This bill amends existing South Dakota vehicle laws to include specific provisions for the titling and licensing of "snow bears," defined as enclosed, motorized, rubber-tracked vehicles used for travel over snow or ice. The bill introduces new legal language that mandates snow bears to be titled in accordance with chapter 32-3, with a license fee set at ten dollars for a one-year period. Additionally, a three percent excise tax on the purchase price of the snow bear is established, with penalties for failure to pay the tax classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. The bill also stipulates that two dollars from each license fee will be allocated to the motor vehicle fund, while the remainder will support the snowmobile trails fund.

Further amendments clarify that snow bears, like snowmobiles, must be registered and licensed for use on public and private lands, as well as frozen public waters in South Dakota. Owners of unlicensed snow bears are required to purchase a temporary permit for operation, valid for five consecutive days, at a fee of forty dollars. The bill also updates various definitions and provisions related to vehicle registration and licensing, ensuring that snow bears are treated similarly to other motor vehicles in terms of regulatory requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 02/03/2026: 32-3-1, 32-3-18.2, 32-5-5, 32-5-90, 32-20A-15, 32-20A-15.1