South Dakota § 32-12A-21 - Privileges conferred by learner's permit or driver license--Classifications of permits and licenses.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12A-21 — Privileges conferred by learner's permit or driver license--Classifications of permits and licenses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 32-12A-21. Privileges conferred by learner's permit or driver license--Classifications of permits and licenses.

The holder of a valid commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license may drive any vehicle in the class for which that license is issued, and any lesser class of vehicle, except a motorcycle. No person may drive a vehicle requiring an endorsement unless the proper corresponding endorsement appears on that person's commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license. A commercial learner's permit or commercial driver license may be issued with the following classifications:

(1)    Class A Combination Vehicle. Any combination of commercial motor vehicles and towed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one or more pounds if the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicles being towed are in excess of ten thousand pounds. This class includes:

(a)    Any vehicle designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver; and

(b)    Any vehicle used in the transportation of hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F, as of January 1, 2015;

(2)    Class B Heavy Straight Vehicle. Any single commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one or more pounds or any such commercial motor vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross weight rating not exceeding ten thousand pounds. This class includes:

(a)    Any vehicle designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver; and

(b)    Any vehicle used in the transportation of hazardous materials which require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F, as of January 1, 2015;

(3)    Class C Small Vehicle. Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that meet neither the definition of class A nor that of class B as contained in this section. This class includes any vehicle designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, or is used in the transportation of hazardous materials which require the vehicle to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F, as of January 1, 2015.

Source: SL 1989, ch 267, § 16; SL 1991, ch 252, § 9; SL 1994, ch 254, § 2; SDCL § 32-12-96; SL 2001, ch 171, §§ 88, 115; SL 2007, ch 182, § 7; SL 2010, ch 161, § 6; SL 2011, ch 144, § 6; SL 2015, ch 168, § 18.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-12A-21

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12A-21 cover?

Section 32-12A-21 ("Privileges conferred by learner's permit or driver license--Classifications of permits and licenses.") 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 § 32-12A-21?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-12A-21" (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 § 32-12A-21 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.