Using a mobile phone while driving in South Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Using a mobile electronic device while driving is banned, but phone calls, GPS use and hands-free or voice-operated use are exceptions, so holding a phone for a call is allowed. Texting by hand is not allowed.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Using a mobile electronic device while driving is a Class 2 misdemeanour. Phone calls, GPS use (but not manual entry) and voice-operated or hands-free use are exceptions, so texting by hand is not allowed. [1] |
Notes
- No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device, but reading, selecting or entering a number or name to make or receive a call and using the device for the call is excepted. Accessing, reading or posting to a social networking site while driving is banned separately (§ 32-26-47.2).
- A Class 2 misdemeanour carries up to 30 days in county jail or a USD 500 fine, or both. No minimum or fixed fine is stated.
- § 32-12-49.1 assigns two points to 'other moving offences'; whether § 32-26-47.1 is treated as one was not confirmed.
Sources
- South Dakota Legislative Research Council: SDLRC - Codified Law 32-26-47.1 - Use of mobile electronic device--Prohibitions--Violation as misdemeanor--Exceptions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | No (calls allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | Banned | Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| North Dakota | No (texting only) | Allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | No (texting/reading banned) | Calls not restricted | USD 200 | 3 points |
| Wyoming | No (texting only) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in South Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 2 oz)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unposted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph; 55 mph township roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class III: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only concealment with felony intent
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.85 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers aged 5 to 17
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ (purchase, possess, consume) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, possess, consume)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.