Snowmobile License, Registration and Insurance Requirements in South Dakota

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Snowmobile License, Registration and Insurance Requirements in South Dakota

South Dakota’s snowmobile trails program is entirely self-sufficient. The program receives no general tax fund dollars, but instead, relies upon three main income sources. Those sources include:

Snowmobile registration fees
Fuel tax reimbursement, which is based upon the number of registered snowmobiles in the state
A three percent initial registration tax on the purchase price of new or used snowmobiles

Licensing Requirements
In South Dakota, all snowmobiles must be properly licensed to operate on public or private lands, except those private lands owned by the snowmobile’s operator. A resident snowmobile license costs $20 for two years and can be purchased at the county treasurer’s office.

Non-resident snowmobiles validly licensed in another state can be legally operated in South Dakota.

Unlicensed snowmobiles (both resident and non-resident) may purchase a special five-day permit which is available at many trailside vendors. The temporary permit costs $40.

License Placement
Resident snowmobile licenses must be permanently affixed to each side of a snowmobile, below the windshield and on the hood cowling.

Insurance Requirements
According to state law, snowmobilers who operate in road rights-of-way and/or public snowmobile trails must show proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance).

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