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South Dakota Points Suspension: Reinstatement & Insurance

South Dakota suspends your license at 15 points within 12 months. Most suspensions last 30 days minimum, and defensive driving courses can remove up to 3 points from your record. You'll need to pay a reinstatement fee and prove insurance before driving legally again.

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Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

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Updated May 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.

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25/50/25
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. South Dakota requires $25,000 per person injured, $50,000 per accident for all injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. These minimums are low — a single serious accident can exceed $25,000 in medical bills within hours, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Not required
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. South Dakota does not mandate this coverage, but approximately 12% of South Dakota drivers are uninsured. You must reject this coverage in writing when purchasing a policy — verbal rejection does not count and the coverage is added automatically if you don't complete the form.
25/50/25 minimum
SR-22 Insurance
Proof-of-insurance filing required for specific violations like DUI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured. Pure points suspensions from multiple speeding tickets typically do not trigger SR-22 requirements in South Dakota unless one of those tickets was for reckless operation. The filing costs $25–$50 and must remain active for 3 years from the violation date.
Varies by carrier
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Non-standard policies designed for drivers with multiple violations. South Dakota insurers consider 3 or more moving violations within 36 months as high-risk, and you may be declined by standard carriers. Non-standard insurers typically charge 40–80% more than standard rates but will write policies where others won't.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · South Dakota

South Dakota Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$25,000,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$50,000,000
Property Damage$25,000,000

License Reinstatement Fee$50

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your South Dakota quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Dakota?

South Dakota rates after a points suspension increase significantly because multiple violations signal ongoing risk to insurers. The number of points, the severity of each ticket, and how recently they occurred all affect your premium.

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.
  • Sioux Falls and Rapid City drivers pay approximately 15–20% more than rural South Dakota rates due to higher collision frequency and theft claims.
  • South Dakota insurers increase premiums by an average of 25–40% after the first moving violation, 50–70% after the second, and 80–120% after three or more violations within 36 months.
  • Your age affects point-suspension impact — drivers under 25 with multiple violations face non-renewal more often than drivers over 30 with identical records.
Minimum Coverage
$85–$140/mo
State minimum 25/50/25 liability only. Leaves you personally liable for damages above these limits.
Standard Coverage
$140–$210/mo
Higher liability limits (100/300/100) plus uninsured motorist coverage. Recommended if you have assets to protect.
Full Coverage
$210–$320/mo
Liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist. Required if you finance or lease your vehicle.

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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.

Find Your City in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota cityscape and street view

Sioux Falls

suburban
Rapid City, South Dakota cityscape and street view

Rapid City

suburban
Snow-covered winter landscape with bare trees and evergreens under overcast sky

Aberdeen

urban
Large bare weeping willow tree with drooping branches on green grass with walking path in peaceful park setting

Brookings

urban
Rural flooded field with 447 Ave street sign, wooden fence, and dirt road under evening sky

Watertown

urban

Frequently Asked Questions

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