3/17/10-Gov. Mike Rounds has signed a bill into law that makes changes to South Dakota law concerning commercial driver’s licenses to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Previously SB16, changes made include beefing up out-of-service violations. Fines for first offenders will be more straightforward. Instead of violators facing a fine ranging from $1,100 to $2,750, they would be responsible for paying $2,500 fines. Anyone caught more than once would be responsible for paying at least $5,000.
Motor carriers will also face greater punishment. Employers convicted of knowingly allowing, requiring, permitting or authorizing a driver in OOS status to get behind the wheel would face up to $25,000 fines. The maximum fine has been $11,000.
Another provision lengthens the duration of a driver’s suspension for violating an OOS order. Getting behind the wheel of a truck subject to an OOS order would result in the driver’s license being suspended for six months. Previously, state law authorized 90-day suspensions.
Repeat offenses within 10 years would result in loss of driving privileges for two years – up from one year.

2/25/10-The House Transportation Committee voted 10-2 to advance a bill to the House floor that would make changes to South Dakota law concerning commercial driver’s licenses to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
If approved by the full House, SB16 would move to Gov. Mike Rounds’ desk. The Senate has already voted in favor of it.
Among the changes sought in the bill are provisions to beef up out-of-service violations. Fines for first offenders would be more straightforward. Instead of violators facing a fine ranging from $1,100 to $2,750, they would be responsible for paying $2,500 fines. Anyone foolish enough to get caught more than once would be responsible for paying at least $5,000.
Motor carriers would also face greater punishment. Employers convicted of knowingly allowing, requiring, permitting or authorizing a driver in OOS status to get behind the wheel would face up to $25,000 fines. The maximum fine now is $11,000.
Another provision in the bill would lengthen the duration of a driver’s suspension for violating an OOS order. Getting behind the wheel of a truck subject to an OOS order would result in the driver’s license being suspended for six months. State law now authorizes 90-day suspensions.
Repeat offenses within 10 years would result in loss of driving privileges for two years – up from one year.
For bill status, call 605-773-3251.