This bill amends South Dakota law regarding the requirements for drivers approaching stopped vehicles that are using warning lights. Specifically, it modifies Section 32-31-6.1 to require drivers to either merge into the lane farthest from a stopped vehicle with amber, yellow, or blue warning lights on multi-lane highways or to slow down significantly when approaching such vehicles on two-lane highways. The bill stipulates that drivers must merge at least 300 feet before reaching the vehicle or reduce their speed to at least 20 miles per hour below the posted limit, or to 5 miles per hour if the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less. Violating these provisions is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $270.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 32-31-6.2 to establish that any driver who causes an accident while violating the aforementioned requirements will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if the accident involves a stopped emergency vehicle or any vehicle with warning lights that is stopped or on the shoulder of the highway. This change aims to enhance road safety for both emergency responders and other vehicles on the highway.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/03/2025: 32-31-6.1, 32-31-6.2
Enrolled, 01/30/2025: 32-31-6.1, 32-31-6.2