HB 1010 South Dakota House · 2026 Regular Session

modify requirements regarding the use of a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.

HB 1010 modifies South Dakota's law banning mobile device use while driving by adding specific exceptions to the existing prohibition. It allows hands-free navigation (without manual entry), limited phone call functions (like dialing or answering), emergency communications (911 calls, reporting accidents/crimes), and handheld device use while operating agricultural equipment under 25 mph (excluding trucks). The law directly affects all drivers in South Dakota, with exemptions for first responders during emergencies and specific scenarios like navigation or agricultural work. Violations remain Class 2 misdemeanors, but the bill clarifies permitted uses to reduce unintended penalties.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 2 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Failed

Feb 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Feb 18, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → House Transportation Engrossed · 5 edits · Feb 13, 2026

MODERATE

This bill amends South Dakota's mobile electronic device use law to clarify exemptions for emergency situations and navigation systems. The changes expand when drivers can legally use their phones while driving, particularly for reporting emergencies and using GPS features, while maintaining restrictions on manual data entry.

Scope change

The bill modifies the scope of the mobile device prohibition by adding specific exceptions for emergency communications and navigation system use, making the law more nuanced about when phone use is permitted.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific emergency exceptions allowing text messaging to 911 systems and placing emergency calls to law enforcement, healthcare, fire departments, or other emergency services.

Added exceptions for reporting fires, traffic accidents, road hazards, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, reckless driving, impaired driving, and crimes to authorities.

Modified the navigation system exception to clarify that using GPS features is allowed, but manually entering information into the device is still prohibited.

Added an exception for reading, selecting, or entering phone numbers to make or receive calls, plus activating or deactivating device features.

Added an exception for voice-operated or hands-free device use when the driver's hands are not used to operate the device, except for tapping or activating features.

Floor votes · House Feb 18, 2026

How they voted

21–46

Failed · 3 other

Total votes 70

Feb 18, 2026

D Democratic5

5 Nay

100% Nay

R Republican65

21 Yea 41 Nay 3

63% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

House of Representatives Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 21, NAYS 46 H.J. 358

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Vote failed

House Vote: fail (21-46-3)

house

Feb 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

Transportation Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 2

lower

Feb 12, 2026

Introduced

Transportation Motion to amend , Passed, Amendment 1010A

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Transportation Deferred to another day , Passed, H.J. 11

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Introduced

First read in House and referred to House Transportation H.J. 15

lower

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors