheat sheet