South Dakota § 32-17-8.1 - Stop lamps required--Mounting--Visibility--Violation as petty offense.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-8.1 — Stop lamps required--Mounting--Visibility--Violation as petty offense., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-17-8.1. Stop lamps required--Mounting--Visibility--Violation as petty offense.
Except for a vehicle equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem in compliance with §§ 32-15-20 and 32-15-21, each motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer shall be equipped with at least two stop lamps with at least one on each side. The side stop lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. However, each motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, and pole trailer manufactured and assembled before July 1, 1973, and each motorcycle and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp. A stop lamp shall be mounted on the rear of the vehicle at a height of no more than seventy inches nor less than fifteen inches. Each stop lamp shall display a red light visible from a distance of not less than three hundred feet to the rear in normal sunlight, except for a moped, which shall be visible from a distance of not less than one hundred fifty feet. Each stop lamp shall be actuated upon application of the brake which may be incorporated with one or more rear lamps. A violation of this section is a petty offense.
Source: SL 1973, ch 206; SL 1974, ch 220, § 2; SL 1978, ch 230, § 6; SL 1989, ch 255, § 44; SL 2017, ch 139, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-17-8.1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-8.1 cover?
Section 32-17-8.1 ("Stop lamps required--Mounting--Visibility--Violation as petty offense.") 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 § 32-17-8.1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-8.1" (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 § 32-17-8.1 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.