South Dakota Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras aren’t permitted in South Dakota, but running a red light is—and it could cost you up to $500.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Red light cameras aren’t permitted in South Dakota, but running a red light could cost you $500, three points on your record, and maybe even jail time, so it’s crucial to know your choices for handling a ticket. 
If you get a citation for running a red light in South Dakota and suspect that it’s a mistake, you’ll need to know all the options you have for challenging the ticket. 
If you run a red light in South Dakota, you could be stuck with a misdemeanor charge, which can come with significant penalties. To lay out all your possible options,
car insurance
comparison and broker app
Jerry
is here to shed light on all you need to know about red light citations in South Dakota—including how to keep your
South Dakota insurance rates
low after an infraction.
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No—South Dakota law 32-28-17 prohibits any device that detects red light violations. This law also forbids any county, municipal, or township authority to contract with a private company that provides red light cameras. South Dakota is one of eight states that currently bans red light cameras.

What should I do if I receive a ticket for running a red light?

A stoplight or stop sign violation in South Dakota counts as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Class 2 misdemeanors in South Dakota come with a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and/or 30 days in jail. However, these moving violations are typically only fined a total of $122.50 with no jail time. 
These convictions also come with three points against your driving record. Under extreme circumstances, a red light violation could lead to a reckless driving charge as well. 
If you get stuck with a red light ticket in South Dakota, you can either accept the charge and pay the fine or plead not guilty to challenge the ticket. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, so let’s take a look at each option.

How to pay a red light ticket 

If you’d prefer to skip all the hassle of challenging the ticket, you can pay the fine
online
, by mail, or in person.  The mailing address and court address should be listed on your ticket.
It’s important to note that paying the fine outright counts as pleading guilty. 

How to fight a red light ticket

To fight the ticket, you’ll need to plead “not guilty” to the court. Many courts in South Dakota require you to submit a plea in person. Since the violation is a misdemeanor, you’ll need to respond to the magistrate court
Once your plea is accepted, you’ll be assigned a court date to attend either a preliminary hearing or a dispositional conference. A dispositional conference may lead to your penalties being reduced. 
It’s a good idea to hire a traffic lawyer to guide you through the process. An attorney will also increase your chances of the ticket being dismissed. 
MORE: How to get car insurance with a bad driving record
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How to find affordable car insurance in South Dakota

When you get a ticket for running a red light, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase. Don’t stress just yet—this is the perfect chance to reevaluate your insurance policy and find one with a better rate. 
Your ticket doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be stuck with high rates forever—not with
Jerry
anyways. Our
trustworthy insurance comparison app
provides you with 50+ top options for coverage in only 45 seconds. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and voilà!
Even if your record is a bit spotty, Jerry can still find you the cheapest possible insurance available. Jerry can also take care of all the paperwork involved with signing up or switching policies. 
The average Jerry user saves almost $900 per year on car insurance! 
“I have a really bad record, so all of my previous insurance quotes were pretty high. I started using
Jerry
and the fantastic app saved me $130 a month on my insurance.” —Jett A.
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