South Dakota Road Signs: Fines Double Sign, Bus Rules & DMV Test
What is the "Fines Double" sign in South Dakota and where does it appear? How many attempts do you get on the South Dakota knowledge test? What are the work zone rules on I-90 and I-29? The SD Driver Licensing Division, DPS at dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing allows 3 attempts within 6 months. South Dakota uses a specific black-and-white "Fines Double" regulatory sign. listed alongside stop signs and speed limits in the official manual. Work zone fines may also be doubled. School bus stops require remaining stopped until all children are clear.
Table of Contents
1. South Dakota "Fines Double" Sign, 3-Attempt Knowledge Test and What Driving the Great Plains Demands
South Dakota roads stretch from Sioux Falls I-29/I-90 interchange and Rapid City Black Hills gateway to the wide-open US-14 and US-83 prairie corridors and the Missouri River crossings near Pierre. The SD Driver Licensing Division, DPS at dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing requires vision, knowledge, and road skills tests. Application fee is $28. You get three attempts to pass a test within a 6-month period; after that the period resets. Applications are available at any exam station or online. South Dakota uses a distinctive "Fines Double" regulatory sign. it appears in the SD signs manual and is tested on the knowledge exam.
2. South Dakota Sign Shapes: The "Fines Double" Regulatory Sign and What the Knowledge Test Covers
South Dakota sign system includes a specific black-and-white "Fines Double" regulatory sign that designates zones where fines are doubled. it is listed alongside stop signs and speed limit signs in the SD manual. On the vast open highways of the Great Plains, where a sign may be the only object visible for miles, shape and color register before text. Know every sign type in this table before your SD knowledge test.
| Shape | Diagram | Meaning | Example Sign |
| Octagon (8-sided) |  | STOP. always and only |  |
| Triangle (inverted) |  | Yield to other traffic |  |
| Diamond |  | Warning - hazard ahead |  |
| Rectangle (vertical) |  | Regulatory - rules of the road |  |
| Rectangle (horizontal) |  | Guide or informational |  |
| Pentagon (5-sided) |  | School zone or crossing - exclusively |  |
| Round (circle) |  | Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively |  |
| Pennant |  | No passing zone - exclusively |  |
| Orange (any shape) |  | Construction and work zone warnings |  |
| Blue (any shape) |  | Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals |  |
| Brown (any shape) |  | Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes |  |
Triangle (inverted)
Yield to other traffic
Diamond
Warning, hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)
Regulatory. rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)
Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)
School zone or crossing. exclusively
Round (circle)
Railroad crossing advance warning. exclusively
Pennant
No passing zone. exclusively
Orange (any shape)
Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)
Motorist services. gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)
Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes
3. South Dakota Regulatory Signs: Points Schedule, the "Fines Double" Zone Sign and SDCL Violations
Regulatory signs carry legal force under South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL). Violations add points to your SD driving record. The manual includes a specific point schedule for speeding and other violations. The "Fines Double" black-and-white sign designates zones where fines are doubled. a regulatory sign specific to SD that is tested on the knowledge exam.
STOP Sign
Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding
YIELD Sign
Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians
Speed Limit Sign
Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions
Do Not Enter Sign
You are going the wrong way; do not proceed
Wrong Way Sign
You have entered a one-way road going against traffic
No U-Turn Sign
U-turns are prohibited at this location
No Left Turn Sign
Left turns are not allowed
No Right Turn Sign
Right turns are not allowed
One Way Sign
Traffic moves in one direction only
Keep Right Sign
Stay to the right of an island or obstruction
No Passing Zone Sign
Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign
Do Not Pass Sign
Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead
No Turn on Red Sign
No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection
No Left Turn on Red Sign
Left turn on red is prohibited here
No Right Turn on Red Sign
Right turn on red is prohibited here
Turn Left Only Sign
You must turn left from this lane
Turn Right Only Sign
You must turn right from this lane
Straight or Turn Right Sign
You may go straight or turn right from this lane
Minimum Speed Limit Sign
You must drive at least this speed on this road
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign
Slower vehicles must use the right lane
No Parking Sign
Parking is prohibited in this area
No Trucks Sign
Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road
No Bicycles Sign
Bicycles are not permitted on this road
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Pedestrians must not cross here
Reserved Parking Sign
Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)
Four Way Stop Sign
All four directions must stop at this intersection
Stop Except Right Turn Sign
All traffic must stop except those turning right
Left Turn Yield on Green Sign
Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green
Lane Use Control Sign
Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane
Restricted Lane Ahead Sign
An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it
4. South Dakota Warning Signs: Black Hills Curves, Prairie Railroad Crossings and the Slow-Moving Vehicle Triangle
Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on South Dakota roads that means sharp curve warnings on Black Hills and Badlands approaches, multi-track railroad crossing warnings across the state extensive grain-rail network, school zone fluorescent signs preceding reduced speed limits, and the reflective orange triangle on the rear of farm and roadway vehicles traveling under 25 mph. Orange marks work zones where fines may be doubled.
