South Dakota Driving Records
What Is a South Dakota Driving Record?
Why Would You Need a Driving Record?
Types of Driver Records Available in South Dakota
Traffic Violations and Tickets in South Dakota
How Does the South Dakota Point System Work?
How To Check Your Vehicle History
What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?
Who Can Access Your South Dakota Driving History?
FAQs About South Dakota Driving Records

South Dakota Driving Records

Your driving history may say a lot about you, and South Dakota driving records are the official way to prove it. Whether you are switching jobs, applying for insurance, or simply checking your status, understanding your South Dakota motor vehicle records is crucial.

These DMV driving records are carefully maintained by each state, and South Dakota is no exception. However, getting access is not as simple as just asking, every state has its own process. Knowing how to navigate South Dakota's driving history report system may save you time and hassle.

What Is a South Dakota Driving Record?

Generally, a South Dakota driving record outlines a person's driving history, traffic violations, violation points, accident records, suspension, revocation, and reinstatements. It also reflects license class, endorsements, and driving restrictions.

While many states refer to this document as a motor vehicle record (MVR), driving abstracts, driver record, or traffic records, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) officially calls it a "certified abstract of a driving record".

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records?

An official driving record is a certified document that the South Dakota DPS issues. It provides accurate information about a driver's history and other state-verified data. This report is considered the most reliable source of driving history for legal purposes.

In addition to DPS, public driving records may be obtained from third-party websites such as RecordsFinder.com. While these driving records are not state-issued documents, they generally offer a convenient alternative for quick background checks and initial previews of individuals' records.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

You may request driving records in South Dakota for several practical and legal reasons. Here are some reasons you may need a record:

To demonstrate a clean record when applying for a commercial driving license
To facilitate insurance underwriting or claiming
To initiate an expungement process
To check for errors in your driving history
To present documented evidence of your driving history when contesting traffic violations or other vehicle-related legal proceedings
To verify that all reinstatement requirements have been fulfilled adequately following a suspension period
To comply with out-of-state licensing requirements
To monitor the driving record of a minor or dependent driver under your insurance policy

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

The following are some of the items you will find in a typical South Dakota driver report:

Personal Details: Your driver report includes personal information such as name, date of birth, and address. However, these details are typically redacted when requesters aren't the record owner or lack authorization under DPPA guidelines.
License Status: This status shows the validity of your license, such as suspended, revoked, canceled, or expired. It also includes your license type and any endorsements or restrictions.
Traffic Violations: Your record lists both minor and major violations. Each entry includes the date, location, and outcome of the breach.
Accidents: If you've been involved in any reportable traffic accidents in South Dakota, they may appear on your record, especially if citations were issued or fault was determined.
Suspensions and Revocations: Any actions taken against your license, including the reason and duration, will be listed. The list may include administrative suspensions due to unpaid fines or court orders.
Accumulated Points: South Dakota tracks violations with a formal point system.

Types of Driver Records Available in South Dakota

Depending on your specific needs, you may request different driver records or "certified abstracts of driving records" in South Dakota. These include:

Full Driving History: This comprehensive report includes your driving history from when you first received your license. Generally, this record is public, but access to it is subject to privacy and state laws. It is most requested for legal proceedings.
Three-Year Driving History: This record focuses on your driving activity over the past three years. It is a commonly requested history for routine background checks.
Three-Year Commercial Driver's License (CDL) History: If you hold a commercial license, this report covers your CDL-specific driving activity over the last three years. It includes commercial vehicle violations, accidents, and CDL-related endorsements or restrictions. This record type is often required for commercial driving jobs or compliance reviews.

South Dakota does not offer "certified" or "non-certified" driving records. When obtained directly from the DPS, all issued records are considered official or certified.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in South Dakota

Traffic violations and tickets in South Dakota are taken seriously and may have lasting effects on your driving record. The DPS (Department of Public Safety) tracks these offenses, which are classified under South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL), primarily in Title 32 for motor vehicle rules and Title 22 for criminal offenses.

Whether it's a minor infraction or a serious criminal traffic violation, the penalties may include fines, points, or even license suspension. Knowing what constitutes a traffic violation and how to respond to a ticket is essential for every driver in the state.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in South Dakota are generally classified by legal severity (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction) and are further categorized as either moving or non-moving violations depending on whether the vehicle was in motion when the offense occurred.

Felonies are the most serious and typically involve death, serious injury, or repeated dangerous behavior; they may result in long prison sentences and large fines. Misdemeanors are less severe but still considered criminal offenses. They often involve actions like driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving and may lead to jail time of up to one year and significant fines.

Infractions are minor violations such as speeding or parking illegally; they are not criminal offenses and are usually resolved by paying a fine without jail time.

Moving violations occur when a vehicle is in motion and typically pose a safety risk on the road. Common offenses include:

Speeding
Reckless driving
DUI
Careless driving
Failure to yield right-of-way

Non-moving violations typically occur when the vehicle is not in motion and often relate to documentation, safety equipment, or parking laws. Examples include:

Seat belt violations
Open container violations
Failure to maintain financial responsibility
Failure to use child restraints

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic citation, a timely response is generally required to avoid additional penalties, license suspension, or a warrant. The following are steps you should take when responding to a traffic citation:

Read the Traffic Ticket: The citation or ticket includes details about the alleged violation, fines, court date (if required), and instructions for responding.
Decide on Your Plea
Pay the Required Fine: You may pay in person, by mail, or online through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) payment portal. Note that payment of fines is an admission of guilt.
Plead Not Guilty In Person: If you choose to plead not guilty, show up on the scheduled date and time listed on the ticket. Contesting requires you to prepare evidence, possibly call witnesses, and may benefit from legal representation.
Plead Not Guilty By Mail: You may see on your traffic ticket if your violation is eligible for this type of plea. If you are eligible, you can mail your plea to DPS.
Plead Guilty With an Explanation: This plea is an admission of guilt, but you would like to explain your circumstances or what led to the violation. It may result in lower fines.
Verify Your Driving Record: After resolving your traffic case, check if it is appropriately reflected on your record. If there's an error, contact the court clerk to clarify.

