South Dakota Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide)

South Dakota's windshield statute, SDCL 32-15-5, makes it a petty offense to drive with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material on the windshield, side wings, side windows, or rear window unless it does not obstruct the driver's clear view of the highway. The statute names no exception for GPS units, phone holders, or dashcams, so a windshield mount is exposed to enforcement whenever an officer treats it as an obstruction. Dashboard mounts, vent clips, and console mounts keep the question from arising.

South Dakota takes a strict approach to windshield visibility. The state bars nontransparent material on the windshield that blocks the driver's clear view, bans dangling objects in the driver's line of sight, and restricts window tinting that reduces visibility. These laws are found in SDCL Chapter 32-15, titled "Vehicle and Accessory Specifications."

Unlike states that carve out a specific zone of the windshield where a device mount is allowed, South Dakota's statute names no such zone and no device exception. Whether a given mount breaks the law turns on whether it obstructs the driver's clear view. Dashboard mounts and other off-windshield alternatives keep the issue from coming up.

South Dakota Windshield Obstruction Laws

Two statutes form the backbone of South Dakota's windshield obstruction rules. Together, they cover everything from suction-cup mounts to air fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror.

Nontransparent Material on Windows (SDCL 32-15-5)

SDCL 32-15-5 makes it a petty offense to drive any vehicle on a highway with "any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, side, or rear windows of such motor vehicle." The section carves out two categories: a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law, and temporary driving instructions placed on the glass by the manufacturer. It then closes with the qualifier "unless the same shall not obstruct the driver's clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway," so obstruction of the driver's view is an element of the offense rather than an afterthought.

This statute is the reason South Dakota is listed among states where windshield-mounted GPS units and phone holders are not permitted. That reading extends the statute rather than quoting it: the enumerated terms are "sign, poster, or other nontransparent material," language aimed at display materials, and no published South Dakota appellate decision, attorney general opinion, or Highway Patrol guidance applies the section squarely to a device mount. A suction-cup mount and the device on it are opaque, so an officer can treat them as nontransparent material obstructing the clear view, but the obstruction question is decided case by case.

The penalty for violating SDCL 32-15-5 is a petty offense. Under SDCL 23-1A-22, a prevailing plaintiff in a petty offense case is granted a judgment of twenty-five dollars, and the trial court may reduce or eliminate that award in the interest of justice.

Objects Dangling Between Driver and Windshield (SDCL 32-15-6)

SDCL 32-15-6 makes it a petty offense "for any person to drive any vehicle upon a highway with any object or gadget dangling between the view of the driver and the windshield of the vehicle."

This statute targets items like air fresheners, decorative ornaments, parking placards, and other objects hung from the rearview mirror or elsewhere between the driver and the windshield.

One important distinction applies to enforcement. SDCL 32-15-6 is subject to secondary enforcement only. This means a law enforcement officer cannot pull you over solely for a dangling object. The officer must first observe another traffic violation before citing you for a dangling obstruction.

The fine for violating SDCL 32-15-6 is the same $25 petty offense judgment.

GPS and Phone Mounts in South Dakota

South Dakota does not provide a specific exemption for GPS devices, smartphone holders, or navigation mounts on the windshield. Under SDCL 32-15-5, any nontransparent device mounted on the windshield is prohibited if it could obstruct the driver's view.

Where to Mount Your Device Instead

Because windshield mounting is restricted, South Dakota drivers should consider these alternatives:

• Dashboard mounts: A suction-cup or adhesive mount on the dashboard is the most common compliant option
• Vent clip mounts: Devices that attach to the vehicle's air vents keep the windshield completely clear
• CD slot mounts: For vehicles with CD players, slot-mounted holders provide a stable, legal placement
• Console mounts: Mounts that attach to the center console or cup holder area

Commercial Vehicle Transponders

South Dakota does authorize electronic transponders on commercial vehicle windshields for the state's e-screening program at Ports of Entry and weigh stations. Motor carriers registered with the Drivewyze PreClear bypass program may use GPS-based applications on in-cab devices. These commercial exemptions do not extend to passenger vehicles.