Left Curve
A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed
Right Curve
A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed
Sharp Left Turn
A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly
Sharp Right Turn
A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly
Winding Road
Series of curves ahead
Set of Curves (Left-Right)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right
Set of Curves (Right-Left)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left
Sharp Turns (Left-Right)
Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right
Slippery When Wet
Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed
Deer Crossing
Wildlife frequently cross here. white-tailed deer, pronghorn, pheasants, and bison are common road hazards on South Dakota rural highways, especially at dawn and dusk across the prairie and Badlands corridors
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes
School Zone / Crossing
Obey the slower posted speed when lights are flashing or children are present; at a school crossing with traffic patrol, stop and yield if signaled
School Crossing Ahead
A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards
Divided Highway Begins
Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right
Divided Highway Ends
Two-way traffic resumes
Merging Traffic
Another lane of traffic is joining yours
Added Lane
A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield
Lane Ends Ahead
Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane
Lane Ends Merge Left
Your lane ends. move to the left lane
Left Lane Ends
The left lane ends ahead. merge right
Road Narrows
The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert
Narrow Bridge Ahead
Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully
Low Clearance
Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance
Railroad Crossing (RR)
Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains
Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)
Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes
Bump
A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down
Dip
A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed
Loose Gravel
Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance
Pavement Ends
Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface
Shoulder Drop Off
Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge
Watch for Ice on Bridges
Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather
Two Way Traffic Ahead
Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead
Cross Road
An intersection with a crossing road is ahead
Cross Traffic
Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield
T Intersection
The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right
Side Road
A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle
Highway Intersection Ahead
A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop
Road Entering Curve
A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic
Roundabout
A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise
Truck Rollover
High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly
Weave Area
Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging
Advisory Speed
Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised
Traffic Signal Ahead
A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop
5. South Dakota Guide Signs: I-90, I-29, US-14 and the Routes From Sioux Falls to the Badlands
Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.
Interstate Route Marker
Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-90, I-29)
US Route Marker
Marks US highways (e.g., US-14 Badlands, US-83 Missouri River, US-212, US-18)
State Route Marker
Identifies SD state routes (e.g., SD-79 Black Hills approach, SD-240 Badlands Loop, SD-34, SD-44)
Exit Sign (Exit Only)
Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance
Mile Marker
Indicates distance from the state line or route origin
Services Sign
Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities
Hospital Sign (H)
Indicates direction to the nearest hospital
Diesel
Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area
Park / Recreation Sign
Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas
6. South Dakota Traffic Signals: Temporary Work Zone Signals and What the SD Knowledge Test Covers
Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The SD knowledge test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. South Dakota work zones may use temporary traffic signals. when you see a warning sign showing a traffic signal symbol, stop at the white line if present.
Standard Traffic Lights
Steady Red
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.
Steady Yellow
Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.
Steady Green
Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Green Arrow (left)
You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.
Yellow Arrow (no left)
The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.
Red Arrow (no left)
Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.
Green. no left arrow
Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.
Opposing Traffic Extended Green
Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.
Flashing Signals
Flashing Red
Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing Yellow
Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.
