No person may operate a motorcycle, except a moped as defined in § 32-20-1, a licensed all-terrain vehicle under § 32-20-13, or any motor vehicle that has three wheels and is operated with a steering wheel and foot controls on the public streets or highways without a motor vehicle driver license or permit upon which a state testing officer has certified that such person is qualified to operate such motorcycle. An operator of a moped, a licensed all-terrain vehicle, or a motor vehicle that has three wheels and is operated with a steering wheel and foot controls shall have a valid motor vehicle driver license or permit. The department may waive the testing requirements upon completion of a motorcycle safety course approved pursuant to § 32-20-14. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Attorney's Note

Under the South Dakota Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class 2 misdemeanorup to 30 daysup to $500
For details, see § 22-6-2

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 32-20-2

  • Motorcycle: includes motorcycles, motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles with motor attached, and all motor operated vehicles of the bicycle or tricycle type, whether the motive power be a part thereof or attached thereto, and having a saddle or seat with the driver sitting astride or upon it, or a platform on which the driver stands, but excluding a tractor. See South Dakota Codified Laws 32-20-1
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

Source: SL 1967, ch 215, § 2; SL 1978, ch 230, § 2; SL 1982, ch 18, § 26; SL 1987, ch 233, § 3; SL 1989, ch 255, § 92; SL 1989, ch 270, § 2; SL 1995, ch 178, § 3; SL 2017, ch 140, § 1.