South Dakota statutes & regulations

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Authorization over Sensitive Facilities (SDCL 50-15-3)Effective: 7/1/2017

No person may operate a drone over the grounds of any prison, correctional, juvenile detention, or military facility without express authorization; violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Prohibited Delivery of Contraband (SDCL 50-15-4)Effective: 7/1/2017

Using a drone to deliver contraband or controlled substances to a prison or correctional facility is a Class 6 felony.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Careless Operation or Harassment (SDCL 50-15-5.1)Effective: 7/1/2017

Prohibits operating a drone in a careless manner or for voyeuristic/harassment purposes; violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

FAA Compliance Requirement (SDCL 50-15-2)Effective: 7/1/2017

Any operation of a drone in the state must comply with all applicable FAA regulations; drones operated by the U.S. Armed Forces are exempt.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Exemption from Registration (SDCL 50-11-9.1)Effective: 7/1/2017

Exempts UAS weighing less than 55 pounds from state aircraft-registration requirements.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Trespass; Affirmative Defense (SDCL 50-15-6)Effective: 7/1/2017

Defines drone trespass and provides affirmative defenses (e.g. forced landings); violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025

Eavesdropping & Privacy Violation (SDCL 50-15-5)Effective: 7/1/2017

Prohibits using a drone for eavesdropping or other privacy invasions—such as observing, photographing, or recording someone in a private place without consent; violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Contributed by: FPV Fish

Last edit: 6/18/2025