Flashing Red Beacon
Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing Green Arrow
You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Pedestrian Signals
WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand
White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.
Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown
Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.
Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Work zone temporary traffic signal = stop at the white line. All three tested on the South Dakota knowledge exam.
7. South Dakota Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, Railroad Crossing RR Symbols and Bicycle Lane Rules
Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The SD knowledge test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including RR and X crossing markings before railroad grade crossings, and bicycle lane rules prohibiting general vehicle use.
Line Colors
Yellow lines
Separate traffic moving in opposite directions
White lines
Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road
Line Types
Broken yellow line (Single)
Passing allowed when safe on your side
Solid yellow + broken yellow
Passing allowed only on the broken-line side
Double solid yellow lines
No passing in either direction
Broken white line
Lane changes permitted when safe
Solid white line
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
Double solid white lines
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
Center Turn Lane
Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only
Center Turning Lane (sign)
Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane
Pavement Symbols & Special Markings
Arrows in lane
Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane
Stop line (wide white bar)
Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs
Stop Here on Red
Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red
Crosswalk lines
Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines
Broken white line (pavement)
Lane changes permitted when safe
Solid white line (pavement)
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
Double solid white lines (pavement)
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)
Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing
Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)
Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone
Bicycle lane marking
White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it
HOV / Carpool lane diamond
Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours
Yellow curb
No parking or stopping at any time
Red curb
No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone
White curb
Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted
Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.
8. South Dakota Work Zone Signs: Fines May Be Doubled: and There is a Specific "Fines Double" Regulatory Sign
Orange diamond and rectangular signs with black letters or symbols mark every active work zone in South Dakota. Work zone fines may be doubled. SD also uses a specific black-and-white "Fines Double" regulatory sign to designate zones where doubled fines apply. Give construction workers a "brake", reduce speed, be prepared to stop suddenly, and do not tailgate in work zones.
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert
Flagger Ahead
A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately
Workers Ahead
Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop
Active Work Zone
You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution
End of Active Work Zone
Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume
Work Zone Headlights
Headlights required in this work zone
Lane Closed Ahead
A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane
Road Closed
Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs
Orange barrels / cones
Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones
Channelizing devices (barricades)
Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas
- You must follow flagger instructions in South Dakota work zones. they direct traffic by sign or flag.
- Fines for speeding in a work zone may be doubled in South Dakota.
- The black-and-white "Fines Double" sign is a specific SD regulatory sign. recognize it and slow down immediately when you see it.
- Work zone temporary traffic signals may be used. stop at the white line when directed.
Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.
9. South Dakota Railroad Crossings: Stop Behind the Line, Check for Multi-Track and Use the DOT Crossing Number
At South Dakota railroad grade crossings, you must stop behind the stop line or before the intersection clears when a train or railroad vehicle is approaching. When lights are flashing, you must stop. SD crossings with more than one track post the number of tracks. but not all multi-track crossings have these signs, so always check. DOT crossing numbers on crossing posts let dispatchers identify exact locations. use them to report problems.
Advance Warning Sign
Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.
RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)
Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.
Railroad Crossing (at crossing)
Marks the exact railroad crossing location
Crossing Gates
Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate
Pavement markings (X + RR)
Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning
Flashing Red Lights
A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.
Stop Line
Stop behind this line before the crossing; when lights flash you must stop; check for multi-track even when signs do not warn you; report problems using the DOT crossing number on the post
- The round yellow warning sign with "X" and "RR" is the first sign before an SD railroad grade crossing. slow down, look, and listen.
- The white crossbuck X sign at the crossing means stop when a train or railroad vehicle is approaching. stop behind the stop line or before the intersection clears.
- When alternating lights flash, you must stop. At crossings with gates, never drive around them.
- SD crossings with multiple tracks may post the number of tracks. but not all do. Always check for a second train before crossing after the first passes.
- Transit buses, school buses, and hazmat vehicles must stop at all crossings. Leave extra following distance when driving behind these vehicles near crossings.
- The DOT number on crossing posts identifies the exact location for dispatchers. report any obstruction or problem at the crossing using this number.
