South Dakota § 31-3-1 - Dedication to public by continuous use, work, and repair of road--Width--Obtaining right-of-way.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-3-1 — Dedication to public by continuous use, work, and repair of road--Width--Obtaining right-of-way., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-3-1. Dedication to public by continuous use, work, and repair of road--Width--Obtaining right-of-way.
Whenever any road shall have been used, worked, and kept in repair as a public highway continuously for twenty years, the same shall be deemed to have been legally located or dedicated to the public, and shall be and remain a public highway until changed or vacated in some manner provided by law.
Such highway shall be sixty-six feet wide and shall be taken equally from each side of the roadbed center line. Nothing herein contained may prevent the highway authority charged with the construction, reconstruction, or repair of any public highway from purchasing or condemning right-of-way for widening the highway to more than sixty-six feet or from purchasing or condemning more right-of-way on one side of the roadbed center line than on the other, provided they deem it necessary so to do in order to provide a better highway, to avoid destruction of trees or valuable buildings or to avoid unsuitable terrain.
Source: SDC 1939, § 28.0104; SL 1985, ch 232.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 31-3-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-3-1 cover?
Section 31-3-1 ("Dedication to public by continuous use, work, and repair of road--Width--Obtaining right-of-way.") 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 § 31-3-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 31-3-1" (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 § 31-3-1 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.