South Dakota Tire Chain Laws
South Dakota has no chain-up law for trucks. Adequate snow tires satisfy its posted restriction. When the DOT posts inclement-weather signs on a state trunk highway, your rig must run tire chains, studded snow tires, adequate snow tires, or be four-wheel drive (SDCL 32-19-3.1). It is a traction order, not a strict chain-up, and the signs mark where it applies. Break it and you face a Class 2 misdemeanor, up to $500 and 30 days. Ignoring a weather closure carries the same penalty (SDCL 31-4-14.3). Watch the Black Hills routes and check SD511.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence. Confirm with the state DOT before you rely on it.
How South Dakota handles chains
South Dakota has no chain-up law for trucks. Adequate snow tires satisfy its posted restriction. When the DOT posts inclement-weather signs on a state trunk highway, your rig must run tire chains, studded snow tires, adequate snow tires, or be four-wheel drive (SDCL 32-19-3.1). It is a traction order, not a strict chain-up, and the signs mark where it applies. Break it and you face a Class 2 misdemeanor, up to $500 and 30 days. Ignoring a weather closure carries the same penalty (SDCL 31-4-14.3). Watch the Black Hills routes and check SD511.
When, where, and what counts
- When required: Never a chain-only order. In winter the DOT Secretary can post inclement-weather restriction signs on a state trunk highway, and adequate snow tires satisfy them. Signs go up at the start, the end, and major intersections of the restricted stretch (SDCL 32-19-3.1). No sign, no requirement.
- Where: Only on portions of the state trunk highway system where SDDOT posts restriction signs. Any trunk highway can be restricted, and the state motor carrier handbook says it happens on some highways, particularly in the Black Hills region. Blizzard shutdowns of I-90 and I-29 are separate closures under SDCL 31-4-14.1, not traction restrictions.
- Applies to: When a restriction is posted, every motor vehicle on that highway, including all CMVs, must be four-wheel drive or equipped with chains, studded snow tires, or snow tires with adequate tread.
- Chains vs traction devices: The posted order accepts tire chains, studded snow tires, snow tires with adequate tread, or four-wheel drive. AutoSock and textile devices are not named in the statute, so run real chains or qualifying snow tires. Studs allowed October 1 to April 30.
- Check the live order: SD511 at sd511.org for posted restrictions and closures, plus the SDDOT winter road conditions page at dot.sd.gov.
- Fine: Up to $500 and 30 days in county jail. Violating a posted restriction is a Class 2 misdemeanor (SDCL 32-19-3.1, penalty under SDCL 22-6-2). Ignoring a weather closure or restriction notice (barriers, signs, media notices, warning devices, or flaggers) is also a Class 2 misdemeanor, and being on a closed highway without authorization is evidence of a violation (SDCL 31-4-14.3). If a knowing violation makes a state or local agency pay to rescue you, the state can sue for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 plus the actual rescue cost, capped at $10,000.
South Dakota Chain Law FAQ
Does South Dakota have a tire chain law?
When are chains required in South Dakota?
Where do South Dakota's chain requirements apply?
Does South Dakota accept AutoSock or alternative traction devices?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed September 2026. Source: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-19-3.1. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for South Dakota
Check South Dakota before you roll
Live weather, closures, and pass conditions on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →