License Plate Frames in South Dakota
Frames are legal if nothing is obscured. Plates must be conspicuously displayed and kept clear of mud, ice, and snow so as to be clearly visible.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Frames are legal if nothing is obscured. Plates must be conspicuously displayed and kept clear of mud, ice, and snow so as to be clearly visible. Covers: no express ban; covers that obscure violate the visibility rule. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Specific Limits
- Covers
- no express ban; covers that obscure violate the visibility rule
- Must stay visible
- the assigned number
Exceptions & Exemptions
License plate frames are permitted but must not obscure any part of the license plate numbers, letters, or state identification
Frequently Asked Questions
Are license plate frames legal in South Dakota?
What are the exact license plate frames limits in South Dakota?
Are there exceptions for license plate frames in South Dakota?
Street-legal license plate frames picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in South Dakota.
A low-profile frame that doesn't cover the state name, tags, or registration stickers.
Shop on AmazonMost states require the plate lit in white — not a tinted or colored bulb.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, Is My Mod Legal earns from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear that helps you stay street-legal.