In South Dakota, do you need headlights during poor visibility?

Yes

South Dakota law requires that drivers have headlights on when visibility drops below 200 feet or during time between sunset and sunrise. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

The law isnt just about drivers seeing the road in front of them. Headlights are important for drivers to see other vehicles during fog, rain or other low-visibility conditions.

Law enforcement is exempt if their actions are determined as necessary under the circumstances to investigate a suspected criminal violation.

According to the states drivers manual, parking lights are not to be used at any time as the sole source of headlights. In addition, vehicles that have daytime running lights also must use their normal headlights during low-visibility conditions.

The Highway Patrol frequently posts reminders on Facebook.

When driving in fog/rain, please remember to turn your headlights on to increase visibility and turn your cruise control off to avoid hydroplaning.

This fact brief responds to conversations such asthis one.

Sources

• South Dakota Codified Laws, 32-17-4 Periods during which lamps must be lighted
• KELO Radio, AAA-SD:Tips on how to prepare your vehicle for severe weather season
• South Dakota Codified Laws, 32-17-4.1 Circumstances exempting law enforcement officers from use of motor vehicle lights
• South Dakota Drivers License Manual,Letting others know you are there (Pages 51-52)
• South Dakota Highway Patrol,Facebook post

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