South Dakota § 32-12-12 - Restricted minor's permit--Restrictions on operation.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12-12 — Restricted minor's permit--Restrictions on operation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-12-12. Restricted minor's permit--Restrictions on operation.
A restricted minor's permit may be issued, upon application and payment of the proper fees as provided in § 32-12-16, to a minor at least fourteen years of age but less than eighteen years of age who has successfully passed all applicable tests and completed the requirements of an instruction permit as provided in § 32-12-11 and has not been convicted of a traffic violation during the past six months. For any such minor who has successfully completed a driver education course that has been approved by the Department of Education or a driver education course that the secretary of the department of public safety has determined has been approved by a state government agency in another state, the required minimum time period for holding the instruction permit in order to qualify for the restricted minor's permit is ninety continuous days if issued before July 1, 2020,or one hundred eighty continuous days if issued on or after July 1, 2020.
A restricted minor's permit entitles the holder, while having the permit in immediate physical possession, to operate a motor vehicle during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. standard time if the motor vehicle is being operated with the permission of the holder's parent or guardian and during the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. if the motor vehicle is being operated under the direction of the holder's parent or guardian who is occupying a seat beside the holder. The restrictions as to time of operation do not apply to the holder of a valid restricted minor's permit who is:
(1) Operating a self-propelled agricultural machine that is not subject to registration under chapter 32-5;
(2) Operating a motor vehicle while traveling the most direct route to or from school or a school event;
(3) Operating a motor vehicle while traveling the most direct route to or from any religious worship service or meeting held by a religious organization; or
(4) Operating a motor vehicle while traveling the most direct route to, from, or in connection with any job, employment, or farm-related work.
No holder of a restricted minor's permit may use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle upon the public highways.
An operator's license may be issued to a minor at least sixteen years of age but less than eighteen years of age who has successfully completed the requirements set forth in § 32-12-11, has held a restricted minor's permit for at least six months, and has not been convicted of any traffic violations during the six months immediately preceding the application for an operator's license. If the holder applies and makes payment of the required fee thirty-one or more days after the expiration date of the restricted minor's permit, the holder shall take the knowledge test as required by § 32-12-4 and may take the skill test for an operator's license.
Source: SL 1955, ch 187, § 5; SL 1959, ch 261, § 4; SDC Supp 1960, § 44.03B04 (4); SL 1963, ch 268; SL 1965, ch 199; SL 1965, ch 200; SL 1967, ch 201; SL 1970, ch 174; SL 1971, ch 187, § 1; SL 1977, ch 256, § 1; SL 1978, ch 230, § 8; SL 1982, ch 235; SL 1989, ch 265, § 12; SL 1993, ch 213, § 216; SL 1998, ch 186, § 2; SL 2000, ch 155, § 2; SL 2000, ch 156, § 1; SL 2001, ch 171, § 10; SL 2003, ch 272 (Ex. Ord. 03-1), § 63; SL 2004, ch 212, § 1; SL 2013, ch 145, § 3; SL 2020, ch 117, § 3.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-12-12
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12-12 cover?
Section 32-12-12 ("Restricted minor's permit--Restrictions on operation.") 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 § 32-12-12?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12-12" (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 § 32-12-12 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.