This bill amends South Dakota's adoption of federal motor carrier regulations by updating the reference year from 2025 to 2026 for specific parts of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. It includes modifications that expand the scope of regulations to cover intrastate operations alongside interstate operations, with certain exemptions for drivers and motor carriers operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than twenty-six thousand pounds, provided they are not used for transporting hazardous materials or more than fifteen passengers.

Additionally, the bill specifies age requirements for drivers, stating that those engaged in interstate commerce or transporting hazardous materials must be at least twenty-one years old, while all other drivers must be at least eighteen. It also clarifies that intrastate drivers are exempt from certain physical requirements unless mandated by their employer. Violations of the motor carrier safety requirements and hazardous materials regulations are classified as misdemeanors, with specific classifications for different types of violations, including Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/19/2025: 49-28A-3