DMV Point System in South Dakota

Long after its time, the Tyrannosaurus Rex leaves us fossilized reminders of its monstrous existence in the South Dakota Badlands. Similarly, traffic ticket convictions leave reminders on your driving record in the form of points.

On this page, you'll learn how South Dakota's Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses a point system to keep track of tickets on your record.

Points & License Suspension in SD

If you're used to driving yourself around, having enough points on your SD driving record could completely change your day-to-day routine.

The South Dakota DPS will suspend your driver's license if you accumulate:

  • 15 points in 12 months.
  • 22 points in 24 months.

The maximum length of your suspension period will depend on how many times your license has previously been suspended:

  • 1st suspension: 60 days.
  • 2nd suspension: 6 months.
  • All subsequent suspensions: 1 year.

The DPS could automatically revoke your license for serious offenses, including (but not limited to):

  • DUI.
  • Involvement in a crash with casualties.
  • Evading the police.

If you receive a suspension notice, you can request a hearing with the SD Department of Public Safety to explain your point accumulation, possibly avoiding a suspended license.

To learn about reinstating your driving privileges, check out our suspended licenses guide.

DMV.ORG TIP: Be Prepared in Record Time!

Have you ever received a traffic ticket? If so, do you know how many points are on your South Dakota record?

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South Dakota DPS Point Schedule

The seriousness of each traffic violation determines the number of points it carries. The South Dakota DPS' full point schedule is as follows:

  • Driving under the influence: 10 points.
  • Reckless driving: 8 points.
  • Evading the police: 6 points.
  • Drag racing: 6 points.
  • Failing to yield the right of way: 4 points.
  • Improperly passing another vehicle: 4 points.
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road: 4 points.
  • Running a stop sign OR red light: 3 points.
  • Any other moving violations: 2 points.

Points are not added to your record for offenses like:

  • Speeding.
  • Parking tickets.
  • Vehicle weight/size violations.

NOTE: Commercial drivers in SD could face higher point penalties AND immediate license suspension for certain traffic tickets. See our suspended CDL guide for details on reinstating your commercial driving privileges.

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Clear Your SD Driving Record

The SD Department of Public Safety eventually clears points from your record after a specific passage of time. Contact the DPS for more further details.

Unfortunately, taking a defensive driving course will not remove points from your driving record.

So, what's the best way to keep your driving record squeaky clean? Make sure to brush up on your South Dakota traffic laws and always be attentive out on the road.

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