2006 Session Laws Chapter 158

An owner of a motor vehicle, who is a resident of this state, who has a valid South Dakota driver's license, and who signs an affidavit attesting to the fact that he or she is an honorably discharged veteran having served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, may apply to the secretary to receive a set of distinctive motor vehicle license plates designating the person as a veteran. If an owner of a motor vehicle falsely attests that he or she is an honorably discharged veteran having served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, the owner is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The plate may allow for additional indication of the conflict, rank, or status of the veteran. The distinctive plates shall be displayed as set forth in § 32-5-98, and the number plates shall be kept on or in the motor vehicle. The distinctive license plate shall be reflectorized and validated each year with a sticker in the same manner as a noncommercial license plate. In addition to the noncommercial license plate fees an additional fee of ten dollars shall be charged for the distinctive license plates and any renewal stickers. If it is determined that the veteran owner does not qualify for the distinctive plates or if the veteran owner dies, the plates shall be surrendered to the county treasurer of the applicant's residence. However, if the veteran owner dies, the distinctive plates may be retained by the veteran owner's family, but may not be displayed on the vehicle beyond the expiration of the plates or renewal stickers. The treasurer shall notify the secretary who shall make the necessary changes in the registration file. The noncommercial number plates shall remain with the motor vehicle to which they were issued. Failure to surrender the distinctive license plates as required by this Act is a Class 2 misdemeanor.