Police & The Sturgis Rally
Heavy police presence in Sturgis and on the highways is why so many stolen motorcycles are recovered and why there are so few alcohol-related traffic deaths.
You'll start seeing an intense police presence as soon as you hit the South Dakota state line. You'll realize when you get to Sturgis that you've never seen this many police anywhere in the world.
The following tips are offered to help you have an uninterrupted vacation:
- Don't drink and drive. That's why we started a biker campground in the first place - so you can party safely. Crash for night at your campground and not on the highway..
- Make certain you have photo identification with you.
- Make certain all the lights and safety devices are properly functioning on your vehicle.
- Inspect your bike before you come to SD, especially if you've purchased an older bike and you know it has pieces of other motorcycles on it. There will be motorcycle theft specialists here from all over the continent who will walk around the towns' streets and inspect serial numbers. The law requires them to seize any motorcycle which has parts with inconsistent numbers or if the serial numbers look like they've been altered. If you have such a bike, either ride a different bike or be certain to bring along written documentation to prove the legality of the inconsistent or altered-looking numbers.
- Do not, if you're driving a 4-wheeled vehicle, hang anything from the mirror. Not even a crucifix or a thread.
- Check SD law if you've any questionable equipment, like radically extended handle bars.
- Let us know if you've a question or suggestion. creekside@sturgisweb.com
Creekside Campground is not within the City of Sturgis. Therefore the Sturgis municipal ordinances do not apply at the campground. The following information is provided so you'll know what Sturgis expects when you are in town.
This information has been gathered from the
City Ordinances
|
State Laws
| State Law | SDCL | Bond Amt (1997) |
| Cancelled License | #32-12-65(3) | $100.00 |
| Violation of Restricted License | #32-12-74 | $50.00 |
| Revoked Drivers License | #32-12-65(1) | Custody Arrest |
| Furnish Alcohol to Minor | #35-9-1.1 | $100.00 |
| Open Container in Motor Veh | #35-1-9.1 | $75.00 |
Notice: The Sturgis Police Department has "zero" tolerance on all Drug Arrests no matter how small and will not relax charges on any violations of the following laws...
| Possess of Controlled Substance | #22-42-5 | Custody Arrest |
| Possess of Drug Paraphernalia | #22-42A-3 | $100.00 |
| Possess of Marijuana | #22-42-6 | Custody Arrest |
| Possess of Substances for High Abuse (Distribution): |
#22-42-2 | Custody Arrest |
Juvenile Laws
| Underage Alcohol Poss/Consump | #35-9-2 | $75.00 |
| (Continued) in Motor Vehicle | #32-12-52.4 | Court Appearance Req. |
| Underage Purchase of Cigarettes | #34-46-2 | $50.00 |
Motorcycle Laws
| State Law | SDCL | Bond Amt (1997) |
| Carrying Loaded or Uncased Gun | #32-20-6.6 | $75.00 |
| Cyclists Overtaking in Same Ln | #32-20-9.2 | $75.00 |
| Eye Protection Required | #32-20-4.1 | $20.00 |
| Helmet Required (under age 18) | #32-20-4 | $50.00 |
| Illegal Handlebar Height | #32-20-5 | $20.00 |
| Operation W/O Motorcycle Endorse | #32-20-2 | $75.00 |