South Dakota permit test: alcohol & drugs

BAC limits, implied consent, penalties, open containers and impairment. 9 questions.

Question 1 of 9
Alcohol & drugsSouth Dakota rule

For a South Dakota driver 21 or older, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is evidence of driving under the influence?

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Sample alcohol & drugs questions

  1. For a South Dakota driver 21 or older, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is evidence of driving under the influence?

    • A 0.02% or more
    • B 0.10% or more
    • C 0.05% or more
    • D 0.08% or more
    Show answer

    D. 0.08% or more

    A BAC of 0.08% or more is evidence that an adult was driving under the influence. You can still be convicted of impaired driving below 0.08%, because impairment starts with the first drink.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 20

  2. If you are under 21, at what BAC can you be arrested under South Dakota's zero tolerance law?

    • A 0.05%
    • B 0.04%
    • C 0.02%
    • D 0.08%
    Show answer

    C. 0.02%

    In South Dakota, drivers under 21 can be arrested for alcohol impairment at 0.02% BAC. It is already illegal for them to buy, possess or drink alcohol, so the law leaves almost no room for drinking and driving.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 20

  3. Your BAC is over the legal limit, and you are sitting in the driver's seat of a parked car with the engine running. Can you be arrested for DWI in South Dakota?

    • A Only if you are under 21
    • B No, only if the vehicle is moving
    • C No, as long as the parking brake is set
    • D Yes, being in physical control of the vehicle is enough
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    D. Yes, being in physical control of the vehicle is enough

    If you have physical control of a vehicle, you can be arrested when your BAC is over the legal limit even if you are not driving. Sitting behind the wheel with the engine running is a classic example.

    Source: South Dakota Driver License Manual, page 20

  4. You are arrested for DUI in South Dakota and refuse the officer's request for a chemical test. If your case later goes to trial, how can that refusal be used?

    • A It cannot be mentioned at the trial at all
    • B It may be admitted as evidence at your trial
    • C It counts as an automatic plea of guilty
    • D It can be used only if you are under 21
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    B. It may be admitted as evidence at your trial

    Under South Dakota's implied consent law, driving means you have agreed to a lawfully requested test of your blood, breath or urine. If you refuse and later stand trial for DUI, the refusal may be admitted as evidence, so refusing does not make the case go away.

    Source: South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing Program website