Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

South Dakota State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 5 years of age and/or 40 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands-free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

South Dakota has a no-texting while driving law.

Base Regulations

Traffic

South Dakota traffic laws apply on Ellsworth AFB. South Dakota does have a seat belt law and seat belts are mandatory for all both on and off base. Child seats/safety restraints are mandatory for all children under 3 years of age and must be properly secured. Children ages 3-10 must be properly secured in a car seat or buckled in a safety belt.

Motorcycles

Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle footwear and gloves while on and off base. Safety vests or a bright or contrasting outfit must be worn during the day and a safety vest is mandatory when riding at night.

ID Card

Anyone needing a new ID card must report to the Military Personnel Flight, Customer Service Unit at the Rushmore Center (Ellsworth Street).

Registering Vehicles on Base

Personnel can register their vehicles through the Visitor Control Center at the Liberty Gate (main gate). Please have your ID card, car registration, driver's license and proof of insurance.

South Dakota Vehicle Registration

Military members may register their automobiles in South Dakota as residents or register them in their home state. Legal residents of South Dakota pay a license fee based on weight and year of vehicle. To transfer registration from your home state to South Dakota, you need your title, registration, mileage, and if applicable, a tax receipt from which the state the vehicle was licensed. There is a fee for this service.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving
• Move Over Law

Check the motor vehicle laws for the most current regulations in South Dakota.