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IT’S THE LAW
You have been convicted of a violation which requires you to prove to
the state, for three years, that all vehicles (car, pickup, van,
motorcycle, etc.) you own are insured. If you do not own any vehicles,
you must purchase a non-owner or operator policy. SDCL 32-35-43.
The form the insurance companies use to show proof of insurance is
called a SR-22 filing. This is the only form of proof which will
be accepted.
It is your responsibility to notify your insurance company, as soon as
possible, that you need a SR-22 filing. If you change vehicles
OR insurance companies any time during the three years, you must
ask them to refile your SR-22 with the Department of Public
Safety. Keep in mind that it may take insurance companies some time to
file the SR-22.
Your insurance coverage and the SR-22 filing must be maintained
continuously for three years from the date of your conviction, whether
or not you own a motor vehicle. It is your responsibility to avoid a
lapse in SR-22 coverage.
If you are holding a Class 2 (car/motorcycle), A3, B3, or C3 driver
license, you must maintain insurance coverage and a SR-22 filing for
both types of vehicles, even if you do not own both. If you do not wish
to retain a SR-22 for both vehicles, your driver license must be changed
prior to cancellation of the SR-22 to avoid re-suspension of your
driving privileges.
Once your SR-22 filing is received by the state, you will be eligible to
apply for a new license at the driver exam station, provided you have no
other suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications in
South Dakota
or any other state.
When you are eligible to reinstate your driver license, you will need to
go to a state exam station to apply for a new license. You must pass
all the required tests and pay a reinstatement fee of fifty dollars
($50.00), plus all applications fees.
If
at any time during the three year period, your insurance company
notifies the state that they have canceled all of your filings, or all
filings on any one type of vehicle you are licensed to drive, your
driver’s license along with the plates and registration of any vehicles
you own will immediately be re-suspended. You would be required to pay
another $50.00 reinstatement fee upon reinstatement of your license.
If
there is a financial responsibility suspension on your record, you will
not be able to renew your vehicle registration or transfer a vehicle
title into your name until a SR-22 is received by the Department of
Public Safety.
If
you still have questions about what a SR-22 filing is or what you need
to do to get one, talk to your insurance agent. If you need more
answers about how to get your license back, please contact the South
Dakota Department of Public Safety at the following:
SOUTH DAKOTA
Department of Public Safety
Driver Licensing Program
118 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre,
South Dakota 57501-2000
(605) 773-6883
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