South Dakota Car Seat Laws - Updated & Simplified
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Child Car Seat Laws in South Dakota
Car Seat Law South Dakota (SD Statute 32.37 & 32.38)
What does the South Dakota Car Seat Law say?
- Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers under 5 years or weighing less than 40 lbs. must be properly secured in a child passenger restraint system according to the manufacturer’s instruction and that it meets federal safety standards.
- A safety seat belt system must properly secure preschoolers, school-aged children, and adolescents between 5 and 18 years.
- Violation of the law attracts a fine of $25.
More on The Law
South Dakota car seat law is not very explicit.
The main emphasis is to use the appropriate restraint system according to a manufacturer’s instruction for children under 5 years, and a safety seat belt should secure those aged 5-18 years.
Rear-facing Car Seat Laws South Dakota
South Dakota Car seat laws did not explicitly mention a type of car seat.
Going by a manufacturer’s instruction, a rear-facing car seat is used for infants and toddlers from 0 months to 2 years or weighing under 40 lbs.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a rear-facing car seat is the ideal type for infants up to the age of 2 years to an upper limit of 4 years, depending on the weight and height of the baby.
Other car seats include forward-facing, convertible, all-in-one, and belt-positioning booster seats.
I wrote a detailed guidepost on types of car seats that will help you understand the differences better.
On the other hand, a rear-facing car seat must never be installed in the front seat with an activated airbag. The safest place for an infant car seat remains the center rear seat.
Car Seat Laws in South Dakota Forward Facing
The South Dakota car seat laws do not also mention a forward-facing car seat.
However, this type of seat is recommended for preschoolers and school-aged children between 4-8 years.
Your child is to be transitioned to a forward-facing car seat when they have outgrown the weight and height limit of the rear-facing infant seat as instructed by the manufacturer.
Instead of buying a car seat twice during this growth phase, consider using a convertible car seat.
As the name implies, convertible. It can be used as a rear-facing seat for infants and later converted to a forward-facing seat. Choosing a convertible car seat isn’t a hassle. I’ve got that covered here, how to choose a convertible car seat.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on weight and height limits before transitioning.
Car Seat Laws in South Dakota Belt-positioning Booster Seat
South Dakota does not still mention a booster seat in the car seat laws.
However, when your child outgrows the limits for the forward-facing seat, they should now ride in a belt-positioning booster seat (usually at the age of 8) until they can use a seat belt that fits their size correctly (usually at the age of 12 years).
But as the law says, “according to the manufacturer’s instruction.” So, you should follow the recommendation by the manual on the car seat you are using.
Seat Belt Law South Dakota
The laws emphasized more on seat belts more.
- A passenger aged 5-18 years must fasten a safety seat belt system and make sure it is properly adjusted.
- A passenger aged 14-18 years must fasten a safety seat belt system and make sure it is properly adjusted.
- A front-seat passenger who is at least 5 years but under 18 years must be appropriately secured by a seat safety belt system.
An exemption from the safety belt law applies;
- To a passenger who carries a written medical statement from a licensed physician stating that the individual is unable to use a safety seat belt for medical reasons.
Other Laws About Car Seat You Need to Know About in South Dakota
Car Laws for Other Passengers in A Car
All other occupants of the car must make use of a seat belt.
Front Passenger Seat Law in South Dakota – Can A Child Sit in The Front Seat?
South Dakota car seat laws on safety belts mention a passenger at least 5 years and under 18 years who occupies the front seat must use a seat belt.
By extension, a child at least 5 years can sit in the front passenger seat.
However, you should note that children under 13 must ride in the back seat with a seat belt or the appropriate child restraint system.
Only adolescents above 13 years are legally permitted to sit in front.
Car Seat Laws for Taxis in South Dakota
South Dakota doesn’t mention taxis or cabs in the car seat laws.
However, it is your responsibility as a parent to still ensure you use the appropriate safety seat for your child according to a manufacturer’s instruction. The safety of your child is your topmost priority.
You may also need to install the car seat when you board. Here is how to install a car seat without the base. Just a bit of practice, and boom!
This will come in handy when you have to board a cab, taxi, or uber or switch cars with your spouse or partner.
Is it Illegal to Leave Your Child in the Car in South Dakota?
South Dakota has no law that prohibits leaving your child in the car.
In other states, the law for this is called “hot car law.”
I will advise you don’t get used to this. Children are a special gift, and losing them isn’t joyful.
Car heat, or “hot car,” causes a baby to overheat internally. Often, it causes death.
Smoking Around Children in Cars – is it illegal in South Dakota?
South Dakota doesn’t have a law that prohibits smoking.
However, you should note that your child’s health and safety should be a priority as a parent.
Secondhand smoke is not good for a child’s health. Exposure to such fumes leads to the risk of severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. That is much for a child’s health.
Getting Help in South Dakota
Here is a go-to resource for help on installing and using a car seat – South Dakota Child Safety Seat Distribution Program.
Find out your local store, and you can call to schedule a free seat check.
