South Dakota § 32-17-5 - Construction and adjustment of headlamps--Visibility distance--Four headlight system--High beam indicator--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-5 — Construction and adjustment of headlamps--Visibility distance--Four headlight system--High beam indicator--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-17-5. Construction and adjustment of headlamps--Visibility distance--Four headlight system--High beam indicator--Violation as misdemeanor.
The headlamps of motor vehicles shall be so constructed, arranged, and adjusted that, except as provided in § 32-17-7, they shall at all times mentioned in § 32-17-4 and under normal atmospheric conditions and on a level road produce a driving light sufficient to render clearly discernible a person two hundred feet ahead. However, headlamps may not project a glaring or dazzling light to persons in front of such headlamps. Any vehicle equipped with a four lamp headlight system shall have all lamps lighted on high beam, if such system was designed by the manufacturer to require all four headlamps be lighted, and shall have the two low beam lamps lighted on low beam when headlamps are lighted as required in § 32-17-4. Every motor vehicle, except those excluded in § 32-17-1, shall be equipped with a high beam indicator lamp which shall be lighted whenever the vehicle headlamps are on high beam position. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0355 (1); SL 1984, ch 228, § 3; SL 1988, ch 258; SL 1989, ch 255, § 59.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-17-5
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-5 cover?
Section 32-17-5 ("Construction and adjustment of headlamps--Visibility distance--Four headlight system--High beam indicator--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 § 32-17-5?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-5" (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 § 32-17-5 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.