A person’s driving record—also known as a motor vehicle report (MVR)—will include any DUI/DWI convictions, driver’s license suspensions or revocations, motor vehicle accidents, and traffic violations. A person’s driving record is analogous to a credit report when seeking a loan and is generally used by automobile insurance companies to determine a driver’s insurance rate or cost.

A DUI/DWI conviction, driver's license suspension or revocation, or related accident or traffic violation may significantly increase a driver's insurance rate—and two or more DUI/DWI convictions may make it difficult for a driver to acquire the insurance necessary to operate a vehicle.

In South Dakota, a person's driving record, or motor vehicle report (MVR), is a comprehensive document that records various aspects of their driving history. This includes DUI/DWI convictions, driver's license suspensions or revocations, motor vehicle accidents, and traffic violations. Similar to a credit report's role in loan approval processes, a driving record is used by auto insurance companies to assess the risk associated with insuring a driver, which in turn influences the insurance rates or costs. A DUI/DWI conviction can lead to a significant increase in insurance premiums, and having multiple DUI/DWI convictions can further exacerbate the situation, potentially making it challenging for the driver to obtain the necessary insurance to legally operate a vehicle in the state. South Dakota law requires that these incidents are recorded on an individual's driving record, which insurance companies can access to evaluate risk and set insurance rates accordingly.