A traffic ticket in North Dakota (assuming you don’t beat the ticket in traffic court) will typically lead to a fine and demerit points being assessed to the motorist’s driving record. In some instances, a traffic ticket can also lead to license suspension or jail time.
Below you’ll find the fines, points, and other consequences for some of the most common traffic violations in North Dakota. However, specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
What are the Fines & Points for Arkansas Speeding Tickets?
The penalties for speeding tickets in North Dakota depend on the driver's speed and the type of speed limit the driver is accused of violating.
North Dakota's Two Types of Speed Limits
North Dakota has two types of speed limits: basic and absolute. The basic speed limit prohibits driving faster than is “reasonable and prudent” given the current conditions. In other words, you must always drive a safe speed, taking into account potential hazards like traffic, weather, and the like. Absolute limits are simply the maximum speeds (which are usually posted) that a motorist can drive on a roadway. (N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-09-02 (2024); N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-09-01 (2024).)
Penalties for Speeding Tickets in North Dakota
Basic speed law violation:
- Fine - $30
- Points - 6
1 to 5 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $5
- Points - 0
6 to 10 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $5 plus $1 for each mile per hour in excess of 5 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 0
11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $10 plus $1 for each mile per hour in excess of 10 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 1
16 to 20 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $15 plus $3 for each mile per hour in excess of 15 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 3
21 to 25 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $25 plus $3 for each mile per hour in excess of 20 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 5
26 to 35 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $40 plus $3 for each mile per hour in excess of 25 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 9
36 to 45 miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $70 plus $3 for each mile per hour in excess of 35 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 12
46 or more miles per hour over the limit:
- Fine - $100 plus $5 for each mile per hour in excess of 45 miles per hour over the limit.
- Points - 15
1 to 10 miles per hour over a limit of more than 55 miles per hour:
- Fine - $2 for each mile per hour over the limit
- Points - 0 or 1
11 or more miles per hour over a limit of more than 55 miles per hour:
- Fine - $20 plus $5 for each mile per hour exceeding 10 miles per hour over the limit
- Points - 3 to 15
The fines are typically higher for violations in school and construction zones. (N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-06.1-06 (2024).); N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-06.1-10 (2024).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in North Dakota?
Running a stop sign or red light in North Dakota will result in a modest fine and several driver's license points.
North Dakota's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked stop line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. In North Dakota, making a right turn at a red light is permitted provided there’s no sign at the intersection explicitly prohibiting it. (N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-10-05 (2024); N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-10-44 (2024).)
Penalties for Stop Sign and Red Light Violations in North Dakota
Stop Sign Violation:
- Fine - $40
- Points - 2
Red Light Violation:
- Fine - $20
- Points - 2
(N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-06.1-06 (2024); N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-06.1-10 (2024).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Distracted Driving in North Dakota?
North Dakota's distracted driving penalties depend on the driver's age.
North Dakota's Texting and Cell Phone Rules for Drivers
In North Dakota, all motorists are prohibited from text messaging while driving. And drivers who are under the age of 18 are prohibited from texting and talking on a cell phone while operating a vehicle. (N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-08-23 (2024); N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-08-24 (2024).)
North Dakota's Distracted Driving Penalties
Underage Distracted Driving:
- Fine - $20
- Points - 4 if violator under 16 years old
Standard Texting Violation:
- Fine - $100
- Points - 0
(N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-06.1-06 (2024); N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 39-06.1-10 (2024).)