- First-time license suspensions can last up to 60 days.Southern Stock/Photodisc/Getty Images
South Dakota has a strict penalty point system for drivers who incur traffic violations in the state. Points are accrued according to the type of violation obtained and its frequency. Drivers who accumulate too many points within a short period of time may have their licenses suspended. However, such situations can be avoided just by adhering to traffic laws, particularly, stop sign laws. Proper adherence to stop signs can prevent unnecessary points from accumulating. - Traffic laws in South Dakota mandate that a vehicle driver must make a full stop upon reaching a stop sign. The car should halt 15 feet before the stop line indicated on the road. A stop line is a white horizontal line leading from a stop sign to the street that prevents drivers from blocking any oncoming traffic or pedestrian walkway. If a stop sign does not have a stop line, the driver should stop before reaching a crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, the driver should yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and proceed only after the road is clear enough to assure safe passage. The driver should not disrupt traffic while passing. Stop sign requirements must be followed unless told otherwise by a police offer or traffic control signal.
- An active school bus engaged in loading or unloading students will often be indicated by a stop sign protruding from the bus' control arm. The control arm is located on the side of the school bus driver's window. The stop sign is used to ensure that children are able to safely climb in or out of the bus without fear of oncoming traffic. Vehicle drivers from either direction must stop before reaching a school bus that is in operation, indicated by the stop sign. Drivers may not proceed until the school bus driver signals him to proceed, the stop sign is no longer in use or the school bus resumes motion.
- South Dakota law designates the State Department of Transportation to perform certain maintenance duties for stop signs. Such requirements are put into place to protect drivers in potentially dangerous situations. The department must erect stop signs in places where there is a particularly dangerous highway or railroad crossing. All stop signs need to be visible at night so the department must illuminate or cause signs to be illuminated by headlights of an incoming car.
- Failure to stop at a stop sign in South Dakota is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $200. Drivers will incur a three-point penalty on their driving record and may expect insurance rates to increase as a result. Fines and penalties may not be avoided with traffic school attendance. Although the traffic violation alone will not cause license suspension, accumulation of 12 penalty points within a one year period will warrant suspension.
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