North Dakota driving questions, answered
What a new driver in North Dakota asks, answered in two or three sentences from North Dakota’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
You must have your license or permit with you every time you drive, and show it when an officer asks. If you don't, you can be charged. Under North Dakota law, if you bring your valid license to the prosecutor's office within 14 days, you can't be convicted or charged court costs.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 3 · N.D.C.C. § 39-06-16 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
You can get a ticket for texting, which means writing, reading or sending a message while driving. It's a $100 fine.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 30 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
Under North Dakota law, breaking your restricted license's night limit isn't a misdemeanor, unlike its other restrictions. But the director can suspend or revoke your license for it. You're entitled to a hearing before that happens.
Sources: N.D.C.C. § 39-06-17 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
North Dakota law says that with a restricted license, you can't carry more passengers than the car's maker says it can hold.
Sources: N.D.C.C. § 39-06-17 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail any North Dakota license test, you can't retake it the same day.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 5 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're 16 or 17, you hold your instruction permit for 6 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. If you're 14 or 15, it's 12 months or until 16, whichever comes first, but never less than 6 months.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 3 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need a valid liability insurance policy in effect whenever you drive in North Dakota.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 27 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
Under North Dakota law, you must stop at the scene and stay until you've done your duties, including giving your parents' insurance carrier and policy number. If damage looks like at least $4000, or anyone is hurt, call the police right away, or it's a $50 fine. Leaving without doing this is a class B misdemeanor, and your permit can be suspended.
Sources: N.D.C.C. § 39-08-05 · N.D.C.C. § 39-08-09 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
Park at least 10 feet away from a fire hydrant.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 26 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not for texting, email or the web: North Dakota law bans reading, writing or sending messages while you're in traffic, and that includes stopped at a light. Making or taking a phone call, using GPS, or playing music isn't covered by that ban.
Sources: N.D.C.C. § 39-08-23 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under North Dakota law, speeding in a school zone costs $40 if you're 1 to 10 mph over. Past 10 mph over, you pay $1 more for each extra mph.
Sources: N.D.C.C. § 39-06.1-06 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Driving against the conditions of your instruction permit puts 2 points on your driving record.
Sources: North Dakota driver’s manual p. 4 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about North Dakota driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from North Dakota’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question