North Dakota Driving Records

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) is committed to safely moving people and goods across the state, promoting safety, superior service, and economic growth.

The department has become a leader in the state’s transportation sector, overseeing 8,500 miles of roadway and nearly 4,900 bridges. It processes over 1 million vehicle registrations and serves more than 500,000 licensed drivers annually.

Also, the department maintains and provides copies of driver’s records to individuals who request them.

Under the North Dakota Open Records Statute, the public has access to government records, including those maintained by the ND DOT. This statute defines records as any recorded information related to public business and emphasizes transparency while respecting privacy laws.

In compliance with the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), the department protects drivers' personal information and ensures that only authorized purposes and persons can request copies.

Types of Driving Records Available in North Dakota

North Dakota offers two types of driving records. Each serves different purposes and provides varying levels of detail.

Limited Driving Record

A limited driving record displays only recent information. It excludes violations or convictions older than three years, as well as any suspensions, revocations, or cancellations that have been resolved for more than three years. Additionally, it does not include any crash data. This type of record is useful for individuals who need a brief overview of their driving history.

Complete Driving Record

A complete driving record provides an entire history of the driver’s activities. This record includes all violations, convictions, suspensions, revocations, cancellations, and crash information, regardless of when they occurred.

How To Request a North Dakota Driving History Report?

Drivers can request their ND driving history report using different methods. Each request or named driver on the request costs $3, and the processing time is up to seven business days.

Below are the methods drivers can use to obtain their driving records:

Online Request

Requestors can use the official online portal to request their driving history report online. They can pay the fee with their credit or debit cards.

Note that no copies will be sent through email or any other means. Thus, requesters should have a printer ready. Upon successful payment, they can print a limited copy of their driving history. A complete copy is not available online.

Mail Request

For a complete copy of driving history, drivers or requestors must complete the Request For Driver Abstract (Form SFN 51386). Then, they must mail this form with the fee through money order or check to the following address:

Drivers License Division

608 E Boulevard Ave,

Bismarck, ND 58505

Uses of North Dakota Driving Records

Driving records can be used for various purposes depending on who requests them. Here are the people who can request them and their authorized purposes for ND driving records:

• Drivers or record holders: for personal reference, check on their existing points and other relevant information
• Employers: to assess a candidate's driving history before hiring for positions that involve operating vehicles
• Insurance companies: to determine premiums based on the driver’s history
• Courts: for legal proceedings, especially in cases involving traffic violations or accidents

Driving records cannot be used for personal investigations of unauthorized individuals or to harass individuals.

Understanding North Dakota Driving Laws

ND driving laws are designed to promote safety and accountability on the road. They ensure drivers follow legal boundaries when they operate with their vehicles.

Below are the different driving laws drivers must adhere to strictly:

General Requirements To Legally Drive in North Dakota

All drivers must obtain a driver’s license. First-time applicants need to visit the DOT in person. Moreover, they must secure an appointment before proceeding to the designated driver's license sites and bring proof of identity and residency documentation.

Drivers can renew their licenses up to 10 months before expiration without losing any time from the current license. If a license expires for more than a year, a retest is necessary.

The minimum driving age is 16, though a restricted license is available at 15. Minors under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for their permit or license. Additionally, drivers can choose to be identified as organ donors on their license from the age of 14.

In addition to a driver's license, drivers must carry proof of insurance and vehicle registration at all times.

North Dakota requires all drivers to have liability insurance, with minimum coverage amounts specified by state law. If a driver fails to provide proof of insurance during a traffic stop, they may face fines or other penalties.

Vehicle registration must be current and displayed properly on the vehicle.

Speed Limits

ND speed limits vary depending on the type of roadway.

The ND speed limit on gravel or loose dirt roads is 55 miles per hour (mph) unless otherwise posted. Paved highways with two lanes have a limit of 65 mph, and four-lane divided highways have a limit of 70 mph.

The interstate speed limit is 75 mph. The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) enforces these limits using radar, LIDAR, aircraft, and pacing methods for safety on the road.

Distracted Driving Laws

North Dakota has stringent distracted driving laws. Text messaging while driving is prohibited for all drivers, and a violation carries a $100 fine and violation points on the driver’s records. 

For drivers under 18, using any electronic communication device, including cell phones, is also banned.

Safety Laws

Seat belt use is mandatory for all occupants in a vehicle, whether in the front or back seats. Violating the seat belt law subjects an offender to a $20 citation while failing to secure a child properly results in a $25 citation and adds one point to the driver's record. These laws are strictly enforced to reduce injury risks in accidents.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

North Dakota has a zero-tolerance policy for DUI. Drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher are not allowed to drive. Drivers who are at least 21 must not drive when intoxicated. Penalties vary based on the offense.

A first offense with a BAC below 0.16% results in a $500 fine and a 91-day suspension. If BAC is 0.16% or higher, the penalties include imprisonment and a longer suspension.

A second and third offenses within seven years lead to increased fines, imprisonment, mandatory addiction evaluations, and participation in the 24/7 sobriety program.

A fourth offense and subsequent offenses within 15 years are classified as a Class C felony.

The Points System in North Dakota

North Dakota employs a points-based system to monitor and manage driving behavior. Accumulating too many points leads to the suspension or cancellation of driving privileges, with stricter rules for drivers under the age of 18.

ND Points Allocation

Points are assigned for various traffic violations, and higher points are awarded for severe offenses. Here’s a partial list of the points allocation:

• Fleeing from law enforcement: 24 points (highest)
• Leaving an accident scene that results in death or injuries: 18 points
• No proof of liability insurance: 14 points
• Aggravated reckless driving: 12 points
• Racing: 10 points
• Reckless driving: 8 points
• Overtaking a school bus: 6 points
• Driving without a license: 4 points
• Exhibition driving: 3 points
• Failing to yield right-of-way or driving on the wrong side of the road: 2 points
• Speeding with 1 to 5 mph over limit: 1 point

When an operator accumulates 12 or more points, their driving privileges are suspended, with each point over 11 resulting in an additional seven days of suspension. Drivers under 18 face cancellation of their driving privileges if they accumulate six or more points.

