Teen drivers get more time thanks to bill suspension
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s teenage drivers won’t have to worry this summer about having to meet the provisions of a new state law that was to take effect July 1.
Senate Bill 113, which was passed by this year’s Legislature, is designed to strengthen South Dakota’s current graduated driver’s license laws covering teen drivers between the ages of 14 and 18. Gov. Kristi Noem issued an Executive Order Friday suspending the implementation of the bill through Dec. 31, 2020.
“This is really good news for teen drivers and their families who were trying to understand the bill and its impacts,” said state Driver Licensing Program Director Jane Schrank. “What this means is that current law remains in place and teen drivers have the opportunity to continue practicing and driving under the existing instructional and restricted license requirements.”
Suspension of the bill’s implementation also will give state Driver Licensing staff more time as well, according to Schrank.
“Driver’s licensing staff statewide has been working through a backlog of license application requests due to the stations being closed for a time during COVID-19,” she said. “Staff can continue to address the backlog without having to deal with the new teen driving laws at the same time.”
For further information and to view the Governor’s Executive Order, visit the Driver’s Licensing website at https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing or contact the state Driver Licensing Program via email at dpsdl@state.sd.us or by calling 605-773-6883.
