Know the Laws

[Home] [Parenting] [News & Events] [Drug Free Kids] [Fun Stuff] [Resources]

Some teens will try to talk their parents into allowing something that just doesn't sound quite right. When you know the law, it is much easer to make the right decision and stick with it.

The following laws are among those that parents in South Dakota need to know:

    1- No purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol under the age of 21. (Subject to citation and fine)
    2 -No purchase or possession of tobacco products under the age of 18.
    3 - A false identification card is against the law. (Carries a charge of false impersonation)
    4 - Alcoholic beverages shall not be sold or furnished to a person under 21 years of age.
    5 - A property owner may not allow minors to possess or consume alcohol on his/her property.
    6 - A property owner can be held responsible for injuries that happen due to alcohol or drug consumption that takes place on his/her property.
    7 - A person may not allow the consumption by minors of illegal drugs/alcohol in his/her home.
    8 - Possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription is illegal. Anyone possessing such illegal drugs will be lodged at the Juvenile Detention Center if a minor or in jail if over 18.
    9 - A person may not have an open container of alcohol in his/her automobile or in a public place (such as a street or sidewalk).
    10- In Sioux Falls, the curfew for people under 18 years old is between 11 P.M. and 4 A.M. Young people apprehended during those hours are taken to Juvenile Detention Center, given a citation and charged a fine.
    11 - Any adult having care and custody of a minor and who knowingly allows a minor to violate curfew is subject to a maximum fine of $200 and/or jail.
    12 - No driver under age 16 with a "restricted permit" may operate a vehicle between 8 P.M. and 6 A.M. There are no exceptions. Violation will result in the minor's license being revoked for thirty days; a second violation will lead to the minor's driver's license being revoked until age 16. Violations may also lead to a $200 fine and/or jail.