Dashcam Rules in South Dakota

South Dakota does not have a specific statute addressing dashcams or video event recorders by name. However, the general prohibition on nontransparent materials in SDCL 32-15-5 can reach a windshield-mounted dashcam when the camera and its mount obstruct the driver's clear view.

To comply with the law, the safest placement for a dashcam in South Dakota is on the dashboard rather than the windshield. Some drivers position compact dashcams behind the rearview mirror to minimize obstruction, though this placement still technically involves attaching a device to the windshield.

Audio Recording Considerations

South Dakota is a one-party consent state for audio recordings. If your dashcam records audio, the driver's own consent is sufficient for recording conversations inside the vehicle. You do not need to notify passengers in advance, though doing so is a good practice.

Windshield Tinting Laws

South Dakota regulates window tinting through several statutes in Chapter 32-15. The rules differ depending on which windows are tinted.

Front Windshield Tinting (SDCL 32-15-2.9)

SDCL 32-15-2.9 prohibits sunscreening devices from being "placed on or affixed to a windshield so as to obstruct or reduce the driver's clear view through the windshield." Tint film on the windshield cannot extend downward beyond the AS-1 line or lower than the lowest point of the vehicle's sun visor.

The AS-1 line is a marking on most windshields, typically about 5 to 6 inches below the top edge. Tint applied above this line is permitted. Tint applied below this line violates the statute.

A violation of SDCL 32-15-2.9 is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Front Side Windows (SDCL 32-15-2.4)

SDCL 32-15-2.4 prohibits one-way glass, adhesive film, or other glazing on the front windshield, side wing vents, or side windows forward of or adjacent to the operator's seat if it "reduces the light transmittance of such windows to the combined level below thirty-five percent, with an enforcement tolerance of nine percent."

In practical terms, front side windows must allow at least 35% of visible light through (VLT). Law enforcement uses light transmission meters to test compliance, and the 9% enforcement tolerance means readings down to approximately 26% VLT may not result in a citation.

A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Rear Windows (SDCL 32-15-2.5)

SDCL 32-15-2.5 applies similar restrictions to rear windows behind the operator's seat. Rear window tint must not reduce light transmission below 20%, with the same 9% enforcement tolerance.

A violation is also a Class 2 misdemeanor.

No Medical Exemptions

Unlike many states, South Dakota does not allow medical exemptions for darker window tint. Regardless of any medical condition such as photosensitivity or lupus, all vehicles must comply with the standard tinting limits.

Manufacturer Certification (SDCL 32-15-2.7)

Manufacturers and dealers who install window films must certify to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety that their products comply with the light transmission specifications in SDCL 32-15-2.4 and 32-15-2.5.

South Dakota Tinting Summary

Windshield Safety Glass Requirements

South Dakota mandates specific types of glass for vehicle windshields and windows.

Laminated Glass (SDCL 32-15-2.1)

SDCL 32-15-2.1 requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with an approved laminated safety glass windshield. The windshield must provide continuous horizontal frontal protection to the driver and front seat occupants. The minimum vertical height of unobstructed windshield glass must be six inches.

Vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1953, are exempt from this requirement if the driver wears an eye protective device.

Safety Glass Requirement (SDCL 32-15-1 and 32-15-2)

All vehicles registered in South Dakota must have safety glass installed. Under SDCL 32-15-2, replacing glass or glazing materials in any partition, door, window, windshield, or wind deflector with anything other than safety glass is a petty offense.

Cracked or Damaged Glass (SDCL 32-15-2.2 and 32-15-2.3)

SDCL 32-15-2.2 prohibits glass that is "cracked or broken so as to cut or injure any person in or around the vehicle."

SDCL 32-15-2.3 prohibits glass that is "cracked, broken, shattered, or distorted to the extent that it significantly impairs the vision of the motor vehicle operator."

Neither of these two sections states a penalty in its own text, and unlike SDCL 32-15-2 neither is labeled a petty offense. The default rule in SDCL 22-6-2 that turns an unpenalized statutory prohibition into a Class 2 misdemeanor expressly does not apply to Title 32, so no classification or fine amount can be read out of these sections.

Windshield Wipers (SDCL 32-15-7)

SDCL 32-15-7 requires the windshield on every motor vehicle (except farm tractors and motorcycles) to be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield. The wipers must be under the control of the driver and in good working order. A violation is a petty offense.

