Is My License Plate Frame Legal in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, license plate frames and covers are legal, but all numbers, letters, and decals on the plate must remain clearly visible.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
In South Dakota, both license plate frames and covers are legal. However, by law you must ensure that your license plates remain visible, including keeping them clear of snow, ice, and mud (as much as possible). If your license plates are not clearly visible, you can be cited for a Class 2 misdemeanor, which is punishable by fines of up to $500, and possibly 30 days in jail.
Plenty of drivers out there like to put frames around their license plates, whether they are promoting a business, expressing their personality, or even supporting their favorite sports team.
That being said, your license plate frame or cover must not obscure your plate’s numbers, letters, or decals. Going afoul of this law in South Dakota can result in a hefty fine and the possibility of jail time.
With that in mind, the
car insurance
broker and comparison shopping app Jerry
has put together everything you need to know about staying on the right side of South Dakota’s license plate frame law.
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now
Are license plate frames legal in South Dakota?
Yes, license plate frames are legal in South Dakota. But you need to follow the state’s rules in order to remain on the right side of this law.
- All letters, numbers, and decals must be clearly visible at all times.
- Both front and rear license plates must remain clear of snow, ice, and mud, at least as much as possible.
What about license plate covers?
Yes, license plate covers are also legal in South Dakota. But again, the rule remains the same—the covers cannot obscure the plate's visibility.
What are the fines for license plate frames in South Dakota?
Violating South Dakota’s license plate frame law is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Fines are possible up to $500. While 30 days jail time is also possible, this would be rare for violating this rule one time—it would likely only be enforced for repeat offenders.
How to find cheap car insurance in South Dakota
No one wants to pay a steep fine for putting on a license plate frame that obscures its numbers or letters. You also don’t want to run afoul of South Dakota’s car insurance laws, which set minimum standards that all drivers in the Mount Rushmore State must meet.
With
Jerry
, landing a car insurance
policy that meets (and exceeds) those requirements has never been easier. Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry gets to work comparing quotes from more than 50 top insurers for you to choose from. Once you pick your new policy, Jerry will sign you up and help you cancel your old one. No forms, no phone calls, and no hassles!Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on car insurance!
“This was the coolest insurance company I’ve seen so far. They saved me $1200 and their Ux is stellar. GoJerry!” —Carla W.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
4.7
