Driving Offenses

A person may be convicted of reckless driving if he or she operates a vehicle in a manner that endangers people or property.

In legal terms, reckless driving is defined by the North Dakota Century Code 39-08-03. The law defines reckless driving as:

• Operating a vehicle recklessly in disregard of the rights or safety of others; or

• Without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or the property of another.

Basically, a person can be convicted of reckless driving for operating a vehicle in a manner that puts people or property in danger. This can include driving too fast for conditions or driving while distracted.

Reckless driving in North Dakota is a Class B misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $1,500, or both.

Exhibition driving & drag racing

North Dakota has a special addendum in its laws which prohibits exhibition driving like racing, speed competitions, drag races, acceleration contests, or driving that disturbs the peace (causing unnecessary engine noise or tire squeals, skids, or abrupt turns).

• The penalty for drag racing or speed contests includes a fine of $100.

• Exhibition driving penalties include a fine of $50.

Aggravated Reckless Driving

When a person is injured while a reckless driving offense occurs, the law can elevate the charge to an aggravated offense. Aggravated reckless driving charges in North Dakota are Class A misdemeanors. This crime carries a carry a maximum penalty of 360 days in jail, a fine of $3,000, or both.

There are many reasons why your license may be suspended in North Dakota. Most of these involve a criminal act, but suspending someone’s license can also be used as a punishment for repeated traffic offenses. North Dakota uses a point system where drivers get points deducted from their licenses for traffic violations. If more than 11 points are deducted, your license will be suspended.

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license can result in a Class B or Class A misdemeanor depending on how many offenses you have committed.

If it is your first, second, or third conviction of driving on a suspended license, you’ll be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. This carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail, a $1,500 fine, or both.

Four or more convictions of driving on a suspended license may result in a Class A misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 360 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

North Dakota law requires that all drivers have a valid liability insurance policy. This policy is in place to cover damage you may cause to other vehicles or property.

What happens if you have insurance but don’t have proof at the time of the traffic stop or accident?

If you have insurance on your vehicle, but don’t have proof at the time of an accident or traffic stop, you will likely be issued a warning ticket and have 20 days to show proof of insurance.

You, as the driver, will have to establish when the insurance was acquired. This means you must show that you had insurance before the time of the accident or traffic stop. You cannot purchase insurance after-the-fact and claim that you had it at the time of the incident.

Driving without insurance penalties

North Dakota classifies driving without insurance as a Class B misdemeanor. This carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

If a crash occurred, you could face a 14 point deduction on your license and be suspended from driving.