Learn about the penalties—including fines, jail, and license revocation—for a DUI conviction in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, as in other states, it's illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the penalties for a DUI conviction depend mostly on the number of prior convictions the driver has that occurred within the last 10 years. This article covers South Dakota's DUI laws, including the relevant definitions, and the consequences you'll face if convicted of a first, second, or third DUI offense.
South Dakota's DUI Laws
In South Dakota, a person can be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) for driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle:
- with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or greater
- while under the influence of any alcohol, non-prescribed drug, or intoxicating inhalant, or
- while under the influence of prescribed drugs or alcohol to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely driving a vehicle.
In other words, a DUI conviction can be based on an excessive BAC or actual intoxication.
South Dakota's BAC Limits for Underage and Commercial Drivers
While most drivers can be convicted of a "per se" DUI for driving with a BAC of .08% or more, certain drivers are subject to a more restrictive standard.
For drivers operating commercial vehicles, the BAC threshold is reduced to .04%, and a conviction carries additional license-related penalties.
And drivers who are under 21 years old need only have a BAC of .02% or more (or any level of marijuana) to get a DUI. However, underage DUI penalties are different than those for a regular DUI conviction and tend to be more rehabilitative than punitive.
South Dakota's First-Offense DUI Penalties—Misdemeanor
For a first DUI conviction within 10 years, the driver faces:
- up to a year in jail
- up to $2,000 in fines, and
- license revocation for 30 days to one year.
For any DUI involving a BAC of .17% or more, the driver will be required to obtain an alcohol and drug evaluation and may be ordered to complete certain chemical dependency programs.
South Dakota's Second-Offense DUI Penalties—Misdemeanor
For a second DUI conviction within 10 years, the driver faces:
- up to a year in jail
- up to $2,000 in fines, and
- license revocation for at least a year.
For a second DUI, the driver will be required to obtain an alcohol and drug evaluation and may be ordered to complete certain chemical dependency programs.
South Dakota's Third-Offense DUI Penalties—Felony
For a third DUI conviction within 10 years, the driver faces:
- up to two years in jail
- up to $4,000 in fines, and
- license revocation for at least a year.
For a third DUI, the driver will be required to obtain an alcohol and drug evaluation and may be ordered to complete certain chemical dependency programs.
Implied Consent and Alcohol and Drug Testing in South Dakota
Under South Dakota's "implied consent" law, any person driving within the state is deemed to have consented to BAC chemical testing (usually, a blood or breath test) to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs. Motorists who refuse to submit to lawfully requested tests will have their driver's license revoked for one year. The fact that the driver refused testing may also be used at trial to prove culpability.
South Dakota's Underage DUI Laws
An underage DUI violation is a class 2 misdemeanor and will result in up to 30 days in jail, a maximum $500 in fines, and license suspension.
The suspension periods are 30 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense, and one year for a third or subsequent offense. During the suspension period, the driver might be eligible for a restricted license for driving to and from work, school, and counseling programs.
Plea Bargaining in South Dakota DUI Cases
If you get charged with a DUI in South Dakota, you might be hoping to get the charge reduced or dismissed altogether. However, unless the court throws out evidence that's critical to prove the charge, it's unlikely a prosecutor will agree to a complete dismissal. South Dakota statutes prohibit the dismissal or reduction of a DUI without good cause. But you should always talk to a qualified attorney about your options.
