S.D. Codified Laws § 32-17-4.1

Current through the 2024 Legislative Session

Section 32-17-4.1 - Circumstances exempting law enforcement officers from use of motor vehicle lights

The requirements of § 32-17-4 do not apply to a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 23-3-27, while operating a motor vehicle owned, leased, or otherwise the property of the state or a political subdivision, in the performance of the officer's law enforcement duties if the officer's conduct is reasonable, and if the officer reasonably believes that operating the vehicle without lights is necessary under the circumstances to investigate a criminal violation or suspected criminal violation of state laws or rules, court orders, or municipal or county laws, ordinances, or regulations. A law enforcement officer may not operate a motor vehicle without lights under this section:

(1) At speeds greater than what is reasonable and prudent under existing weather, road, and traffic conditions;

(2) In situations in which the officer is an active participant in pursuing a motor vehicle; or

(3) Contrary to written policies or procedures established by the law enforcement officer's employer.

SDCL 32-17-4.1

SL 1997, ch 192, § 1.