We’ve all been there – a moment of distraction, a lapse in judgment or a simple mistake that can lead to a traffic violation. We all make mistakes or poor choices when we drive, but some traffic offenses can trigger serious penalties. Understanding these offenses and their consequences can help keep you safe on the road and out of legal trouble.
What are the major offenses?
While some traffic infractions can result in a warning or small fine, many offenses can result in more serious consequences, including thousands of dollars in fines and multiple years’ imprisonment. Here are some of the most serious traffic offenses in the state:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving under the influence is a severe offense in South Dakota. If you’re caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%, you expect fines, license suspension and potentially jail time.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety. Penalties include hefty fines and potential imprisonment.
- Hit-and-run: Leaving the scene of an accident without providing contact information is illegal. A hit-and-run offense can lead to fines and increased insurance penalties, license revocation and possible jail time.
- Vehicular homicide: Causing death due to reckless or negligent driving leads to vehicular homicide charges. This felony results in lengthy prison sentences.
- Speeding (excessive speed): Excessive speeding endangers everyone on the road. Penalties range from fines to points on your license, increasing insurance costs.
- Driving without a valid license or insurance: Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or insurance leads to significant penalties such as fines, possible vehicle impoundment and potential arrest.
- Fleeing or eluding law enforcement: Attempting to escape law enforcement officers can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Some of these offenses are felonies; others are misdemeanors that can easily become felonies. This can happen if you have a history of offenses or there are other aggravating factors at play. You can visit this website for more details on specific penalties and points.
What to do when police pull you over
If you’re stopped for a traffic offense, remain calm and cooperative. Provide the officer with your license, registration and insurance information. If you get a ticket, you can choose to pay the fine or contest the ticket in court. If the traffic stop turns into an arrest, ask to speak with a lawyer right away.