South Dakota § 32-22-8.1 - Length limitations on trailers, semitrailers, and auto and boat transporters--Violation as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-22-8.1 — Length limitations on trailers, semitrailers, and auto and boat transporters--Violation as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-22-8.1. Length limitations on trailers, semitrailers, and auto and boat transporters--Violation as misdemeanor.
Unless otherwise signed, any motor vehicle may travel upon any segment of the national system of interstate and defense highways and the state trunk highway system if the vehicle is operated within the following length limitation:
(1) Fifty-three feet on the length of the semitrailer unit operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination;
(2) Twenty-eight and one-half feet on each trailer unit operating in a road tractor-trailer-trailer combination if the towbars do not exceed nineteen feet and the overall length of the trailer-trailer unit including towbars does not exceed eighty feet;
(3) Eighty feet on the overall length of a straight truck-trailer combination, provided that, if the towbar between the straight truck and trailer exceeds nineteen feet, the towbar is flagged during daylight hours and lighted at night; or
(4) The maximum length of a semitrailer-semitrailer or semitrailer-trailer combination, excluding the length of the truck-tractor, is eighty-one and one-half feet provided the maximum length of either unit does not exceed forty-five feet. If the towbar length exceeds nineteen feet, the towbar shall be flagged during daylight hours and lighted at night. The weight of the second unit may not exceed the weight of the first unit by more than three thousand pounds.
No other length limitation may be imposed on the vehicles described in this section. Length limitations are exclusive of load overhang, retractable extensions used to support overhanging load and safety and energy conservation devices, including but not limited to mirrors, turn signal lamps, hand holds, flexible fender extensions, and mud flaps. Load overhang and retractable extensions on any vehicle may not extend more than four feet beyond the rear bumper, bed, or body nor more than three feet beyond the front bumper, bed, or body of the vehicle carried thereon. Retractable extensions shall be retracted if not being used to support overhanging load. If a vehicle exceeds the length limitations of this section, the driver of the vehicle is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SL 1983, ch 246, § 4; SL 1984, ch 230, § 9; SL 1985, ch 258; SL 1986, ch 261; SL 1987, ch 210, § 23; SL 1989, ch 264, § 17; SL 1990, ch 257, § 3; SL 1998, ch 190, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 32-22-8.1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-22-8.1 cover?
Section 32-22-8.1 ("Length limitations on trailers, semitrailers, and auto and boat transporters--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 § 32-22-8.1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-22-8.1" (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 § 32-22-8.1 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.