If you are a licensed driver in South Dakota, you already know about the numerous traffic laws you have to follow when navigating the roadways. However, there is much more to the rules of the road that just your own actions. Motorists are also required to make sure their vehicles are in compliance with the equipment rules for the state as well. The following are the windshield laws drivers in South Dakota must follow.
Windshield requirements
South Dakota has the following requirements for the windshield and the devices associated with it:
All vehicles must have a windshield in order to be driven on the roadways.
All vehicles are required to have windshield wipers that can remove rain, snow and other moisture from the windshield.
The windshield wipers must be under the control of the driver and in good working condition.
All vehicles are required to have safety glass, which is manufactured to provided improved safety and lessen the chances of shattering or flying glass, in the windshield, and all other windows.
Obstructions
South Dakota also limits the potential obstructions in a driver’s view of the roadway.
Posters, signs and other nontransparent materials are not permitted on windshield, side wings, front and back side windows or the rear window.
Only stickers or permits required by law are permitted on the windshield or any other window, and must be affixed in a location that does not obstruct the driver’s view.
No objects are permitted that dangle, hang or are affixed between the driver and the windshield.
Window tint
Window tint is permitted in South Dakota as long as it is in compliance with the following:
Tint on the windshield must be non-reflective and applied only to the area above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front side window tint must allow greater than 35% of light to pass through the combined film and glass.
The back side and rear window tint must have a light transmittance greater than 20%.
Mirrored and metallic tints are not permitted on any window or the windshield.
Cracks and chips
South Dakota is very strict when it comes to cracks and chips in the windshield. In fact, no vehicle may be driven on the roadways that has any cracks, chips or other defects in the windshield or any other window.
Violations
Drivers in South Dakota that fail to comply with the windshield laws when driving on the roadways may be stopped by law enforcement and issued fines of $120 or more for the first offense.
If your windshield needs to be inspected or your wipers are not working properly, a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, can help you get back on the road safely and quickly so you are driving within the laws.
