The proposed bill mandates that snow bears, defined as enclosed, motorized, rubber-tracked vehicles used for travel over snow or ice, must be titled and licensed in South Dakota. It amends existing laws to include snow bears in the definitions and regulations pertaining to vehicle titling and registration. Specifically, it introduces a new section that establishes a license fee of ten dollars for a one-year period for snow bears, which must be prorated monthly. Additionally, a three percent excise tax on the purchase price of the snow bear is imposed, with the collected fees allocated to the motor vehicle fund and the department of game, fish, and parks fund.

The bill also outlines the requirements for titling and registration, stating that snow bears must be registered in the same manner as other motor vehicles. It specifies that owners without a South Dakota-issued driver license or physical address must pay an additional fee when titling their snow bear. Furthermore, it clarifies that the title issuance, excise tax, and registration provisions applicable to snowmobiles will also apply to snow bears, ensuring that they are subject to the same regulatory framework. Violations of these provisions are classified as Class 2 misdemeanors.

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
House Transportation Engrossed, 02/12/2026: 32-3-1, 32-3-18.2, 32-5-5, 32-5-90, 32-20A-15, 32-20A-15.1