The bill amends South Dakota's vehicle licensing laws to establish a new framework for the registration and licensing fees of certain small trailers. Specifically, it introduces a provision that allows for a one-time license fee for trailers weighing three thousand pounds or less, which will be paid only upon the owner's initial registration. This registration will remain valid for the trailer's useful life unless the trailer's weight exceeds three thousand pounds or the title is transferred to a new owner, in which case the new owner must register the trailer and pay the one-time fee within forty-five days.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding vehicle license fees, clarifying that fees are assessed annually based on manufacturers' weights, with specific provisions for various types of noncommercial vehicles, including automobiles, pickup trucks, motor homes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and other noncommercial motor vehicles. The bill ensures that if the actual dry weight of a vehicle differs from the manufacturer's shipping weight, the correct weight must be certified by the department for fee determination. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the registration process for small trailers while maintaining clarity in the licensing fees for other vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/14/2026: 32-5-5