South Dakota Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)
South Dakota takes a strict approach to windshield visibility. The state prohibits mounting devices on the windshield, bans dangling objects in the driver's line of sight, and restricts window tinting that reduces visibility. These laws are found in SDCL Chapter 32-15, titled "Vehicle and Accessory Specifications."
Unlike states that carve out specific zones where windshield-mounted devices are allowed, South Dakota offers no such accommodation. Drivers must use dashboard mounts or other alternatives to keep their windshields clear.
South Dakota Windshield Obstruction Laws
Two statutes form the backbone of South Dakota's windshield obstruction rules. Together, they cover everything from suction-cup mounts to air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror.
Nontransparent Material on Windows (SDCL 32-15-5)
SDCL 32-15-5 makes it a petty offense to drive any vehicle on a highway with "any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, side, or rear windows of such motor vehicle." The only exceptions are certificates or papers required to be displayed by law, as long as they do not obstruct the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.
This statute is the primary reason South Dakota is listed among states where windshield-mounted GPS units and phone holders are not permitted. A suction-cup mount with a device attached qualifies as nontransparent material on the windshield.
The penalty for violating SDCL 32-15-5 is a petty offense. Under SDCL 23-1A-22, the judgment amount for all petty offenses in South Dakota is $25, with no additional court costs assessed.
Objects Dangling Between Driver and Windshield (SDCL 32-15-6)
SDCL 32-15-6 makes it a petty offense "for any person to drive any vehicle upon a highway with any object or gadget dangling between the view of the driver and the windshield of the vehicle."
This statute targets items like air fresheners, decorative ornaments, parking placards, and other objects hung from the rearview mirror or elsewhere between the driver and the windshield.
One important distinction applies to enforcement. SDCL 32-15-6 is subject to secondary enforcement only. This means a law enforcement officer cannot pull you over solely for a dangling object. The officer must first observe another traffic violation before citing you for a dangling obstruction.
The fine for violating SDCL 32-15-6 is the same $25 petty offense judgment.
GPS and Phone Mounts in South Dakota
South Dakota does not provide a specific exemption for GPS devices, smartphone holders, or navigation mounts on the windshield. Under SDCL 32-15-5, any nontransparent device mounted on the windshield is prohibited if it could obstruct the driver's view.
Where to Mount Your Device Instead
Because windshield mounting is restricted, South Dakota drivers should consider these alternatives:
- Dashboard mounts: A suction-cup or adhesive mount on the dashboard is the most common compliant option
- Vent clip mounts: Devices that attach to the vehicle's air vents keep the windshield completely clear
- CD slot mounts: For vehicles with CD players, slot-mounted holders provide a stable, legal placement
- Console mounts: Mounts that attach to the center console or cup holder area
Commercial Vehicle Transponders
South Dakota does authorize electronic transponders on commercial vehicle windshields for the state's e-screening program at Ports of Entry and weigh stations. Motor carriers registered with the Drivewyze PreClear bypass program may use GPS-based applications on in-cab devices. These commercial exemptions do not extend to passenger vehicles.
Dashcam Rules in South Dakota
South Dakota does not have a specific statute addressing dashcams or video event recorders by name. However, the general prohibition on nontransparent materials on the windshield under SDCL 32-15-5 applies to dashcams mounted on the windshield.
To comply with the law, the safest placement for a dashcam in South Dakota is on the dashboard rather than the windshield. Some drivers position compact dashcams behind the rearview mirror to minimize obstruction, though this placement still technically involves attaching a device to the windshield.
Audio Recording Considerations
South Dakota is a one-party consent state for audio recordings. If your dashcam records audio, the driver's own consent is sufficient for recording conversations inside the vehicle. You do not need to notify passengers in advance, though doing so is a good practice.
Windshield Tinting Laws
South Dakota regulates window tinting through several statutes in Chapter 32-15. The rules differ depending on which windows are tinted.
Front Windshield Tinting (SDCL 32-15-2.9)
SDCL 32-15-2.9 prohibits sunscreening devices from being "placed on or affixed to a windshield so as to obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view through the windshield." Tint film on the windshield cannot extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or lower than the lowest point of the vehicle's sun visor.
