South Dakota Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
Free Consultation 1-800-424-5377
If you have been in a South Dakota motorcycle accident, either as a resident or visiting, especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally call 1-800-4-BIKERS to speak to a motorcycle attorney who rides - just like you.
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys have been fighting for injured South Dakota bikers for over thirty years.
South Dakota Motorcycle Safety Laws
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
With several hundred thousand bikers in attendance, the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the United States. Unfortunately, the increased motorcycle traffic results in several South Dakota motorcycle deaths each year. According to the Sturgis City Rally Department, 4 bikers died at the event in 2011 and 9 motorcyclists lost their lives. These sobering statistics are an important reminder to all bikers to play it safe by following South Dakota motorcycle laws. This is crucial whether you’re attending annual Sturgis Rally, or taking in the spectacular scenery in South Dakota, such as Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and the Black Hills.
Following are some of South Dakota’s motorcycle safety laws obtained from the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Sturgis Police Department offers information regarding motorcycle laws on their website as well. While some of these laws only apply to South Dakota residents, any biker traveling through South Dakota should be familiar with these laws and follow those that apply.
- In South Dakota, all motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. There are currently no restrictions on the use of helmet speakers.
- South Dakota law requires bikers to wear eye protection or have a windshield at a height that offers sufficient eye protection while driving.
- There is no minimum age for motorcycle passengers in South Dakota, but individuals with a motorcycle instruction permit are not permitted to carry passengers. Passenger seats and footrests are required when carrying motorcycle passengers.
- Standard motorcycle equipment required in South Dakota includes a minimum of one mirror and no more than two mirrors, turn signals, at least one rear reflector, and a properly maintained muffler. Muffler alterations or modifications are prohibited.
- South Dakota has a required handlebar height - bikers are prohibited from operating motorcycles equipped with handlebars at or above shoulder height.
- Daytime running lights on motorcycles are recommended, but not required in South Dakota.
- Operating a motorcycle while carrying a package or other object, which prevents the motorcyclist from keeping both hands on the handlebars or obstructs the driver’s vision, is prohibited.
- Lane splitting (riding between two lanes of traffic or two rows of motor vehicles) is prohibited in South Dakota and is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, it is permissible for motorcyclists to ride no more than two abreast on a single lane.
- South Dakota residents must a minimum of 25/50/25 in liability insurance.