South Dakota Points Suspension: Reinstatement & Insurance
South Dakota requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Point-Reduction Insurance QuoteSouth Dakota at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$50
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 and proof of insurance at all times. After a points suspension, you must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility only if one of your underlying violations specifically triggered that requirement — speeding alone typically does not.
Liability Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Insurance
High-Risk Auto Insurance
What Drivers Pay in South Dakota
$223–$449/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Dakota, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- South Dakota assigns 2 points for speeding 1–10 mph over, 4 points for 11–15 over, 6 points for 16–25 over, and 8 points for 26+ mph over — each violation stacks toward the 15-point threshold.
- Points remain on your South Dakota driving record for 3 years from the conviction date, not the ticket date.
- Completing a state-approved defensive driving course removes 3 points from your total but can only be used once every 3 years.
- Your age affects point-suspension impact — drivers under 25 with multiple violations face non-renewal more often than drivers over 30 with identical records.
Find Coverage While Your Points Come Down
Get My Point-Reduction Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted License / Restricted Permit (SDCL 32-12-49.4); court-ordered limited driving privilege for DUI (SDCL 32-23-2/-3)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points suspend your license in South Dakota?
South Dakota suspends your license when you accumulate 15 points within 12 months. Speeding 1–10 mph over adds 2 points, 11–15 over adds 4 points, 16–25 over adds 6 points, and 26+ mph over adds 8 points. Points remain on your record for 3 years from the conviction date.
Does South Dakota offer hardship licenses for points suspensions?
Yes. South Dakota allows hardship permits for work, medical appointments, and education during a points suspension. You must apply through the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, pay the application fee, and prove your need with employment verification or medical documentation.
Do I need SR-22 insurance after a points suspension in South Dakota?
Not automatically. South Dakota requires SR-22 filing only if one of your underlying violations specifically triggered the requirement — typically DUI, reckless driving, or uninsured operation. Multiple speeding tickets that caused a points suspension do not require SR-22 unless one ticket was for reckless operation.
How long does a points suspension last in South Dakota?
Most first-time points suspensions in South Dakota last 30 days. Repeat suspensions within 5 years increase to 60 days or longer. The suspension period begins the day the Department of Public Safety receives notice of your point total, not the day of your most recent ticket.
Will my insurance cancel me after a points suspension in South Dakota?
Standard insurers often non-renew policies after 3 or more moving violations within 36 months, which is the typical pattern for points suspensions. Non-standard carriers like The General, Direct Auto, and Acceptance Insurance specialize in multi-violation drivers and will write policies where standard insurers decline.
Coverage Types
Multi-Violation Driver Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with 3 or more moving violations. Non-standard carriers accept risk that standard insurers decline.
SR-22 Insurance
Proof-of-insurance filing required for DUI, reckless driving, or uninsured operation convictions.
Liability Coverage
Pays injury and property damage you cause to others. South Dakota's tort system means you're personally liable for amounts above your policy limits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Must be rejected in writing or it's added automatically.