The South Dakota Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your South Dakota driver's license, you also become subject to the state's driver's license point system. This system is managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) to track traffic violations and identify drivers who may pose a risk on the road.

Understanding how points are assigned for different violations and the serious consequences of accumulating too many is crucial for every driver. It's the key to keeping your driving privilege, avoiding costly fines, and preventing sharp increases in your insurance rates.

How the South Dakota Point System Works

When you are convicted of a moving violation in South Dakota, the DPS adds a specific number of demerit points to your driving record. The more serious the traffic offense, the more points you will receive. These points serve as an official tally of your driving infractions. If you accumulate too many points within a specific timeframe, your license will be suspended.

Points for Common Traffic Violations

Points for violations in South Dakota can range from 2 to 10. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common offenses and their point values:

10-Point Violations (Most Severe)

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
• Failure to stop after an accident that results in injury or death (Hit and Run).

8-Point Violations

• Reckless Driving.
• Eluding or Fleeing from a Police Officer.

6-Point Violations

• Careless Driving.
• Failure to stop for an accident with an unattended vehicle.

4-Point Violations

• Passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing.
• Driving on the wrong side of the road.

3-Point Violations

• Disobeying a stop sign or a red light.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

2-Point Violations

• Speeding (point value can increase for excessive speed).
• Improper turn.
• Failure to signal.
• Following too closely.

The Consequences of Accumulating Points

The DPS takes action once your point total reaches critical thresholds.

License Suspension Thresholds

Your driver's license will be suspended if you accumulate:

• 15 or more points in any consecutive 12-month period.
• 22 or more points in any consecutive 24-month period.

Length of Suspension

• First Suspension: A 60-day suspension.
• Second Suspension: A 6-month suspension.
• Third or Subsequent Suspension: A 1-year suspension.

After serving the suspension period, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee and may need to retake the knowledge and vision tests to get your license back.

Special Rules for Minor Drivers

The system is even stricter for new, young drivers. A minor's license can be suspended for a longer period (up to one year) for certain violations, including any alcohol-related offense or for accumulating too many points.

How Points are Managed on Your Record

• No Point Reduction Program: Unlike some other states, South Dakota does not have a "defensive driving course" or "traffic school" option that you can take to remove points from your record.
• Points Expire: The points for a specific violation remain on your record for a period of three years from the date of the conviction. After three years, they no longer count toward a suspension. However, the conviction itself remains part of your permanent driving history.

The only way to keep points off your record in South Dakota is to not get them in the first place. This makes safe, defensive, and law-abiding driving the most important strategy for every license holder in the state. By knowing the rules and the serious consequences of breaking them, you can protect your driving privilege and stay safe on the road.