Yes.
South Dakota law requires that drivers have headlights on when visibility drops below 200 feet or during time between sunset and sunrise. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
The law isn’t just about drivers seeing the road in front of them. Headlights are important for drivers to see other vehicles during fog, rain or other low-visibility conditions.
Law enforcement is exempt if their actions are determined as “necessary under the circumstances to investigate … a suspected criminal violation.”
According to the state’s driver’s manual, parking lights are not to be used “at any time” as the sole source of headlights. In addition, vehicles that have “daytime running lights” also must use their normal headlights during low-visibility conditions.
The Highway Patrol frequently posts reminders on Facebook.
“When driving in fog/rain, please remember to turn your headlights on to increase visibility and turn your cruise control off to avoid hydroplaning.”
This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.
At 12:45 p.m. on July 31, 2025, this story was edited to correct two transposed words explaining the timeframe when not using headlights is illegal.
Sources
South Dakota Codified Laws, 32-17-4 – Periods during which lamps must be lighted
KELO Radio, AAA-SD: Tips on how to prepare your vehicle for severe weather season
South Dakota Codified Laws, 32-17-4.1 – Circumstances exempting law enforcement officers from use of motor vehicle lights
South Dakota Driver’s License Manual, Letting others know you are there (Pages 51-52)
South Dakota Highway Patrol, Facebook post
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