PIERRE, S.D. — In South Dakota, a change in legislation is being hailed for a drop in overweight load violations.

Up to a 50 per cent increase in penalties for driving overloaded has contributed to a drop in infraction for the fiscal year 2001.

The number of tickets written for loads exceeding weight thresholds by a minimum of 5,000 lb has declined by 30 per cent compared to figures from the previous year.