Crashes, insurance and registration in South Dakota

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the steps to take at a crash scene.
• You can explain when a crash must be reported to police.
• You can describe what to do after hitting an unattended vehicle.
• You can state South Dakota's minimum liability insurance.
• You can explain where and when to register a vehicle.

What you need to know and understand

• If you are involved in a crash, you must stop. Leaving the scene is against the law.
• Report a crash to the nearest police immediately if anyone is hurt or killed, or if property damage reaches $1,000 to one person's property or $2,000 in total.
• Minimum liability insurance is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Auto liability policies in South Dakota must include uninsured motorist coverage.
• Carry proof of insurance and your registration certificate in the vehicle. Keep the title at home.
• Register vehicles with the County Treasurer where you live. A vehicle brought from another state must be registered within 90 days.

At the crash scene

1. Stop at or near the scene. If your vehicle can move and no one is hurt, move it off the road.
2. Turn off the ignition of damaged vehicles and do not smoke nearby. Stay away from downed power lines.
3. Warn other traffic with hazard lights, flares or triangles.
4. Call police and emergency services if anyone is hurt. Do not move injured people unless they face immediate danger, such as fire.
5. Exchange names, addresses, license numbers, plate numbers, vehicle details and insurance information with the other drivers, and get witness details.
6. Notify your own insurance company as soon as possible.

Unattended vehicles and property

If you hit a parked car or other property and cannot find the owner, contact the nearest law enforcement agency. Leave a note where the owner will see it with your name, address, phone number, license number, plate number, the date and time and a description of the damage. The manual advises waiting for officers to arrive.

Insurance rules

Every registered vehicle must have financial responsibility, almost always an owner's liability insurance policy. The minimum is 25/50/25: $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. Policies must also include uninsured motorist coverage. These are minimums, and many drivers choose more.

Failing to maintain proof of insurance is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a $100 fine or both. You also face a license suspension of 30 days to one year, and an SR22 filing for 3 years.

Registering and titling a car

Register vehicles, motorcycles and trailers with the County Treasurer for the county where you live. Renewal month is set by the first letter of your last name. You need a certificate of title to sell or transfer a vehicle. Vehicle registration is handled by the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, not by Driver Licensing.

Common mistakes

• Driving off after a minor bump without exchanging details. Leaving the scene is a crime.
• Assuming small dents need no report. $1,000 of damage is reached quickly with modern cars.
• Keeping the title in the glove box. It belongs somewhere safe at home.
• Letting insurance lapse on a car you still drive. That can mean a suspension and 3 years of SR22.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in South Dakota

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in South Dakota
• South Dakota 50-Hour Practice Log
• South Dakota Driving Test and When Driver’s Ed Waives It