Your license can be suspended or revoked in South Dakota for a variety of offenses—from collecting too many violation points to serious DUI violations. Driving with a suspended or revoked South Dakota license is a serious offense that carries additional suspensions, expensive fines, and even possible jail time. It'll also affect the cost of car insurance in South Dakota.
Having your license suspended or revoked can happen to anyone, especially if you’re being careless. It’s vital to learn the rules for license suspensions or revocations in your state before getting behind the wheel.
Thankfully, Jerry
has gone through the legalities of South Dakota’s license suspension regulations for you. We’ve created this guide to help you learn more about the most common reasons for a suspended South Dakota license and how to gain instant access to car insurance
savings in the Mount Rushmore State. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?
“Suspension” and “revocation” are two words often used synonymously when referring to losing driving privileges—but they mean two different things!
Here’s what each term means:
A license suspension refers to a temporary loss of driving privileges for a specified period of time
A license revocation refers to a more serious loss of driving privileges, often requiring the driver to reapply for licensing
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) can suspend or revoke driver’s licenses for many offenses—from failure to pay fines to more serious offenses like driving under the influence.
What can your license be suspended for in South Dakota?
South Dakota can suspend your license for many different offenses. Be aware of the following violations to avoid losing your driving privileges.
1. If you drive under the influence of alcohol
The first time you get a DUI in South Dakota
, you will be guilty of a misdemeanor and your license will be revoked for more than 30 days. On top of that, a first DUI conviction usually carries a punishment of up to a year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines. 2. If you drive under the influence of drugs
It’s not just alcohol! If you also drive while under the influence of drugs—such as marijuana or any other intoxicating substance—your license will be suspended anywhere from 30 days to one year. Similar to DUI for alcohol, a first drugged driving conviction usually carries the penalty of up to a year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
3. If you refuse a chemical or breath test
South Dakota’s “implied consent” law requires all drivers lawfully arrested for a DUI to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test. If you refuse, your license will be revoked for up to a year for a first offense. It’s easier on everyone if you just comply!
4. If you are driving with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license is a Class 2 misdemeanor, and your suspension period will be extended for an amount of time equal to your original suspension. Not only that, but expect to pay a fine of up to $500 and serve a maximum jail time of 30 days.
5. If you evade law enforcement
Always, always, always stop your vehicle when law enforcement is trying to pull you over! If you don’t, this Class 1 misdemeanor will result in your license being revoked for up to one year.
6. If you fail to pay child support
In South Dakota, the Department of Social Services can administratively revoke your license if you fail to comply with a court-ordered repayment agreement. To reverse a revocation of your license, you must pay the arrearage in full or pay the overdue amount that occurred under the repayment agreement.
7. If you collect too many violation points
South Dakota operates on a points system, meaning drivers accumulate points on their driver's license
s for every offense. If you accumulate 15 points in 12 consecutive months or 22 points in 24 consecutive months, your license may be suspended. For a first-time offense, you could lose your driving privileges for up to 60 days. 8. If you have multiple reckless driving convictions
Reckless driving
is a Class 1 misdemeanor in South Dakota. A conviction carries up to a year in jail or a maximum of $2,000 in fines, or both. For a second reckless driving violation within a year, expect to also have your license revoked for a period of 30 days to one year and 30 days.9. If you fail to pay what you owe to the state
If you owe more than $1,000 in debt to South Dakota, your driver’s license could be suspended until the debt is paid off.
10. If you don’t maintain South Dakota car insurance
Driving without insurance in South Dakota is a serious offense and can result in your license being suspended for up to a year. Additionally, you could pay up to $500 in fines and possibly go to jail for up to 30 days.
How to save money on car insurance in South Dakota
If your South Dakota driving record is less than ideal, you can still find the best car insurance rates around with the Jerry
app. Just download the Jerry app, and in 45 seconds, you will instantly unlock the lowest rates from top insurance providers. It’s that quick and easy to use! As a licensed broker
, Jerry can even help cancel your old policy and sign you up for the new one. It’s no wonder Jerry is the #1 insurance app! “Amazing! I’ll admit, I’m young with 2 accidents. This spiked my insurance rates and every quote I found. Jerry
, though, helped me find affordable insurance. It truly helped me!” —Marcus F.
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