South Dakota DMV Cheat Sheet

Correct answer: The state where you were arrested

Implied consent laws vary by state, but the law applies to the state where you were arrested, not the state where you got your license.

Correct answer: A Class 1 misdemeanor

A first-offense DWI is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, imprisonment up to one year, or both, and loss of your driver license for a minimum of 30 days.

Correct answer: A 30-day loss of driver license

A first Zero Tolerance offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a fine and a 30-day loss of driver license. A second or subsequent offense carries a 180-day loss of license.

Correct answer: 3 years

Upon conviction of DWI, you must present an SR22 "insurance filing" to the Department of Public Safety and maintain this insurance for 3 years from the eligibility date.

Correct answer: Shift to neutral and look for an escape path

If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral and search for an escape path, then steer smoothly, brake gently, and pull off the roadway. Have the pedal repaired before driving again.

Correct answer: Apply direct pressure on the wound with your hand or a cloth

If there is bleeding, apply pressure directly on the wound with your hand or a cloth. Even severe bleeding can almost always be stopped or slowed by putting pressure on the wound. Do not give an injured person anything to drink.

Correct answer: 22 points

Any operator who accumulates 22 points in any 24 consecutive months is subject to a driver license suspension, in addition to the 15-points-in-12-months threshold.

Correct answer: Carry the registration certificate in the vehicle; keep the Certificate of Title in a safe place, not in the vehicle

The registration certificate must always be carried in the vehicle. The Certificate of Title, needed to sell or transfer the vehicle, should be kept in a safe place — not in the vehicle.

Correct answer: A Class 2 misdemeanor, plus license suspension and a required SR22 filing

Failure to maintain proof of financial responsibility is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 30 days in county jail, a $100 fine, or both), with a license suspension of 30 days to one year and a required SR22 filing for 3 years.

Correct answer: The steering can lock and you will lose control of the vehicle

Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the "lock" position while it is still in motion. This can cause the steering to lock if you try to turn the wheel, and you will lose control of the vehicle.

Correct answer: The rear wheels of large trucks, not for cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks

A truck apron is a paved area on the inside of a roundabout for the rear wheels of large trucks to use when turning (off-tracking). Truck aprons are not to be used by cars, SUVs, or pickup trucks.

Correct answer: Observe the black-and-white signs and white arrows before entering to pick the correct lane

As you approach a multi-lane roundabout, observe the signs and arrows to determine which lane to use before entering. Generally, use the left lane for a left turn and the right lane for a right turn, following the signs and markings.

Correct answer: The tires are too worn and should be replaced

Place a penny headfirst into the deepest groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tires are too worn — do not drive on them and get them replaced.

Correct answer: About 10 inches

There should be about 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel. Do not move the seat so far forward that you cannot easily steer, and do not recline the seat.

Correct answer: Secured in a child passenger restraint system

SDCL 32-37-1 requires that a child under five be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system. The requirement is met with a seatbelt only if the child is under five and at least forty pounds.

Correct answer: For parked vehicles only

Whenever it is necessary to drive with the lights on, use the headlights. Parking lights are for parked vehicles only — do not drive with only the parking lights on.

Correct answer: You are at the crossing and must stop for an approaching train or railroad vehicle

A white, X-shaped "Railroad Crossing" (crossbuck) sign is located at the highway-railroad grade crossing itself. When a train or railroad vehicle is approaching, you must stop behind the stop line or before the crossing.

Correct answer: A dispatch phone number and a DOT number identifying the crossing’s location

Every crossing has an emergency dispatch phone number on a blue ENS sign, along with a DOT number that identifies the crossing’s physical location so emergency crews or railroad personnel can respond and warn approaching trains.

Correct answer: Slow and come to a stop as the yellow-to-red sequence directs, to let the pedestrian cross

The pedestrian hybrid beacon stays dark until a pedestrian pushes the call button. It then runs a yellow-to-red sequence of steady and flashing lights directing motorists to slow and come to a stop while the pedestrian crosses.

Correct answer: Increase your following distance by at least one additional second

Increase your following distance by adding at least one additional second for night driving, and at least two additional seconds on unfamiliar roadways at night.

Correct answer: At least 200 feet

Snowplows are wide, often run close to the center line, and can throw up clouds of snow. On roads posted at 35 mph or more, the law requires drivers to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow when its red or amber lights are on.

Correct answer: The time and distance it takes you to recognize that you must stop

Perception time is the time and distance it takes to recognize you must stop. The average perception time for an alert driver is about three-quarters of a second to one second.

Correct answer: The time and distance it takes to move your foot from the gas to the brake and begin braking

Reaction time is the time and distance it takes to react and move your foot from the gas pedal to begin applying the brakes. The average driver has a reaction time of about three-quarters of a second to one second.

Correct answer: 500 feet

Do not make a U-turn on a curve or on the approach to or near the crest of a grade on any undivided highway where your vehicle cannot be seen by another driver within 500 feet approaching from any direction.

Correct answer: At least three feet of separation

Under SDCL 32-26-26.1, a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle must allow at least three feet of separation where the posted limit is 35 mph or less, and at least six feet where the limit is greater than 35 mph.