South Dakota Tire Chain Laws
$500. South Dakota is the one Northern Plains state with an enforceable winter 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. Watch the Black Hills routes.
How South Dakota handles chains
$500. South Dakota is the one Northern Plains state with an enforceable winter 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. Watch the Black Hills routes.
When, where, and what counts
- When required: Winter, and only when the DOT Secretary posts inclement-weather restriction signs on a state trunk highway. 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 the state trunk highways the DOT restricts, most often in the Black Hills and western South Dakota, on I-90 near Rapid City, US 16, US 385, and US 14A, and across I-90 and I-29 in a blizzard.
- 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. Cable chains count as chains. 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).
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 July 2026. Source: https://sdtruckinfo.sd.gov/rules-regulations/motor-carrier-handbook/chapter-5/routes-with-special-restrictions/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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