South Dakota's Reckless and Careless Driving Laws and Penalties

In South Dakota, driving unsafely can lead to reckless or careless driving charges, fines, jail time, and license suspension. This article explains how South Dakota defines these offenses and the specific penalties you'll face for a conviction.

What's Considered "Reckless Driving" in South Dakota?

South Dakota defines reckless driving as driving:

• "carelessly and heedlessly in disregard of the rights or safety of others," or
• "without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property."

In other words, reckless driving is operating a vehicle in a manner that poses a danger to other people or property. (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-24-1.)

South Dakota's Reckless Driving Penalties

Reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor in South Dakota. The penalties depend mostly on how many prior offenses the driver has.

Fines and Jail Time for a 1st Reckless Driving Conviction in South Dakota

A first reckless driving conviction carries up to a year in jail and/or a maximum of $2,000 in fines.

Fines, Jail Time, & License Revocation for a 2nd or Subsequent Reckless Driving Conviction in South Dakota

For a second or subsequent reckless driving violation within a year, the motorist face the same fines and jail time and additionally a 30-day to one-year-and-30-day license revocation.

Traffic Violation Points for Reckless Driving Offenses in South Dakota

A reckless driving conviction will add eight points to the motorist's driving record. Accumulating 15 or more points within a one-year period or 22 points within a two-year period can lead to license suspension.

What's Considered "Careless Driving" in South Dakota?

South Dakota has a less serious crime called "careless driving." The offense is defined as driving "carelessly and without due caution, at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person or property, not amounting to reckless driving." (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-24-8.)

The difference between reckless and careless driving is subtle. Generally, reckless driving involves the operation of a vehicle that's obviously dangerous, whereas more subtle instances of bad driving might be in the careless driving category.

South Dakota's Careless Driving Penalties

Careless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor. Convicted motorists are looking at up to 30 days in jail and/or a maximum $500 in fines.

Reducing a DUI to a Reckless Driving Charge in South Dakota

In South Dakota, it's possible for a driver who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI), to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a "wet reckless."

Talk to a South Dakota Defense Attorney

The facts of every case are different. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless or careless driving, get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.