South Dakota Point System License Suspension
The Two Thresholds That Trigger Suspension
South Dakota operates a statutory point system under SDCL 32-12-49. You lose your license when you hit either threshold:
- 15 points within 12 consecutive months
- 22 points within 24 consecutive months
The DPS tracks points from the date of each conviction, not the date of the violation. So a ticket issued in January that isn't resolved until April gets its points logged in April.
Point Values for Common Violations
Not every violation carries the same weight. Here's what the major categories cost:
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| DUI (any offense) | 10 |
| Reckless driving | 8 |
| Eluding law enforcement | 6 |
| Failure to yield right-of-way | 4 |
| Improper passing | 4 |
| Stop sign or red light violation | 3 |
| Speeding | 1–4 (varies by mph over limit) |
A single DUI conviction puts you at 10 points — two-thirds of the way to the 12-month threshold. Add a speeding ticket worth at least 2 points and a stop sign violation in the same year, and you reach the 15-point threshold.
The Warning Letter
When you reach one-half of a points threshold (8 points in 12 months or 11 points in 24 months), the DPS mails a warning letter to the address on your license record. This is your signal to stop accumulating violations — the next couple of tickets push you over.
If you've moved and didn't update your address with the DPS, you won't receive the warning. The points still accumulate regardless.
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How Long the Suspension Lasts
Suspension duration under ARSD 61:18:02:10 scales with your history:
- First points suspension: 60 days
- Second points suspension within 24 months: 6 months
- Third or subsequent: 1 year
These periods are firm. You cannot shorten them by paying early, taking a driving course, or requesting a waiver. You serve the full duration, then reinstate.
Requesting an Administrative Hearing
When the DPS sends a formal Notice of Intent to Withdraw Driving Privileges, you have 15 days from the postmark date to submit a written request for an administrative hearing. Requesting the hearing pauses the suspension while a hearing examiner reviews your case.
If you miss the 15-day window, the suspension takes effect as scheduled. Contact the DPS promptly about the next available step.
Reinstating After a Points Suspension
Once the suspension period expires:
- Verify the expiration date on the DPS Eligibility Check portal. Don't assume — confirm that the portal shows you're eligible for reinstatement.
- Visit a driver exam station in person with your identity documents and two proofs of residential address.
- Pay the $75 reinstatement fee under SDCL 32-12-47.1(1)(f), plus the $38 application fee.
- Check for additional holds. If you accumulated other suspension causes during the points period (unpaid fines, insurance lapse), those must also be resolved before the DPS will reinstate.
Because a points suspension is a suspension — not a revocation — no testing is required unless your license has expired. Your license is restored once the fees are paid and all holds are clear.
Administrative Restricted Permit
Unlike DUI suspensions, a points-based suspension may qualify you for an administrative restricted permit under SDCL 32-12-49.4. This lets you drive to work or school during specified hours. But you're disqualified if you've had a prior points suspension in the last 24 months.
The South Dakota Driver's License Reinstatement Guide covers the restricted permit application process, the hearing request procedure, and the full reinstatement sequence for points-based suspensions.
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