Senate Bill 113 is headed to Gov. Kristi Noem for consideration after passing the House in a 42-22 vote on Wednesday. The bill passed the Senate in February.
During the instruction permit phase for novice drivers, the bill calls for 9 months or 275 days of supervised driving experience and 50 hours of behind the wheel driving with a licensed driver –and at least 10 hrs in inclement weather and 10 hrs at night. In addition, this law would add a limit of no more than one young non-family passenger during the restricted minor’s permit.
With the governor’s signature the law will go into effect on July 1. AAA commends lawmakers for taking a huge step forward in modernizing South Dakota’s current graduated drivers licensing system.
“This legislation will make South Dakota’s roads safer for young drivers and all road users with these important adjustments to the current law,” said Marilyn Buskohl, AAA spokesperson.
Sponsors of the bill were Senators Deb Soholt, Blake Curd, Bob Ewing and Art Rusch as well as Representative Roger Chase, Doug Barthel, Mary Duvall and Steve McCleerey.
