Transportation

HB 1227 increases the annual registration fee for owners of electric motor vehicles in South Dakota from $50 to $51 (likely a typo for $50, as "fifty one hundred" is inconsistent with standard fee amounts). The fee applies when renewing vehicle registration and must be paid alongside standard license fees, excluding electric motorcycles covered under separate law. All collected fees are deposited into the state highway fund. The bill specifically defines "electric motor vehicle" as noncommercial, battery-rechargeable vehicles meeting federal safety standards.

HB 1010 modifies South Dakota's law banning mobile device use while driving by adding specific exceptions to the existing prohibition. It allows hands-free navigation (without manual entry), limited phone call functions (like dialing or answering), emergency communications (911 calls, reporting accidents/crimes), and handheld device use while operating agricultural equipment under 25 mph (excluding trucks). The law directly affects all drivers in South Dakota, with exemptions for first responders during emergencies and specific scenarios like navigation or agricultural work. Violations remain Class 2 misdemeanors, but the bill clarifies permitted uses to reduce unintended penalties.

This bill adopts specific federal motor carrier regulations from Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for South Dakota operations, with key modifications. It expands the application of federal rules to most intrastate operations (excluding small vehicles under 26,000 lbs not carrying hazardous materials or over 15 passengers), sets a minimum age of 21 for drivers in interstate commerce or handling hazardous materials, and exempts intrastate drivers from federal medical certification requirements unless required by employers. These changes directly affect commercial motor vehicle operators, drivers, and safety enforcement within South Dakota. The bill updates state law to align with federal standards while clarifying exemptions for smaller, non-hazardous intrastate operations.

HB 1242 requires emergency personnel (police, fire, EMTs) to place three flares or emergency reflective triangles around stopped emergency vehicles when visibility is reduced by weather, terrain, or time of day; road conditions make stopping difficult; or the emergency requires extended vehicle stops. The law specifies placement: 100 feet front and rear on two-way roads, with adjusted spacing (100 feet and 200 feet rear) on one-way roads. This applies to all emergency vehicles operating under the statute's exemptions. The policy change aims to improve safety visibility for responders and other drivers during emergency stops.

SB 24 creates a new solid black or solid white license plate option for South Dakota residents. It allows owners of eligible vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles) with valid licenses to purchase these plates for a $100 annual fee. Of this fee, $25 funds a special revenue account and $75 supports the state highway fund. Personalization is available for an extra $25, and plates can be transferred like existing specialty plates.

HB 1079 revises South Dakota's rules for issuing driver's licenses to people with medical conditions that could affect driving safety. It allows the Department of Public Safety to issue a temporary license to applicants with a physician-diagnosed, medication-controlled condition (like epilepsy or heart issues), provided they confirm ongoing medication use and physician care. This temporary license requires six-month reviews and replaces the previous requirement of a 12-month seizure-free period for those with controlled conditions. The bill directly affects drivers managing treatable health issues that could impair safe operation of a vehicle.