We frequently have questions asked of us on a regular basis about the following subjects so we have put together this page for your convenience...
For clarification of some of the following laws, you can look them up at this location:   South Dakota Codified Laws

Where can I find information on where to stay during the annual motorcycle rally?
    A good place to find this information is at:  http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com

What is the legal handlebar height in South Dakota?  32-20-3
    No person may operate on a public street or highway a motorcycle equipped with a handlebar positioned so that the grips of the handlebar are at or above shoulder height of the person when sitting astride the seat.

Do I have to wear a motorcycle helmet in South Dakota?  32-20-4
    Protective helmet required for minor--Violation as misdemeanor. No person under eighteen years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle on the public streets or highways of this state unless the person wears a protective helmet of a type meeting Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 as in effect on January 1, 1984. No person may operate a motorcycle with any person under the age of eighteen as a passenger if the passenger is not wearing a protective helmet.

Can I carry a firearm on my motorcycle?  SDCL 32-20-6.6
    No person, other than a law enforcement officer or conservation officer, or any person on the person's own land or land leased by the person, may operate or ride on any motorcycle or off-road vehicle with any firearm in the person's possession unless the firearm is completely unloaded and within a carrying case which encloses the entire firearm. However, this section does not apply to any person who is carrying a pistol and possesses a permit to carry a concealed pistol issued pursuant to chapter 23-7. This section does not apply to any person who holds a permit issued pursuant to § 41-8-37 while engaged in hunting from an off-road vehicle in accordance with the provisions of the permit.

Can I carry a firearm in South Dakota if I have a firearms permit in my state?
    Pursuant to SDCL 23-7-7.3 the Attorney General and the Secretary of State are currently working on reciprocity agreements for concealed weapons permits with a number of states. SDCL 23-7-7.3 provides:

The attorney general shall compare South Dakota permit issuance statutes with the permit issuance statutes in states with which reciprocity is sought or requested in order to determine whether the laws of the other state meet or exceed the requirements of this chapter for the issuance of a permit. The secretary of state may enter into reciprocity agreements with other states after the attorney general has notified the secretary of state that the other states' laws meet or exceed the provisions of this chapter.

To find out if your state has reciprocity with South Dakota, or you have questions about carrying concealed weapons, go to the following website for more updated information:  SD Secretary of State

Note to Law Enforcement Officers:

On Thursday, July 22, 2004, the President signed into law H.R. 218, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004," which exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from State laws that prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms.

 

            If you have a question that you think would be helpful on this page, feel free to e-mail us at: webmaster