SDCL § 32-9-4: Motor carriage as affected with public interest--Unusual impairment of highway.

The business of operating as a motor carrier as defined in §§ 32-9-2 and 32-9-3 upon the highways of this state is declared to be a business affected with the public interest. The rapid increase in motor carrier traffic over the highways of this state tends to subject said highways to unusual wear and impairs the said highways disproportionately to the travel thereon by the general public, necessitating compensation to the state for the maintenance, upkeep, and policing of the said highways, to the end that said highways may be maintained in the best possible condition for the convenience and use of the general public.