Running a red light is illegal in all states and a ticket or citation for the infraction or offense may lead to a significant fine, demerit points on a driver’s license or driving record, and increased insurance premiums (upon conviction, guilty plea, or plea of no contest).

Due to limited resources many states use automated red-light cameras—also known as photo enforcement—to take a digital photograph of a vehicle (and its license plate) that violates the red light or traffic signal by entering the intersection and failing to stop after the light has turned red. The use of red-light cameras to issue traffic tickets or citations (mailed to the driver) has been controversial, with claims that it violates Constitutional rights.

Laws vary from state to state and in some states red-light cameras are a permitted enforcement tool; in some states they are prohibited; and in some states they are prohibited unless permitted by a local ordinance (city or town).

In South Dakota, running a red light is considered a traffic violation and is illegal under state law. Violators can expect to receive a citation that may result in fines, points on their driving record, and potentially higher insurance rates. As for red-light cameras, South Dakota has specific statutes that address the use of automated traffic law enforcement. According to South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) 32-30-16.1, the state does not permit the use of red-light cameras to issue citations for running red lights. This means that in South Dakota, traffic violations at intersections must be observed and enforced by a law enforcement officer rather than through automated photo enforcement. The prohibition of red-light cameras in South Dakota reflects the state's stance on the issue, which aligns with the concerns about potential constitutional rights violations and privacy issues associated with automated traffic enforcement.