South Dakota Firearm Vehicle Carry and Permitless Rules

Under SDCL 22-14-9 and SDCL 23-7-7, any person 18 or older who may legally possess a firearm may transport a loaded handgun in a private motor vehicle, openly or concealed, without a concealed pistol permit. Long guns must generally be cased or unloaded only in specific contexts such as motor vehicle hunting under SDCL 41-8-13, but ordinary travel with a loaded rifle or shotgun is not prohibited statewide for lawful possessors. State firearm preemption under SDCL 7-18A-36, SDCL 8-5-13, and SDCL 9-19-20 prevents counties, townships, and cities from imposing stricter vehicle-carry rules. Carry into school zones, courthouses, and licensed drinking establishments remains barred regardless of vehicle context.

Carrying a firearm in a vehicle while disqualified is a Class 1 misdemeanor; carrying into prohibited places like schools or courthouses can be a Class 1 misdemeanor or higher under SDCL 13-32-7.