You should always know any of the necessary rules and regulations if you are looking to ride your 4-Wheeler in South Dakota. The first of these rules is that State Park visitors must license both South Dakota and out-of-state 4-wheelers. You must also obtain a valid park entrance license to enter the parks as well. If your 4-wheeler is not licensed, or doesn't have a park entrance license, then the 4-wheeler must stay in the truck or the trailer that you brought it in. Also, every 4-wheeler has to be equipped with a functional mirror, horn, headlight, brakes, brake lights and a license plate.
All people riding on 4-wheelers must be at least 14 years of age, or possess a valid driver's license. Visitors to the park can only ride their 4-wheelers on the designated park roads in South Dakota state parks and on the recreation areas or in the state ORV/ 4-wheeler area. 4-wheeler riders are not allowed to ride their ATVs on paved trails or on beaches or shorelines. You must wear eye protection while on public/park roads unless your 4-wheeler has a sturdy windshield, and all riders under 18 must wear a helmet while in the parks.
The only exception to any of these rules is when you are riding at the Oahe Downstream ORV/ 4-wheeler area, which does not require 4-wheelers to be licensed, and doesn't require a park entrance license either. However, all other rules and regulations apply while in this area, and riding is permitted only on the designated areas that are inside the 4-wheeler area. Be aware of any and all rules and you should be in for a great 4-wheeler ride.
