Signals And Turns
SDCL § 32-26-22 — a signal before starting, stopping or turning, and no courtesy wave on the blinker
Before starting, stopping or turning, a driver first sees that it can be done safely, sounds the horn if a pedestrian may be affected, and gives a signal plainly visible to any other driver who may be affected. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Not a courtesy. No one may stop or suddenly slow without first signaling to the driver behind when there is the chance to. The signal means a turn, a lane change or a stop, and is not flashed as a courtesy or a go-ahead to pass.
A missed signal is often the reason given for a stop. A particular stop is a question for a licensed South Dakota attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- SDCL § 32-26-22 — Starting, stopping, or turning; Lookout; When signals required; Violation as misdemeanor
- SDCL § 32-26-22.1 — Stopping or slowing signal required; Improper use of signals; Violation as misdemeanor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Dakota attorney.