# South Dakota Department of Public Safety Rule Changes Summary **School Bus Safety Standards Updated:** South Dakota is updating its school bus rules to adopt the 2025 National School Transportation Specifications manual, which replaces the 2015 version. This affects school bus manufacturers and operators who must now meet updated standards for heating, air conditioning, windows, emergency exits, and other safety features—though electronic stability controls and crossing arm controls are specifically exempted. Page references throughout the regulations have been updated to match the new manual, and the department removed a $55 reference cost for obtaining the manual. **Commercial Vehicle Safety Standards Revised:** Enforcement of motor carrier safety regulations will now follow the April 1, 2026 edition (instead of 2025) of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Out-of-Service Criteria, affecting truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators in South Dakota. **English Language Proficiency Required for Commercial Driver Licenses:** Applicants for South Dakota commercial driver licenses or permits must now demonstrate the ability to understand and have a conversation in English with licensing staff and test administrators, take written tests in English only without an interpreter, and take driving tests in English only. Those who cannot communicate effectively in English will be denied testing or license renewal for 30 days. **Industrial Incinerator Permits Authorized:** South Dakota now permits the use of air current burners (industrial incinerators) in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District during winter months (November–March), with strict requirements including minimum six-inch snow cover, advance notice to county dispatch, and a 30-foot cleared perimeter around the burn site. **Victims Services Rules Modernized:** The crime victims' compensation program now allows guardians or conservators to apply on behalf of protected persons (not just minors), expands notification methods to include email and electronic databases, allows homicide scene cleanup expenses up to $1,500 (limited to window and lock repairs), and permits hearings by telephone or video conference technology.
AI-generated from the proposed rule text — verify against the official documents.
The effect of the rules will be to adopt the 2025 edition of the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures manual; amend school bus rules to reflect the correct referenced page numbers; adopt the 2026 edition of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance handbook; adopt English proficiency requirements; authorize permits and adopt requirements for the use of industrial incinerators; and amend victims services rules.
No specific cites listed — see the package documents.