South Dakota is gun friendly. If you are traveling from state to state and carrying, you need to know the situation in each state you are entering or you could get into trouble. For certain states or if you have any doubt at all, keeping moving through the state (reference the McClure-Volkmer Act to only stop for gas and emergencies) towards your final destination state. Your destination state must have acceptable laws for your stay. We make some generalities with our color map here for ease of use so you should always look up the current details of the laws. Handgun laws are where it usually varies the most. This is a controversial issue but which ever side you are on, it is better to have informed people out there. You can also download an easy to print version with all states and details.
South Dakota Gun Law Travel Guide Basics
Ownership: unrestricted, no permit or license necessary
Consistency of laws: uniform throughout state
Self-defense: castle doctrine
Open carry: unrestricted in most areas
Concealed carry: shall issue state, permits accepted from other states
Vehicle carry handguns: loaded in plain view or unloaded in closed compartments
Vehicle carry long guns: loaded in plain view or closed compartments
Official source information
South Dakota State Home Page
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