South Dakota: Cheat Sheet

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Road signs

Passing areas are set by how far ahead you can see, taking unseen hazards such as hills, curves, and driveways into account.
Traffic control devices also include directions given by law enforcement, highway personnel, and school crossing guards.
The manual’s label for the pedestrian yield sign used at mid-block crossings is Mid-Block Crosswalk.
The shape and color of route number signs show whether a road is an interstate, U.S., state, city, county, or local road.
A sign showing a letter P inside a red circle with a slash is the No Parking sign.
Regulatory signs state specific laws, such as rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, and parking.
A one-way sign shows that traffic goes only the way the arrow points, so you never drive the wrong way.
A red circle with a red slash over a symbol prohibits the action the symbol shows.

Sign shapes and colors

Guide signs are square or rectangular and are green, brown, or blue.

Traffic signals

A flashing yellow left arrow lets you turn once you have yielded to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
The lenses stay dark until a pedestrian who wants to cross pushes the call button.
A green arrow means you can safely turn the way it points because there should be no oncoming or crossing traffic.
With a steady green light you may turn left only when safe, and oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.
On a horizontal traffic light the red light is on the left, the yellow in the middle, and the green on the right.
A red arrow means you must stop and may not go in its direction until it goes out and a green arrow or light comes on.

Right-of-way and turning

Roundabouts keep traffic moving one-way in a counterclockwise direction.
Get around the vehicles as quickly as possible and move safely back into your lane.
The manual says a three-point turnabout should only be used on a two-lane roadway.
Intersections include side streets, driveways, shopping center entrances and parking lot entrances, not just street corners.
Uncontrolled rural intersections can be very dangerous, so you slow down and get ready to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic.
You should yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection.
Mirrors do not show blind spots, so you quickly turn your head to look for hidden pedestrians or vehicles.

Alcohol and drugs

By driving on a public highway you give your consent to a chemical test.
The manual says to ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
A 5 fl oz glass of table wine equals a 12 fl oz regular beer in alcohol.
Zero tolerance means no alcohol at all in the circulatory system for drivers under 21.
Possession of alcohol by a minor under 21 is a listed reason for losing a license.
Under 21, it is illegal to purchase, possess, or drink alcoholic beverages.

Speed and following distance

Extra room in front lets you stop gradually without being hit from behind.
Quick braking can make you skid and lose control, and it makes it harder for drivers behind you to stop.
If you cannot drive at the minimum speed, the manual says to use another road.
Hard braking in a curve can cause the tires to lose traction, so reduce speed before entering.
Drivers who have forgotten their winter skills tend to drive too fast and brake too hard.
You should pull over when it is safe to do so and let the vehicles pass.
A large vehicle in front blocks your view of the road. The manual says to avoid following too close to one and to adjust your speed and position so you can see.

Licensing basics

Arrearages of $1,000 or more block a license, though these people may be eligible for one 6-month temporary license.
Pets and passengers are not allowed in the vehicle during the on-the-road skill test.
A Certificate of Title is required to sell or transfer a vehicle.
Restriction code Y keeps the driver within a 50-mile radius of home.

Health and driving

Skipping a meal or snack or taking the wrong amount of insulin can lead to a reaction.

Vehicle checks and basic control

The manual says not to overload your vehicle or trailer.
High beams cause glare in a storm, so you should avoid them.
Children and small objects cannot be seen from the driver’s seat, so check behind the vehicle first.
The left turn hand signal is a hand pointing straight out.

Pavement markings

A shared center lane is for left turns (or U-turns when permitted) by vehicles going either way.
A white dashed line on a one-direction roadway means passing is permitted.
Even where passing is permitted, you may pass only if it is safe.
Pavement markings are painted on the road to give directions or warnings.

Interstate driving

You go on to the next exit; backing up on the interstate is prohibited under any circumstances.
Stopping at the end leaves no room to get up to speed, and drivers behind do not expect a sudden stop.
Moving over a lane or adjusting your speed gives entering vehicles room.

Parking rules

Facing downhill, you turn the wheels sharply to the right.
You put on the turn signal, pull next to the space and allow vehicles behind you to pass before you park.
The wheels are straightened as the front door passes the back bumper of the vehicle in the space ahead.
There must be at least 15 feet of road width for other traffic to pass a vehicle parked on a rural highway.

Railroad crossings

The round yellow RR sign tells you to slow down, look, listen, and be ready to stop if a train is coming.
You must not cross while the bell or horn is sounding.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians use designated walkways and cross only at the crosswalks.
Schools, playgrounds, and residential streets often have children present.
Do not begin a turn without checking for pedestrians crossing where you will turn.

Sharing the road

A motor vehicle's brakes are more powerful than a bicycle's, so stopping quickly in front of a bicyclist could cause a crash.
The manual says to allow a minimum 4-second following distance, or more in wet conditions.
Riders can fall, so more distance helps you avoid hitting them.
The manual says to avoid following too closely and to position your vehicle so the driver can see it in their side mirrors.
Motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians are harder to see, so be especially alert when entering the roadway from a curb or driveway.

Seat belts and child safety

Seatbelts keep you inside the vehicle so you are not thrown into the path of another vehicle.
The law says an operator who violates 32-37-1 commits a petty offense.
The law states that a violation of this section is not a moving traffic offense.

Distractions, fatigue and emotions

The manual recommends a 15 to 20-minute nap, or sleeping for the night.
The manual says to keep your mind on your driving, and that having someone else drive is also an option.
The definition covers any wireless electronic device that provides voice or data communication between two or more parties, such as phones, text messaging devices and laptop computers.
The manual advises stopping about every 100 miles or 2 hours.

Emergencies and winter driving

The manual says to turn off the engine and find a safe place to slow down and stop off the roadway; never keep driving without working brakes.
You must make sure the police and emergency medical or rescue squad have been called.
The manual says to notify your own insurance company as soon as possible.
Emergency services may not reach you quickly, and you could be ticketed and held responsible for costs of rescuing you, your passengers, or the vehicle.

Emergency vehicles, police stops and work zones

The manual says to avoid blocking intersections when you yield to an emergency vehicle.
The law requires all motorists approaching from any direction to stop completely before reaching the stopped emergency vehicle.

Insurance and financial responsibility

The accepted forms include a liability insurance policy, a surety company bond, a deposit certificate or a certificate of self-insurance.

Points and suspensions

A conviction for a violation committed before age 16 by a restricted or instruction permit holder is a listed reason for losing driving privileges.