What are South Dakota Traffic Tickets?

South Dakota traffic tickets are notices issued to motorists upon the violation of traffic regulations. In South Dakota, law officers are responsible for the issuance of tickets to motorists who disobey the traffic laws. Typically, offending motorists may resolve or fight traffic tickets by paying fines or appearing in a traffic court. Failure to resolve traffic tickets may lead to more severe penalties. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety generates and disseminates driving-related records in the state.

Public records in South Dakota may also be accessible through third-party websites. These websites are a convenient alternative to official sources since they typically aggregate records from various geographical locations and enable remote access to them simultaneously. To search these sites, users are usually expected to provide:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are generally operated independent of government sources and agencies. Consequently, record availability, accuracy and validity on third-party sites may vary.

What Does a Traffic Citation Mean?

A traffic citation in South Dakota is an official notice issued to persons who violate traffic laws. Traffic offenses that a motorist could get a citation for include stop sign violation, drag racing, reckless driving, and DUI. Traffic citations usually contain the details of how the violator may resolve issued tickets. Generally, these tickets may be payable or require a court appearance. Motorists are expected to resolve traffic citations before the deadline specified on it. Failure to resolve South Dakota traffic citations may lead to additional consequences.

How Do I Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Dakota?

Interested persons may resolve traffic tickets in South Dakota by visiting the traffic court in the county area where the ticket was issued and paying off the fines at the clerk’s office. Interested persons may locate the appropriate clerk’s office by viewing the South Dakota UJS Clerk of Courts directory.

Motorists issued traffic tickets can also resolve it via U.S mail by mailing the payment (check or money order) to the clerk of court in the county the ticket was issued. Tickets may also be resolved on online payment platforms.

Can You Pay South Dakota Traffic Tickets Online?

Yes, persons issued traffic tickets in South Dakota can pay it off online. The state’s Unified Judicial System (UJS) provides an online platform for interested persons looking to make payments, including traffic ticket fines. Some third-party sites also offer the service of processing traffic ticket payments in South Dakota. To make payments online, some information may be required including the ticket details and personal information. Intending users may use their credit/debit cards to make payments on online platforms.

How Do I Pay a Ticket Online in South Dakota?

Interested persons can pay South Dakota traffic tickets online via the UJS payment portal. Users are to put in the citation number and name as it appears on their tickets to bring out its full details. Interested persons may contact the clerk of court if they wish to set up a payment plan. Upon the confirmation of the amount required to pay, users may proceed to put in the billing details of their debit/credit card. After the payment is processed, they can print out the receipt or have it sent to their emails. Users should take note that paying traffic tickets may insinuate an automatic plea of guilt to the traffic conviction.

What is The South Dakota Traffic Ticketing System?

The South Dakota traffic ticketing system guides the process of determining the penalties for the violation of traffic regulations in the state. Traffic offenses may either be a moving violation or non-moving violation. Penalties for violation of traffic laws in South Dakota depend on the severity of the offense. The state uses a point system to determine the severity of traffic offenses. The point system operates by assigning points on a motorist’s driving records for traffic violations committed. When a motorist amasses 15 points in 12 consecutive months or 22 points in 24 consecutive months, their driver’s license is subject to suspension or revocation. The severity of a traffic violation determines the points incurred. DUI attracts 10 points, reckless driving attracts 8 points, 6 points are incurred by motorists who elude officers or participate in a drag race, and running a stop sign attracts 3 points. Interested persons may view the full list of the state’s Driver’s Manual. Traffic offenses involving speeding, size or weight violation, and illegal parking do not attract points. If a motorist incurs multiple traffic violations from a single incident, the points from the violation carrying the highest point value may be assigned.

The first suspension of license may last up to 60 days before affected persons are eligible to reapply for another. The second suspension lasts for 6 months. Subsequent suspensions last for a year before motorists may reapply to have their license reinstated.

How Do I Know if I Have a Traffic Ticket in South Dakota?

Interested individuals may check for outstanding traffic tickets in South Dakota by requesting their driving record from the DPS in-person or via mail. The DPS allows motorists to obtain a copy of their driving records for the previous 3 years or their full driving record. To get driving records, interested persons may complete the request forms for a 3 year-record or full driving record. Requestors may submit requests via mail to the following address:

Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue,
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773–6883

Requestors should also submit the form alongside a fee of $5. In-person requests typically requires visiting the South Dakota Driver Exam Station locations.

How Can I Find a Lost Traffic Ticket in South Dakota?

Persons interested in recovering lost traffic tickets in South Dakota may visit the clerk’s office of the county’s traffic court. Information needed to retrieve lost tickets include:

• Full name of the motorist
• Driver’s license number
• Date of birth
• License plate number

Interested persons may also use the UJS search tool to search for traffic case information by full name, case type, and location.

How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Stay on Your Record in South Dakota?

Traffic tickets issued for violations in South Dakota may stay on a motorist’s record for 5 years from the date of conviction. However, severe traffic offenses such as alcohol-related convictions may stay on record for a longer period. Persons who qualify may take the state-issued driving courses to dismiss tickets and deduct points off their driver’s record, as specified by a traffic court.

Is a Summons Worse Than a Ticket in South Dakota?

A court summons issued to persons requires them to appear in a specified court. However, tickets are payable and may not require a court appearance except for severe violations. Persons who ignore summons may automatically lose the case and be penalized.