South Dakota § 32-10-38 - Unladen vehicle permits--Restrictions--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-10-38 — Unladen vehicle permits--Restrictions--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-10-38. Unladen vehicle permits--Restrictions--Violation as misdemeanor.
If a motor vehicle is proportionally registered in South Dakota with the department and the vehicle may not be operated on highways of this state because of a lease cancellation, the owner of the vehicle, upon proof of ownership, may obtain an unladen vehicle permit from the Department of Public Safety in lieu of the payment of other registration fees for the vehicle. The permit authorizes the operation of the vehicle on the highways of this state and the highways of all member jurisdictions of the international registration plan for a period not to exceed thirty days.
Any vehicle operated under an unladen vehicle permit issued pursuant to this section may only be operated while empty and may only be operated for the purpose of securing a new lease to another carrier or until the owner of the vehicle registers the vehicle in the owner's name under which proper registration may be obtained. No vehicle may be operated on the highways of this state if the registration of the vehicle has been cancelled, unless the vehicle owner has been issued an unladen vehicle permit for that vehicle pursuant to this section.
No owner operating a vehicle without proper registration or an unladen vehicle permit may operate the vehicle until the owner has purchased an unladen vehicle permit or otherwise obtained proper registration. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, no vehicle operated on an unladen vehicle permit is subject to the laws of this state relating to motor vehicle titles during the time of operation on the unladen vehicle permit. The operation of any vehicle on the highways of this state without proper registration or an unladen vehicle permit is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SL 2018, ch 189, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-10-38
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-10-38 cover?
Section 32-10-38 ("Unladen vehicle permits--Restrictions--Violation as misdemeanor.") 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 § 32-10-38?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-10-38" (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 § 32-10-38 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.