Driven To Protect Your Best Interests

South Dakota’s Distracted Driving Law Now In Effect

On Behalf of | Jul 28, 2020 | General

South Dakota is no longer behind the curve when it comes to its distracted driving laws. As of July 1st, 2020, a statewide cellphone ban was put into effect. This means drivers are no longer allowed to use cellphones while driving for any reason.

What Is And Isn’t Allowed Under The New Distracted Driving Law

Historically, texting and driving was prohibited in South Dakota. Drivers were fined for writing, sending, or reading text messages. The previous law didn’t apply to other cellphone uses, however. That means drivers were allowed to scroll through social media, take pictures and videos, and browse the internet.

Those days are over. Now, under House Bill 1169, drivers can be stopped by police and charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor just for holding or handling a cellphone. This can carry up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

The only exceptions are:

  • Using a cellphone for emergency purposes or to call 911
  • Using a GPS navigation system
  • Making or receiving phone calls
  • Using a cellphone that is connected to a hands-free device or is voice-activated

Other than that, drivers must be parked in a legitimate parking spot to use their cellphones.

South Dakota Cell Phone Laws Explained

“The only way you’re able to legally be on your phone is if you’re in a parking spot. So, if it’s a legitimate parking spot. Stopped in traffic doesn’t count, stopped for a train doesn’t count. If you’re in a parking spot and your car is in park, then you’re able to get on your phone. But outside of that, if you’re in traffic, in a driving lane, you’re not permitted to be on your phone at all,” said Sioux Falls police officer Sam Clemens.

Sioux Falls already had a city ordinance in place that banned cellphone use while driving. This new law simply expands the cellphone ban across the state.

Distracted Driving Still A Leading Cause Of Serious & Fatal Crashes

This statewide cellphone ban is a step in the right direction for South Dakota. Distracted driving will likely still remain a leading cause of crashes for two reasons:

  • Not all distracted driving involves cellphones: Many drivers multitask, eat and drink, use infotainment systems, and engage in other tasks that cause visual, manual, and cognitive distraction.

  • Not all drivers will obey the law: Despite the harsh consequences of a Class 2 misdemeanor, there are some drivers who will likely break the law and use cellphones while driving.

Distracted driving was the cause of 2,841 traffic fatalities and an estimated 400,000 injuries across the United States in 2018. It’s important that distracted drivers are held accountable when their actions cause someone’s injury or death.

Contact Our Experienced Sioux Falls Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, contact Northern Plains Justice, LLP in Sioux Falls to learn about the legal rights and options available to you. Our legal consultations are free and confidential.

Archives