South Dakota § 31-29-62 - Definition of terms.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-29-62 — Definition of terms., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-29-62. Definition of terms.
Terms used in this chapter mean:
(1) "Abandoned sign," a sign or sign structure that is blank, obliterated or displays obsolete advertising material for a period in excess of twelve continuous months;
(2) "Advertising area," the area of the sign face including border and trim, but not supports or aprons;
(3) "Blank sign," a sign that is void of advertising material;
(4) "Department," the South Dakota State Department of Transportation;
(5) "Directional information," route markers, mileage markers, directions to on-site location and information sufficient to guide a traveling motorist to a specific facility;
(6) "Directional sign," a sign designated, described and authorized by 23 U.S.C. § 131(c)(1) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as of July 1, 1979;
(7) "Information center," an area or site established and maintained at safety rest areas for the purpose of informing the public of places of interest within the state and providing such other information as the Department of Tourism may consider desirable;
(8) "Interstate system," that portion of the national system of interstate and defense highways located within this state, as officially designated, or as may hereafter be so designated, by the state Department of Transportation and approved by the United States secretary of transportation, pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, United States Code;
(9) "Obliterated sign," a sign that is totally or partially painted out so as not to identify a particular product, service or facility;
(10) "Obsolete advertising material," material advertising a product or service no longer in use or available;
(11) "On-premise sign," a sign identifying an establishment's activities, products or services conducted or available on the property upon which it is located and signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located;
(12) "Outdoor advertising," any outdoor sign, display, device, light, figure, drawing, painting, message, plaque, poster, or billboard, which is designed, intended or used to advertise or inform, any part of the advertising or information contents of which is visible from any place on the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary systems;
(13) "Primary system," that portion of connected main highways, as officially designated, or as may hereafter be so designated, by the state department of transportation, and approved by the United States secretary of transportation, pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, United States Code;
(14) "Quadrant of an interstate interchange," one of the four quarters created by the intersection of an interstate highway and a crossroad that is not part of the interstate system;
(15) "Safety rest area," an area or site established and maintained within or adjacent to the right-of-way by or under public supervision or control, for the convenience of the traveling public;
(16) "Service road," a graded and surfaced road providing public access to property within two thousand five hundred feet of an interstate highway centerline;
(17) "Specific or defined area," an economic area that would suffer substantial economic hardship by the removal of any directional sign, display, or device, providing directional information about goods and services in the interest of the traveling public;
(18) "Tourist oriented directional sign, display or device providing directional information about goods and services in the interest of the traveling public," any sign, display, or device giving directional information pertaining to rest stops, food services, lodging, campgrounds, gasoline and automotive services, and natively produced handicraft goods, and informing the traveling public of highway route mileage and site location and reference. Such directional information shall be in existence on such signs as of May 5, 1976;
(19) "Urban area," as defined by 23 U.S.C. § 101; and
(20) "Zoned commercial or industrial areas," those areas which are zoned commercial or industrial pursuant to Title 11.
Source: SL 1977, ch 246, § 2; SL 1979, ch 202, § 6; SL 1986, ch 240, § 1; SL 1991, ch 235, § 1; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 59; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord. 11-1), § 91, eff. Apr. 12, 2011; SL 2018, ch 169, § 3; SL 2021, ch 128, § 7.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 31-29-62
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-29-62 cover?
Section 31-29-62 ("Definition of terms.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 31-29-62?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-29-62" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 31-29-62 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.