Driving Without Insurance in South Dakota
Fines, license and registration suspension, and SR-22 requirements for driving uninsured in South Dakota.
Short answer: Failing to maintain financial responsibility is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A judge must also suspend the driver's license for at least 30 days and up to one year, and must restrict driving during that time to listed purposes (such as work, child care, health appointments, school, court… S.D. Codified Laws §§ 32-35-113, 32-35-121, 32-35-122
| Driving without insurance | Failing to maintain financial responsibility is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A judge must also suspend the driver's license for at least 30 days and up to one year, and must restrict driving during that time to listed purposes (such as work, child care, health appointments, school, court, probation and treatment). Before driving under the restriction, the person must establish financial responsibility and keep it for the restriction period. |
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| Proof of insurance | Acceptable written evidence of insurance is a copy of the policy or bond, an insurance ID card showing the policy number, insurer, and effective and expiration dates, or written confirmation from the insurer that the person was insured at the time of the citation. An electronic copy counts if it meets these requirements and is issued as an official electronic document by the insurer. Source: S.D. Codified Laws § 32-35-119 |
| SR-22 filing | A person convicted of driving without financial responsibility (and certain other offenses), or who fails to pay a crash judgment, must file proof of financial responsibility for the future (for example, an insurer's certificate) covering at least 25/50/25. The license and registrations stay suspended until the person gives and then maintains this proof. An insurer that certified a policy must notify the Department of Public Safety within 15 days after it is canceled or terminated. The sections read do not state how long the future proof must be maintained. |
More South Dakota car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in South Dakota
- SR-22 Insurance in South Dakota
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in South Dakota
- Transferring a Car Title in South Dakota
- All South Dakota car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in South Dakota?
Failing to maintain financial responsibility is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A judge must also suspend the driver's license for at least 30 days and up to one year, and must restrict driving during that time to listed purposes (such as work, child care, health appointments, school, court, probation and treatment). Before driving under the restriction, the person must establish financial responsibility and keep it for the restriction period.
Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone in South Dakota?
Acceptable written evidence of insurance is a copy of the policy or bond, an insurance ID card showing the policy number, insurer, and effective and expiration dates, or written confirmation from the insurer that the person was insured at the time of the citation. An electronic copy counts if it meets these requirements and is issued as an official electronic document by the insurer.
When do you need an SR-22 in South Dakota, and for how long?
A person convicted of driving without financial responsibility (and certain other offenses), or who fails to pay a crash judgment, must file proof of financial responsibility for the future (for example, an insurer's certificate) covering at least 25/50/25. The license and registrations stay suspended until the person gives and then maintains this proof. An insurer that certified a policy must notify the Department of Public Safety within 15 days after it is canceled or terminated.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.