South Dakota Ranked ‘Least Strict’ in DUI Penalties in the Nation

First the good news: the number of accidents caused by drunk drivers has dropped considerably since the 1980's. The bad news: South Dakota ranks the most lenient in the nation when dealing with the arrest of an impaired driver.

A sobering study from WalletHub has ranked each state by the strictest to the most lenient and found that South Dakota ranks dead last in penalties for DUI arrests.

Astonishingly, after a first arrest with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more, an “ignition Interlock device” is mandatory in 24 states - but not South Dakota. In 7 states, these devices are mandatory only after a second offense. But again, not in South Dakota.

Arizona  has the longest minimum jail term for first time offenders, a minimum of 10 days. South Dakota has no minimum days in jail on first or second offense.

Would you believe that the minimum fine for a first offense is $0? Surprised? Well, believe  it or not, the minimum fine for second offense in South Dakota is still $0. Sure, there will  be a fine imposed by a judge. You might even spend the night in jail and your insurance rates will go up. But is this enough?

Apparently not.

See the rest of the statistics here and what other factors were used in the study.

Impaired drivers are still responsible for 10,000 deaths annually in the nation. Clearly more can be done to protect South Dakota families from irresponsible motorists.

source: WalletHub