The AS-1 line is a marking on most windshields, typically about 5 to 6 inches below the top edge. Tint applied above this line is permitted. Tint applied below this line violates the statute.
A violation of SDCL 32-15-2.9 is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Front Side Windows (SDCL 32-15-2.4)
SDCL 32-15-2.4 prohibits one-way glass, adhesive film, or other glazing on the front windshield, side wing vents, or side windows forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat if it "reduces the light transmittance of such windows to the combined level below thirty-five percent, with an enforcement tolerance of nine percent."
In practical terms, front side windows must allow at least 35% of visible light through (VLT). Law enforcement uses light transmission meters to test compliance, and the 9% enforcement tolerance means readings down to approximately 26% VLT may not result in a citation.
A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Rear Windows (SDCL 32-15-2.5)
SDCL 32-15-2.5 applies similar restrictions to rear windows behind the operator's seat. Rear window tint must not reduce light transmission below 20%, with the same 9% enforcement tolerance.
A violation is also a Class 2 misdemeanor.
No Medical Exemptions
Unlike many states, South Dakota does not allow medical exemptions for darker window tint. Regardless of any medical condition such as photosensitivity or lupus, all vehicles must comply with the standard tinting limits.
Manufacturer Certification (SDCL 32-15-2.7)
Manufacturers and dealers who install window films must certify to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety that their products comply with the light transmission specifications in SDCL 32-15-2.4 and 32-15-2.5.
South Dakota Tinting Summary
| Window Location | Minimum VLT | Enforcement Tolerance | Violation Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front windshield | No tint below AS-1 line | N/A | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Front side windows | 35% | 9% | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Rear side windows | 20% | 9% | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Rear window | 20% | 9% | Class 2 misdemeanor |
Windshield Safety Glass Requirements
South Dakota mandates specific types of glass for vehicle windshields and windows.
Laminated Glass (SDCL 32-15-2.1)
SDCL 32-15-2.1 requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with an approved laminated safety glass windshield. The windshield must provide continuous horizontal frontal protection to the driver and front seat occupants. The minimum vertical height of unobstructed windshield glass must be six inches.
Vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1953, are exempt from this requirement if the driver wears an eye protective device.
Safety Glass Requirement (SDCL 32-15-1 and 32-15-2)
All vehicles registered in South Dakota must have safety glass installed. Under SDCL 32-15-2, replacing glass or glazing materials in any partition, door, window, windshield, or wind deflector with anything other than safety glass is a petty offense.
Cracked or Damaged Glass (SDCL 32-15-2.2 and 32-15-2.3)
SDCL 32-15-2.2 prohibits glass that is "cracked or broken so as to cut or injure any person in or around the vehicle."
SDCL 32-15-2.3 prohibits glass that is "cracked, broken, shattered, or distorted to the extent that it significantly impairs the vision of the motor vehicle operator."
Windshield Wipers (SDCL 32-15-7)
SDCL 32-15-7 requires the windshield on every motor vehicle (except farm tractors and motorcycles) to be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield. The wipers must be under the control of the driver and in good working order. A violation is a petty offense.
Rearview Mirror Requirement (SDCL 32-15-8)
SDCL 32-15-8 requires every motor vehicle registered in South Dakota to have a mirror positioned to reflect a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear. A violation is a petty offense.
South Dakota Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law
Effective July 1, 2020, SDCL 32-26-47.1 prohibits operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device. This law is directly relevant to windshield-mounted devices because it limits how drivers interact with phones and GPS units.
What Is Prohibited
- Texting while driving
- Watching videos while driving
- Accessing, reading, or posting to social media (SDCL 32-26-47.2)
- Manually entering data into a GPS
- Taking photos while driving
- Gaming while driving
What Is Allowed
- Hands-free phone calls
- Reading, selecting, or entering a phone number or contact name to make or receive a call
- Using a GPS device or navigation app that does not require manual data entry
- Emergency calls (such as 911)
Penalties
A violation of SDCL 32-26-47.1 is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The standard fine is $178.50. The maximum penalty is up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
SDCL 32-26-47.1 is a primary enforcement law, meaning an officer can pull you over solely for using a mobile device while driving.