Key test point: Stop behind the stop line when a train approaches. Not all multi-track crossings post warnings. always check. DOT crossing numbers are used to report problems. All tested on the SD knowledge exam.
10. South Dakota School Zone and School Bus Rules: Stop Required Everywhere Except Physical-Barrier Divided Highways
Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark SD school zones. Obey the slower posted speed when lights are flashing or children are present. At a school crossing with a traffic patrol officer, stop and yield if signaled. When a school bus has its red lights flashing or stop arm extended, you must stop from all directions. the only exception is when the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.
School Zone
School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed
School Speed Limit
Obey slower posted school zone speed when lights flash or children present; at crossing with patrol, stop and yield if signaled; school bus red lights = stop all directions
Speed Limit Lights Flashing
Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active
School Crossing Ahead
Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students
- In a school zone when lights are flashing or children are present, obey a slower posted speed limit. Watch for children in playground and residential areas who may run out from between parked vehicles.
- At a school crossing with a traffic patrol officer, stop and yield if signaled to do so.
- You must always stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended. from all directions.
- Exception: The roadway is separated by a physical barrier.
- After the buss red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is no longer visible, proceed slowly and watch for children.
- Children have been known to run in front of inter-city buses and other large vehicles too. apply the same caution near any stopped bus.
Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.
11. South Dakota Pedestrian and Bike Signs: Bicycles Have Same Rights as Vehicles and Get Extra Space Near Children
Pedestrians have right-of-way at crosswalks in South Dakota. Bicyclists have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators. The SD manual specifically advises giving extra space to bicyclists. especially children on bikes who may move suddenly and without warning. Do not stop, park, or drive on designated bicycle paths. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the SD knowledge exam.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing
Bicycle Crossing Sign
Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes
No Bicycles
Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path
No Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians must not cross here
- Pedestrians always have right-of-way in South Dakota crosswalks. yield before entering the crosswalk.
- Bicyclists in SD have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Yield to cyclists in intersections as you would for other vehicles.
- Give extra space to bicyclists, especially children. they can move into your path quickly and without warning.
- Yield the right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike lane intersects a road. Do not stop, park, or drive on a designated bicycle path.
- Be alert for unskillful cyclists who may swerve unpredictably. if you see one, be ready for sudden movements.
- Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.
Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.
12. How to Pass South Dakota Knowledge Test: 3 Attempts in 6 Months, the "Fines Double" Sign and Prairie-Specific Rules
- 3 attempts per 6-month period, $28 fee. You get three tries to pass within 6 months. After that. or after 3 failures. the period resets. Apply at any SD exam station or online at dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing.
- Know the "Fines Double" black-and-white sign. South Dakota uses a specific regulatory sign labeled "Fines Double", it is listed in the signs section alongside stop signs and speed limits. It is tested and specific to South Dakota.
- Work zone fines may be doubled. SD work zones can carry doubled fines. obey all posted work zone speed limits and flagger directions.
- School bus: physical barrier exception only. You must stop for a school bus from all directions. The only exception is a physical barrier separating the roadway. After the red lights stop and the arm retracts, proceed slowly and watch for children.
- Railroad crossings: always check for multi-track. Not all multi-track crossings post a warning sign in SD. always look for a second train before crossing. Stop behind the stop line when a train approaches or when lights flash.
- Orange triangle = slow-moving vehicle (under 25 mph). Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and roadway maintenance vehicles use this reflective orange triangle. Be prepared to slow down significantly when you see it.
- Bicyclists have equal road rights. They follow the same laws and have the same rights as motorists. Give extra space, especially to children on bikes who may move suddenly.
- Slow-moving vehicles at 35 mph on steep hills. Large trucks descending steep grades may travel approximately 35 mph and should use right lanes. plan your following distance accordingly.
- Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield. Work zone temp signal = stop at white line.
- Emergency vehicle rule in SD. On two-lane highways, slow to at least 20 mph less than the posted limit (or 5 mph when posted at 20 or less) when 300 feet from a stopped emergency vehicle. Violation = Class 2 misdemeanor under SDCL 32-31-6.1.
South Dakota DPS Driver License
Shoro.ai
