No,
Lane splitting is explicitly prohibited in South Dakota under state traffic laws. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces this ban, citing safety risks and lack of legislative authorization. No exceptions exist for motorcyclists, and violators may face citations or fines. Local jurisdictions, including the City of Sioux Falls Police Department, align with state statutes, reinforcing the prohibition.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in South Dakota
- State Statute 32-12-1.1: Motorcyclists are prohibited from overtaking or passing vehicles within the same lane or by occupying adjacent lanes simultaneously.
- DPS Enforcement Memo (2025): The agency reiterated the ban in its annual traffic safety bulletin, emphasizing the absence of lane-sharing provisions in state law.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities such as Rapid City and Aberdeen mirror state restrictions, with no local exemptions or pilot programs permitted under current ordinances.
South Dakota’s prohibition stems from the state’s adherence to the Uniform Vehicle Code, which does not recognize lane splitting as a legal maneuver. Unlike neighboring states such as Montana, which permits lane filtering under specific conditions, South Dakota maintains a zero-tolerance policy. The South Dakota Highway Patrol has documented no legislative efforts to amend this stance as of the 2026 session, leaving the ban firmly in place. Motorcyclists are advised to operate within lane boundaries to avoid penalties.