Teen Driver Restrictions
Drivers under age 18 who hold instruction permits or restricted licenses are prohibited from using handheld wireless communication devices under any circumstances while driving. This restriction has been in effect since July 1, 2013.
Local Ordinances
Nine South Dakota cities have enacted their own distracted driving ordinances: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Vermillion, Watertown, and Box Elder. Some of these local ordinances impose stricter requirements than state law.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
2020: Mobile Device Law Takes Effect
The most significant recent change was the enactment of SDCL 32-26-47.1, effective July 1, 2020. This law made most handheld electronic device use while driving a Class 2 misdemeanor with primary enforcement authority.
2026 Session: HB 1010 Agricultural Equipment Exception
House Bill 1010 introduced in the 2026 legislative session proposes an exception to SDCL 32-26-47.1 for operators of agricultural equipment (excluding trucks) not designed to exceed 25 miles per hour. If enacted, this would allow farmers to use handheld devices while operating slow-moving farm equipment on public roads.
No changes to the core windshield obstruction statutes (SDCL 32-15-5 and 32-15-6) have been enacted or proposed in recent legislative sessions.
Penalties Summary
| Violation | Statute | Classification | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nontransparent material on windshield | SDCL 32-15-5 | Petty offense | $25 |
| Objects dangling from mirror | SDCL 32-15-6 | Petty offense (secondary enforcement) | $25 |
| Sunscreen film below AS-1 line | SDCL 32-15-2.9 | Class 2 misdemeanor | Up to $500 |
| Illegal front window tint | SDCL 32-15-2.4 | Class 2 misdemeanor | Up to $500 |
| Illegal rear window tint | SDCL 32-15-2.5 | Class 2 misdemeanor | Up to $500 |
| Cracked windshield impairing vision | SDCL 32-15-2.3 | Petty offense | $25 |
| Non-safety glass replacement | SDCL 32-15-2 | Petty offense | $25 |
| Using mobile device while driving | SDCL 32-26-47.1 | Class 2 misdemeanor | $178.50 (standard) |
Exemptions
| Exemption | Authority |
|---|---|
| Law-required certificates and papers | SDCL 32-15-5 |
| Commercial vehicle e-screening transponders | SD Motor Carrier regulations |
| Vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1953 (with eye protection) | SDCL 32-15-2.1 |
| Emergency personnel using mobile devices | SDCL 32-26-47.1 |
| Hands-free phone calls | SDCL 32-26-47.1 |
| GPS use without manual data entry | SDCL 32-26-47.1 |
More South Dakota Laws
Sources and References
- SDCL Chapter 32-15 - Vehicle and Accessory Specifications(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-5 - Nontransparent Material on Windows Prohibited(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-6 - Objects Dangling Between Driver and Windshield(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-2.4 - One-Way Glass or Adhesive Film in Windshield Prohibited(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-2.5 - One-Way Glass or Film in Rear Window Prohibited(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-2.9 - Sunscreening Devices on Windshield Prohibited(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-2.1 - Laminated Glass Required for Windshield(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-2.2 - Cracked or Broken Glass Prohibited(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-2.3 - Glass Impairing Operator Vision Prohibited(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-7 - Windshield Wipers Required(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-15-8 - Rear-Vision Mirrors Required(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 32-26-47.1 - Use of Mobile Electronic Device While Driving(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 23-1A-22 - Petty Offense Judgment Amount(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- SDCL 22-6-2 - Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- South Dakota Office of Highway Safety - Distracted Driving(drivesafesd.com).gov
- South Dakota Motor Carrier Handbook - Electronic Screening(sdtruckinfo.sd.gov).gov
- 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session Bills(sdlegislature.gov).gov
- FY26 Fine and Bond Schedule - South Dakota UJS(ujs.sd.gov).gov