SIOUX FALLS - South Dakota will divert some federal highway money to safety issues because the state falls short of national standards when it comes to drunken driving.

The state expects to receive $240 million in federal money this year for roads and bridges. About $12 million will be restricted to safety issues because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says South Dakota has substandard penalties for repeat DUI offenders and also allows restaurant diners to take home partially full bottles of wine.

State Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist tells the Argus Leader that the state doesn't make light of the federal guidelines, but prefers to do what is best for South Dakota when it comes to federal mandates.

Restricted money will go to reconfiguring hazardous curves, adding road shoulders and marking pavement.

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