SDCL § 32-22-24: Reduced load maximums from February fifteenth to April thirtieth--Extension of period--Changing restrictions--Overweight permits--Violation as misdemeanor.

The maximum axle and axle group loadings as set forth in § 32-22-16 shall be reduced during the period of each year from February fifteenth to April thirtieth, inclusive. The proper highway authority, responsible for maintenance of the highways, shall set reduced load limits during this period and may increase, lessen, or remove these restrictions if highway conditions warrant. That authority may be exercised without formal resolution if the highway authority erects or causes to be erected and maintained signs designating the restrictions. If highway and climatic conditions warrant, the proper highway authority may extend the time period mentioned in this section by ordinance or resolution. Nothing in this requirement, however, removes or interferes with the proper highway authority imposing restrictions as set forth in §§ 32-14-6, 32-14-7, and 32-22-25. Moreover, during the time period mentioned in this section the transportation commission may, pursuant to § 32-22-42, allow the issuance of overweight permits to heavier vehicles to permit such vehicles to be operated on those highways which the commission designates as capable of handling heavier loads. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.