South Dakota § 32-15-17 - Exhaust system and muffler required--Exhaust location--Muffler cut-out prohibited--Misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-15-17 — Exhaust system and muffler required--Exhaust location--Muffler cut-out prohibited--Misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-15-17. Exhaust system and muffler required--Exhaust location--Muffler cut-out prohibited--Misdemeanor.
No person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless the motor vehicle is equipped with an exhaust system and a muffler both in good working condition and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
Exhaust systems on passenger or passenger-carrying vehicles used on any highway shall discharge the exhaust fumes at a location to the rear of the vehicle body or direct the exhaust fumes outward from the side of the vehicle body at a location rearward of any operable side windows. Any motor vehicle equipped with side exhaust according to the original vehicle manufacturer specifications is exempt from the location requirements. A bus used for the purpose of carrying school children may discharge the exhaust on the left side in front of the rear axle.
Exhaust systems on property-carrying vehicles used on any highway shall discharge the exhaust fumes at a point rearward of the passenger-carrying compartment.
No person may use a muffler cut-out on any motor vehicle upon a highway.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0350; SL 1977, ch 189, § 107; SL 1977, ch 261; SL 1986, ch 132, § 4; SL 1989, ch 255, § 33; SL 2002, ch 157, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-15-17
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-15-17 cover?
Section 32-15-17 ("Exhaust system and muffler required--Exhaust location--Muffler cut-out prohibited--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 § 32-15-17?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-15-17" (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 § 32-15-17 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.