North Dakota Driving Laws
Updated: December, 2024
Summary of common traffic laws in North Dakota – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
Speed Limits
In North Dakota, the maximum speed limit for cars is 75 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 75 mph. Speed limits vary by state and, in some cases, county-by-county. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.
Learners Permits
North Dakota allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 14. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 12 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.
In North Dakota, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 16.
License Renewal
North Dakota requires you to renew your license every 6 years. Older drivers face additional renewal requirements:
View all Drivers License Renewal Info
Work Zones
The state of North Dakota enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Workers must be present and there must be signs idicating road work is in progress in order for Work Zone Enhancements to be enforced. In North Dakota, Work Zone Enhacements are:
Drunk Driving Laws
The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. States often enforce more strict mandatory penalties for drivers above a certain BAC. In North Dakota, driving with a BAC above 0.15% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.
Texting while Driving
Most states do not allow cellphone use while driving. In North Dakota, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Hands-free interaction with cellphones is allowed.
Texting while driving is banned in North Dakota. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In North Dakota, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.
Seat Belt Laws
North Dakota requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered secondary, which means you cannot be pulled over for violating a seatbelt law. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in North Dakota is $20.00. Seatbelt laws very by state. Many states require passengers to wear seatbelts as well.
Data Source
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Data Source
United States Department of Transportation
