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South Dakota Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Conditional: South Dakota bans texting, data use, and video on a mobile device while driving, but holding the phone for a voice call is allowed (SDCL 32-26-47.1).

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Official source: sdlegislature.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering South Dakota

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IowaRestricted
Iowa bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The law took effect July 1, 2025, and citations started January 1, 2026. Iowa Code 321.276 bars holding, viewing, or manipulating a device.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
MinnesotaRestricted
Minnesota bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect August 1, 2019. Minn. Stat. 169.475 bars holding a wireless communications device with one or both hands.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
MontanaPermitted
Montana has no statewide handheld or texting ban for adult drivers — only local ordinances apply. SB 359 failed in 2025, and the Montana Department of Transportation confirms there is no statewide law.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mca.legmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
NebraskaConditional
Nebraska bans texting, reading, and typing while driving for all drivers, but holding the phone to talk is still allowed. Enforcement is secondary (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,179.01).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
North DakotaConditional
North Dakota bans texting for all drivers — you can't compose, read, or send an electronic message while driving. Holding the phone to talk is still allowed, but drivers under 18 may not use any device (N.D.C.C. 39-08-23; minors: 39-08-24).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
WyomingConditional
Wyoming bans texting only: you can't write, send, or read a text-based message while driving. Handheld calls and voice use are allowed (Wyo. Stat. 31-5-237).
Verified Jul 22, 2026 · Source: wyoleg.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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