How Does the South Dakota Point System Work?

In SD Codified Law 32-12-49.1, the DPS tracks your driving behavior through a point system. Points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of certain traffic violations.

Your driver's license becomes eligible for suspension when accumulated points reach 15 for 12 consecutive months or 22 points for 24 consecutive months.

Here is how points are typically assigned:

10 Points: DUI, which is subject to automatic license revocation
8 Points: Reckless driving
6 Points: Eluding (or attempting to elude) law enforcement, drag racing
4 Points: Failure to yield, improper passing, driving on the wrong side of the road
3 Points: Traffic sign violation
2 Points: Other moving violations

When multiple violations happen in a single incident, only the offense with the highest point value is counted. Out-of-state violations also count toward your South Dakota record and are assessed as if they occurred in-state.

Note that speeding offenses are not included in "other moving violations". Meanwhile, serious traffic violations such as DUI are penalized separately from the point system.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

Violation points stay on your South Dakota driving record for three years from the date of the offense. Unlike some states, the state does not offer a point reduction program.

While most standard violations drop off after three years, serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving may remain visible indefinitely.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Most traffic violations in South Dakota may be expunged, but they are subject to eligibility.

In some instances, traffic-related offenses classified as criminal in nature may be eligible for expungement. South Dakota's expungement laws primarily apply to criminal records, including arrests or charges that did not lead to a conviction.

For instance, if you were arrested but not formally charged, or if your case was later dismissed, you may be able to request expungement after one year.

However, under state law, traffic violations tied to Class A, B, or C felony convictions are not eligible for expungement.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

The state provides several options when checking your motor vehicle history report.

Currently, SD does not offer direct online access to the public driving record. However, you may send your requests through the DPS official mailing address and include a notarized form, identification, and payment for every record requested. Note that all official requests go through the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program division of the DPS.

When requesting, individuals should use the personal driving record request form, while companies and businesses should use the company driving record request form.

Alternatively, for in-person requests, you may visit any SD exam station and bring a properly completed form with a notary, proof of identity, and payment. You may process five record requests per visit.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in South Dakota?

Requesting a driving report in South Dakota costs $5 per record, whether you're asking for a full driving history, a 3-year driving history, or a commercial driving record. This fee applies to individuals and companies requesting personal or employment records.

If you choose to pay by credit card, there is an additional $2 convenience fee. Payments are also accepted by check or money order. In some cases, phone payments may be arranged through the Driver's Licensing Program.

Processing and delivery time for mailed requests may vary, but you should generally allow 7 to 10 business days after the appropriate agency receives the request. Always verify that forms are filled out and notarized before sending them to avoid delays.

In-person requests are usually processed immediately at participating driver licensing locations, provided all necessary documents and payments are in order.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

Generally, copy requests for a driving history are not free. However, you have a few options.

The court records for traffic cases and related proceedings may be requested from the clerk of court in person, by mail, or by fax. While viewing records may be free, clerks may charge fees for copies or detailed searches.

Some third-party providers may also offer free driving history reports with limited information. However, you should use these services with caution and refer only to legitimate entities.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record in South Dakota typically includes multiple moving violations such as DUI, reckless driving, and speeding tickets. These offenses add points to your record and may lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, or difficulty getting specific driving jobs.

Non-moving violations, such as expired tags, equipment issues, or parking tickets, generally do not appear on your official South Dakota driving record or impact it significantly. However, recurring offenses and unpaid fines may still reflect poorly on your driving behavior.

Likewise, verbal or written warnings issued by law enforcement do not go on your driver's report and carry no legal penalties.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

Insurance companies closely review your driving history to assess risk. A bad driving record with violations often results in higher premiums or even denial of coverage. It often increases your insurance premium by an average of 17% or an additional $300 to $400 above the standard rates.

Trucking, delivery, or transportation employers also evaluate driving reports during hiring. A history of reckless driving, license suspensions, or frequent violations may disqualify candidates from driving-related roles.

For commercial drivers, even a few violations may affect eligibility for certain endorsements or result in disciplinary action from current employers.

Who Can Access Your South Dakota Driving History?

State and federal privacy protection laws regulate access to your South Dakota driving history. Under the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and South Dakota Codified Laws, your motor vehicle record is protected from unauthorized public access.

The following individuals and organizations may legally request a driving history in South Dakota:

You, as the record holder
Employers during the hiring process
Insurance companies for premium calculation
Law enforcement and courts during investigations or legal proceedings.

South Dakota law emphasizes consent and purpose. Third parties must have legal justification and, in most cases, your written permission to access your records.

FAQs About South Dakota Driving Records

Here are the answers to commonly asked questions regarding South Dakota driving records.

Can I Request My Driving Record in South Dakota for Free?

No, South Dakota does not offer free access to your official driver's report. Each request costs $5, and a $2 fee is charged for credit card payments.

Can Employers See My Driving History?

Yes, employers may access your driving history and assess patterns of unsafe behavior. In most cases, you must sign a release form permitting them.

Does a Traffic Ticket in Another State Affect My South Dakota Driving Report?

Yes, South Dakota is part of the Non-Resident Violator Compact. These agreements allow member states to share traffic violation data. Out-of-state tickets and convictions are treated as if they occurred within the state and may impact your license and insurance.