Meters and disabled placards
Do I have to pay the meter with a disabled placard?
State law lets a qualifying vehicle park without time limits where parking is normally time-restricted, but the section we read does not mention meter fees. Whether meters must be paid is a local question.
- The privilege does not apply on streets or highways where and when parking is prohibited.
- Check the city where you plan to park.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“shall be entitled to park without limitation in areas where parking is normally restricted by time factors.” (SDCL 32-30-11.1 Persons with physical disabilities entitled to park without time limitation)
Disabled parking placards
Who can get a disabled parking placard, and are other states' placards honored?
A person with a physical disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk, certified by a physician, can get a permit at no cost. State law extends the parking privileges to a similar plate or certificate issued in another state.
- A person can request two permanent portable permits if they have more than one vehicle.
- The other state's plate or certificate must be on a vehicle used in transporting the person.
Confirmed from official sourceVaries by city: noVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“or a similar license plate or certificate issued in another state on a motor vehicle used in transporting that person.” (SDCL 32-30-11.1 Persons with physical disabilities entitled to park without time limitation)
Time limits and overtime
How long can I stay in a time-limited space, and what happens if I overstay?
Time limits are set by cities and we could not confirm a statewide limit or overstay penalty. State law lets a person with a physical disability park without time limits in time-restricted areas, with exceptions.
- Does not apply on streets or highways where and during any time parking is prohibited.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“The privileges extended to persons with disabilities do not apply on streets or highways where and during any time parking is prohibited.” (SDCL 32-30-11.1 Persons with physical disabilities entitled to park without time limitation)
Snow emergencies and street cleaning
When do I have to move my car for snow or street cleaning?
Set by each city. Example, Sioux Falls: parking on an emergency snow route after two inches of snow can lead to a ticket and tow at the owner's expense. The fine is $35, rising to $70 if unpaid after seven days without an appeal.
- Other South Dakota cities have their own rules.
- Check the city's snow alert page during winter storms.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Overnight parking and permits
Can I park on the street overnight?
We could not find a statewide rule. As an example, Sioux Falls bans parking on public streets in its downtown Zone 1 from 1 to 6 a.m. during a snow removal alert.
- Example city: Sioux Falls. The ban applies when Public Works declares a snow alert (snowfall of two inches or more).
- Cars not moved are ticketed, and towed if still not moved after a ticket.
- This is a snow rule, not a permit; other South Dakota cities differ.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
Towing and fines
What can I be fined or towed for, and how do I get my car back?
State law bars parking within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant, among other places, and a peace officer may move or require moving a vehicle parked in violation. Tow costs and fines are mostly local; in Sioux Falls the owner pays towing and storage.
- State law makes unauthorized parking in a designated disabled space a misdemeanor with a fine; we did not confirm the amount from the statute text.
- Sioux Falls: snow-route fine is $35, rising to $70 if not paid in seven days without an appeal.
- How to recover a towed car was not confirmed from an official page we opened.
Partly confirmedVaries by city: yesVerified Nov 12, 2026
What the source says
“Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant” (SDCL 32-30 Stopping and Parking Restrictions (32-30-6))
Ask about parking rules
COMING SOONSoon you will be able to ask a question and get an answer from these verified rules, with the source.
General information, not legal advice. Local signs and ordinances always apply.
