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prohibit the use of certain electronic devices while driving.

HB 1169 updates South Dakota's distracted driving law by expanding the definition of prohibited electronic devices from just wireless phones to include any hand-held portable device capable of wireless communication or entertainment (such as tablets or gaming devices). The bill also clarifies that "operate" a vehicle includes times when a car is stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, not just when actively moving. These changes create broader restrictions on what devices drivers cannot use while behind the wheel.

revise provisions regarding the use of certain lights by tow truck vehicles and Department of Transportation authorized vehicles.

HB 1170 allows tow truck operators and Department of Transportation vehicles to use certain warning lights that were previously restricted or not permitted under state law. The bill revises the rules about what types of lights these vehicles can display to make roadside operations safer and more visible to other drivers.

authorize requests for medical clearance as a condition of continued licensure to drive a motor vehicle.

South Dakota's Department of Public Safety can now request that drivers provide medical clearance to prove they're physically or mentally fit to drive as a condition of keeping their license. This adds a new tool allowing the state to require medical documentation when there are concerns about a driver's health or ability, rather than only suspending or revoking licenses after the fact. The department can enforce this requirement through the existing hearing process for license suspension or revocation.

update references to certain federal motor carrier regulations.

South Dakota updates its adoption of federal motor carrier safety regulations to reflect the most current versions as of January 1, 2020 (instead of 2019), ensuring state truck and bus regulations stay aligned with the latest federal standards. The bill also clarifies rules about which drivers need federal medical certification and which intrastate operators are exempt from certain federal requirements.

Recognizing June as Move Over Awareness Month and urging drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles.

South Dakota designates June as Move Over Awareness Month to encourage drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching stopped vehicles on the roadside. The resolution urges all motorists to follow the state's "move over" law, which requires drivers to reduce speed and shift away from emergency vehicles and other stopped cars to protect workers and first responders.

authorize temporary variable speed limits on state highways under certain circumstances.

SB21 allows the state to temporarily adjust speed limits on state highways in response to specific conditions, such as weather or traffic incidents, rather than keeping them fixed year-round. This gives transportation officials more flexibility to increase or decrease speed limits when road conditions warrant changes to improve safety or traffic flow. The bill authorizes these temporary variable speed limits under circumstances determined by the Department of Transportation.

require a designation on a driver license for autism spectrum disorder under certain circumstances.

HB 1076 allows South Dakota to add an autism spectrum disorder designation to driver licenses for people who request it. This optional marking would help law enforcement and emergency responders quickly identify drivers with autism during traffic stops or accidents. The bill amends the state's driver license law to create this new voluntary designation option.

establish certain requirements regarding funeral processions.

HB 1077 creates new rules allowing law enforcement officers leading funeral processions to ignore traffic signals and direct other vehicles to stop or proceed as needed to keep the procession moving safely. The bill defines what counts as a funeral procession (two or more vehicles including a hearse) and gives officers in marked emergency vehicles authority to manage traffic at intersections and make turns without regard to normal traffic laws.

revise registration requirements for motor vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trailers, and semitrailers.

This bill updates South Dakota's vehicle registration system to clarify what information must be included on registration documents for motorcycles, snowmobiles, cars, trailers, and semitrailers. The law now requires registrations to display the registration number that appears on the vehicle's license plate and ensures owners sign their registration in ink when they receive it. These changes standardize registration requirements across all vehicle types to make the process more consistent.

revise provisions regarding a judgment not collected from an underinsured motorist.

HB 1275 modifies South Dakota's law on underinsured motorist insurance claims by changing how judgments that cannot be collected from an underinsured driver are handled. The specific changes to state law (Section 22-42-1) adjust the rules for what happens when an accident victim wins a lawsuit against an underinsured motorist but cannot collect the full judgment amount.

modify provisions regarding the building of fences across certain unimproved highways.

Landowners can now fence across unimproved county and township roads on their property, but must install an unlocked gate or provide other access at crossing points. If someone requests better access through the sheriff's office, the landowner must upgrade the gate or access within seven days to make it easier to open or more suitable for users. Violating these requirements is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

revise certain driver licensing requirements to allow for an extension during a statewide emergency or disaster and to declare an emergency.

# SB 190 Summary During a statewide emergency or disaster declared by the Governor, driver's licenses and permits that are expiring can be automatically extended so people don't have to renew them in person. This change allows the state to keep people safe by reducing unnecessary trips to licensing offices during emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters.

establish dates for the mowing of ditches on the state trunk highway system.

This bill requires the state Transportation Commission to set specific dates for when ditches can be mowed along state highways, with earlier mowing allowed in western counties (June 15th) and later mowing required in counties east of the Missouri River (July 10th). The bill also ensures that landowners whose property borders these ditches get priority to do the mowing themselves. These new mowing dates aim to protect native prairie grasses and wildlife during their critical early growth season.