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prohibit the use of certain electronic devices while driving.

# HB1088 Summary HB1088 expands South Dakota's distracted driving law to prohibit drivers from holding or using handheld electronic devices (like phones) while operating a vehicle, with limited exceptions for navigation, emergency calls, and devices mounted on the dashboard. The law applies to all drivers and includes penalties for violations. This creates a new primary offense for handheld device use, meaning police can stop and cite drivers solely for this violation without needing another traffic infraction.

revise certain provisions regarding the operation of vehicles upon the approach of authorized emergency vehicles.

# HB1164 Summary HB1164 revises South Dakota's rules for how drivers must react when an emergency vehicle (like a police car or ambulance) approaches with lights and sirens. The bill clarifies what drivers are required to do—such as pulling over, slowing down, or stopping—and may adjust penalties or exceptions for drivers who fail to yield properly to these vehicles.

authorize the Transportation Commission to promulgate rules to allow certain motor vehicles to follow another motor vehicle on a state highway more closely than otherwise permitted by law.

HB1068 allows the state Transportation Commission to create rules that let certain motor vehicles follow each other more closely on state highways than current tailgating laws normally allow. This would enable technologies like self-driving or connected vehicle systems to operate at reduced following distances when they can safely communicate with each other, while keeping standard tailgating rules in place for regular drivers.

update references to certain federal motor carrier regulations.

SB10 updates South Dakota's state laws to reference the current federal motor carrier safety regulations instead of outdated versions. This ensures that trucking companies operating in South Dakota follow the same safety standards as federal law requires, rather than relying on older regulations that may no longer be in effect. The bill keeps state law aligned with federal requirements without changing the actual safety rules themselves.

revise certain provisions pertaining to the disqualification of commercial driver license holders for failure to consent to chemical analyses.

SB12 changes the rules for when the state can suspend a commercial driver's license (CDL) if a driver refuses to take a breath or blood test during a DUI stop. The bill revises what counts as a valid refusal and adjusts the penalties or procedures for CDL holders who don't consent to chemical testing. This affects truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators who face stricter licensing requirements than regular drivers.

repeal a provision that prohibits hunting mourning doves on public roads and highways.

This bill removes the current ban that prevents hunters from shooting mourning doves while on public roads and highways in South Dakota. After this change, mourning dove hunting will be allowed on public roads and highways under the same rules as other hunting locations, subject to all other applicable hunting regulations.

define electric bicycles and to provide for the regulation of electric bicycles.

# SB187 Summary This bill creates a legal definition for electric bicycles in South Dakota and sets rules for how they can be used on roads and paths. The law specifies that electric bikes with motors up to a certain power level are treated similarly to regular bicycles, allowing riders to use them in bike lanes and on paths where regular bikes are permitted. This gives e-bike riders clear guidance on where they can legally ride while helping law enforcement and local governments enforce consistent rules statewide.

revise certain provisions regarding instruction and restricted driving permits.

# SB93 Summary SB93 revises South Dakota's rules for driver's licenses and restricted driving permits, making changes to how young drivers can obtain permits and what driving restrictions apply to them. The bill modifies requirements for driver instruction and adjusts the conditions under which teenagers can get permits that allow limited driving before obtaining a full license.