North Dakota Facts
The information below is updated periodically but things often change between updates. Do not rely on this information without checking with another source.
If you see an error, let us know at nma@motorists.org
Points of Interest
In late September and into October those softball sized lumps on the roads are not rocks. They are sugar beets that have fallen from trucks on their way to the refinery. However, they may feel like rocks if you hit them.
Winter travel in North Dakota (snowfall in October is not unusual) can instantly turn treacherous if strong winds build into "white out" conditions, which is not uncommon.
Speed Limits
Unless Otherwise Posted
Absolute
 |
|
| Urban | 25 mph |
| Rural | 55 mph |
| State highways | 65 mph |
| Four-lane highways | 70 mph |
| Interstates | 75 mph |
Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
|
|
|
| Pacing | Yes |
| Radar | Yes |
| Vascar | No |
| Photo Radar | No |
| Aircraft | Yes |
| Laser | Yes |
Tickets
Tickets can be paid in person and some tickets can be paid by mail.
Trial By Declaration Allowed
No
Jury Trial Allowed
|
|
|
| Speeding | No |
| Parking | No |
| Equipment | No |
| DWI | Yes |
Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes
Member of Driver License Compact
Yes
When and Where to File Accident Reports
Accidents involving death, personal injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported immediately to the local authorities.
Resident Insurance Requirements
Compulsory insurance law and financial responsibility law.
Security-type law applicable in the event of an accident.
Minimum limits: $25,000/50,000/25,000 and $25,000 medical.
No-fault insurance, unsatisfied judgement funds, and uninsured motorists insurance are required.
Regulations
- Open intoxicants are prohibited in the vehicle.
- The BAC level is .08%.
- North Dakota has an administrative license suspension law and an implied consent law. The breathalyzer refusal penalty is a 1 to 3-year driver's license revocation.
- Rifles and shotguns carried in a vehicle must be unloaded; handguns must be unloaded and may be carried openly in a belt holster during daytime hours or hidden from view if locked securely in the trunk or commercial gun case.
- Studded tires are permitted from October 1 to April 1.
- Tire chains are not required.
- North Dakota has a seat belt law with secondary enforcement for all front seat occupants.
- North Dakota has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 12 years of age. Children under age 3 must use approved car safety seats.
- North Dakota has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law for persons under 18 years of age.
- Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle.
General Information
Telephone: 701/328-2455
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: 800/472-2121