Rearview Mirror Requirement (SDCL 32-15-8)

SDCL 32-15-8 requires every motor vehicle registered in South Dakota to have a mirror positioned to reflect a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear. A violation is a petty offense.

South Dakota Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law

Effective July 1, 2020, SDCL 32-26-47.1 prohibits operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile electronic device. This law is directly relevant to windshield-mounted devices because it limits how drivers interact with phones and GPS units.

What Is Prohibited

• Texting while driving
• Watching videos while driving
• Accessing, reading, or posting to social media (SDCL 32-26-47.2)
• Manually entering data into a GPS
• Taking photos while driving
• Gaming while driving

What Is Allowed

• Hands-free phone calls
• Reading, selecting, or entering a phone number or contact name to make or receive a call
• Using a GPS device or navigation app that does not require manual data entry
• Emergency calls (such as 911)

Penalties

A violation of SDCL 32-26-47.1 is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The standard fine is $178.50. The maximum penalty is up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

SDCL 32-26-47.1 is a primary enforcement law, meaning an officer can pull you over solely for using a mobile device while driving.

Teen Driver Restrictions

Drivers under age 18 who hold instruction permits or restricted licenses are prohibited from using handheld wireless communication devices under any circumstances while driving. This restriction has been in effect since July 1, 2013.

Local Ordinances

Nine South Dakota cities have enacted their own distracted driving ordinances: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Vermillion, Watertown, and Box Elder. Some of these local ordinances impose stricter requirements than state law.

Recent Changes and Pending Legislation

2020: Mobile Device Law Takes Effect

The most significant recent change was the enactment of SDCL 32-26-47.1, effective July 1, 2020. This law made most handheld electronic device use while driving a Class 2 misdemeanor with primary enforcement authority.

2026 Session: HB 1010 Agricultural Equipment Exception (Failed)

House Bill 1010, introduced in the 2026 legislative session, proposed an exception to SDCL 32-26-47.1 for operators of agricultural equipment (excluding trucks) not designed to exceed 25 miles per hour. The bill failed on the House floor 21-46 on February 18, 2026, so the handheld-device ban continues to apply to agricultural equipment operators.

No changes to the core windshield obstruction statutes (SDCL 32-15-5 and 32-15-6) have been enacted or proposed in recent legislative sessions.

Penalties Summary

Exemptions

More South Dakota Laws

• South Dakota Lemon Law
• South Dakota Hit and Run Laws
• South Dakota Car Seat Laws
• South Dakota Dog Bite Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mount a GPS or phone on my windshield in South Dakota?

Not safely. SDCL 32-15-5 makes it a petty offense to drive with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material on the windshield, side wings, side windows, or rear window unless it does not obstruct the driver's clear view of the highway. The statute lists no exception for a GPS unit, phone holder, or mount, and whether a particular mount obstructs the view is judged case by case. Mounting on the dashboard, an air vent clip, or a console mount keeps the question from arising.

Is it legal to use a dashcam in South Dakota?

Dashcams are legal in South Dakota, but mounting one on the windshield may violate SDCL 32-15-5. The safest legal placement is on the dashboard. South Dakota is a one-party consent state for audio recording, so the driver's own consent is sufficient for recording audio inside the vehicle.

What is the fine for hanging an air freshener from my rearview mirror?

Under SDCL 32-15-6, dangling objects between the driver and windshield are a petty offense carrying a $25 fine. However, this statute is subject to secondary enforcement only, meaning an officer cannot pull you over solely for a dangling object. You must first be stopped for another violation.

Does South Dakota allow medical exemptions for darker window tint?

No. South Dakota does not provide medical exemptions for window tint. All vehicles must meet the standard tinting limits: 35% VLT for front side windows and 20% VLT for rear windows. No physician certification or special permit is available to override these requirements.

Can I use my phone for GPS navigation while driving in South Dakota?

Yes, with limitations. SDCL 32-26-47.1 allows drivers to use GPS navigation apps as long as the device does not require manual data entry while the vehicle is in motion. You should program your destination before driving. The device must be mounted on the dashboard or another legal location rather than the windshield.