South Dakota Motorcycle Laws and Information

Legislature | State Motorcyclists Rights Organization (SMRO)

Motorcycle helmet law:

32-20-4.   Protective helmet required for minor

Violation as misdemeanor. No person under eighteen years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle on the public streets or highways of this state unless the person wears a protective helmet of a type meeting Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 as in effect on January 1, 1984. No person may operate a motorcycle with any person under the age of eighteen as a passenger if the passenger is not wearing a protective helmet. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Other motorcycle laws:

32-20-1      Definition of terms.
32-20-2      Special qualification required to operate motorcycle--Exceptions--Valid license required to operate moped or all-terrain vehicle--Waiver of test--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-3      Required handlebar height--Violation as petty offense.
32-20-4      Protective helmet required for minor--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-4.1      Eye protective device or windscreen required--Violation as petty offense.
32-20-4.2      Protective devices not required of riders in enclosed cab.
32-20-5      Muffler required--Modification of muffler prohibited--Violation as petty offense.
32-20-6      Repealed.
32-20-6.1      Operator and passengers restricted to permanent and regular seats--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-6.2      Position of motorcyclist--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-6.3      Carrying package on motorcycle--Restrictions--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-6.4      Rider interfering with control or view of operator--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-6.5      Attachment to other vehicles prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-6.6      Carrying firearm on motorcycle or off-road vehicle--Exception for holder of concealed pistol permit or disabled hunter permit--Enforcement--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-7      Renting motorcycle to unauthorized person--Violation as petty offense.
32-20-8      Permitting other person to operate rented motorcycle--Violation as petty offense.
32-20-9      Operation of motorcycle in park or recreation areas as petty offense.
32-20-9.1      Motorcycle entitled to full traffic lane--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-9.2      Motorcycle prohibited from overtaking in same lane--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-9.3      Motorcycle operation between lanes prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-9.4      Policemen exempt from restrictions on use of lanes.
32-20-9.5      Restriction to two abreast--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-10      Motorcycle use on special occasions.
32-20-11      Repealed.
32-20-12      Off-road vehicles--Operation on certain lands as misdemeanor--Registration--Title certificate.
32-20-12.1      Ordinances prohibiting operation of off-road vehicles in ditches--Exceptions-- Regulatory signs.
32-20-13      All-terrain vehicle licensed as motorcycle--Requirements--Use on interstate highway system prohibited--Violation as misdemeanor.
32-20-14      Motorcycle safety education--Standards and procedures--Funding.
32-20-15      Budget and appropriation of revenue available for motorcycle safety education.
32-20-16      Display of blue light as part of rear brake light authorized.

 

About Fast Fred

My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.

My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.

On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.

My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.

Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.

My Other Adventures

I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.

Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.

Questions & Connect

Got questions about solo travel, Latin America, or budgeting? I'd be happy to give you honest answers!

• Email me directly: fastfredruddock@gmail.com
• Facebook: FastFred.River.Rat
• Instagram: FastFred.River.Rat
• YouTube: FastFredRuddock

Gear & Support

My Travel & Video Gear: Curious how I travel so light? Dig into my Amazon Shop for an inside look at the gear I carry. (Purchases via this shop provide a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Tip Jar: Your support helps fund the next adventure of cup of coffee!

• Venmo: @FastFredRiverRat (last 4 digits: 5926)
• PayPal: FastFredRiverRat