How To Reduce Points?

Drivers can reduce the points on their record by attending an approved defensive driving course. This course can reduce three points from their record and can be taken once every 12 months.

Points remain on an ND driving record until they are either reduced by the methods mentioned or after a certain period without further violations. These points diminish after three months of violation-free driving.

However, maintaining a clean record is essential to prevent accumulation and the resulting penalties.

Drivers with citations of five points or less may opt to take this defensive driving course instead of having points added to their record, provided they notify the court and complete the course within 30 days.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in North Dakota

In North Dakota, driving offenses are classified into criminal and civil categories.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses encompass driving activities that endanger public safety. The legal system treats these offenses seriously and can result in significant penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of driving privileges.

Criminal driving violations are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors:

Felony Driving Offenses

Felony driving offenses in North Dakota represent the most severe violations and are handled by the municipal court. These offenses are categorized into four classes with defined penalties:

• Class AA: life imprisonment without parole
• Class A: up to 20 years imprisonment with a $20,000 fine
• Class B: up to ten years imprisonment with a $20,000 fine
• Class C: up to five years imprisonment with a $10,000 fine

Examples of felony traffic violations include DUI, reckless driving resulting in death, and hit-and-run incidents.

Misdemeanor Driving Offenses

Misdemeanor driving offenses still carry significant consequences. These offenses are divided into Class A and Class B misdemeanors.

A Class A misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of $3,000, while a Class B misdemeanor may lead to 30 days in jail and a fine of $1,500.

Common misdemeanor traffic violations include speeding, driving without a valid license, and disobeying traffic signals.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses are minor infractions that do not result in imprisonment. These offenses often involve violations of local ordinances and can usually be resolved by paying fines or attending a driving school.

Common examples include unlawful parking, making an illegal U-turn, and lending a vehicle for racing on public roads.

However, repeated infractions within a year can escalate to a Class B misdemeanor, leading to harsher penalties. Habitual offenders may face consequences similar to those imposed for serious criminal offenses.

North Dakota Driving Statistics and Goals

The state monitors and analyzes driving statistics to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities. By understanding trends and implementing targeted programs, the state strives to create safer driving conditions for all road users.

ND Driving Statistics on Fatalities

In 2022, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to 31% of all fatal crashes in North Dakota. Over the past five years, 179 lives have been lost due to speed or aggressive driving.

These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges the state faces in reducing traffic-related deaths. Despite these alarming numbers, North Dakota remains committed to addressing the root causes of these incidents through enforcement and public education.

Vision Zero Goals and Programs

North Dakota's Vision Zero Plan aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the state's roads. This ambitious goal relies on individual driver responsibility and safe driving practices. 

The 2024 Vision Zero Plan builds on previous efforts and emphasizes the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel.

Programs under this plan include increased law enforcement presence, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with various road safety departments. By focusing on prevention and accountability, North Dakota seeks to move closer to achieving its zero-fatality goal.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Driving Records

Here are the common questions about North Dakota driving records:

Does Parking Violation Have Assigned Points?

Parking violations do not accumulate points on a driving record, as they are considered non-moving violations. However, these infractions can still result in fines and may lead to additional penalties depending on the severity or frequency. Although they don't directly impact a driver's record, unpaid parking fines can escalate to more serious consequences.

Is a Driving Record Considered an Open Record?

An ND driving record is considered open and available to the public. Individuals or organizations can request their driving records through the DOT as long as the request complies with state laws and DPPA principles.

Can a Driving Record Be Expunged or Sealed in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, crime-related DUI cannot be expunged or sealed. However, drivers may request expungement or sealing for civil violations. The information contained in a driving record remains accessible to authorized persons.

Can a Driver Obtain a Driving History from Third-party Providers? 

While drivers can obtain their driving history from third-party providers, the DOT does not accredit these providers. For accuracy and security, it is recommended that driving records be requested directly from the DOT.

Are Out-of-State Violations Recorded on ND Driving Record?

Out-of-state violations are recorded on driving records. Many states, including North Dakota, share traffic violation information through interstate compacts and generate a comprehensive driving history regardless of where infractions occur.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some useful references and tools for navigating ND driving records:

• List of other FAQs for all motorists: https://www.nd.gov/ndhp/frequently-asked-question
• Complete guide on taking a driving course for point reduction: https://www.ndcourts.gov/Media/Default/Legal%20Resources/Legal%20Self%20Help/Other%20Forms/Administrative-Traffic-Elect-Driving-Course.pdf 
• Motor vehicle statutes: https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39.html
• Online services for drivers: https://www.dot.nd.gov/driver/online-services-drivers 
• Driver record services and suspensions: https://www.dot.nd.gov/driver/driver-record-services-and-suspensions 

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Counties in North Dakota

• Adams
• Barnes
• Benson
• Billings
• Bottineau
• Bowman
• Burke
• Burleigh
• Cass
• Cavalier
• Dickey
• Divide
• Dunn
• Eddy
• Emmons
• Foster
• Golden Valley
• Grand Forks
• Grant
• Griggs
• Hettinger
• Kidder
• Lamoure
• Logan
• Mchenry
• Mcintosh
• Mckenzie
• Mclean
• Mercer
• Morton
• Mountrail
• Nelson
• Oliver
• Pembina
• Pierce
• Ramsey
• Ransom
• Renville
• Richland
• Rolette
• Sargent
• Sheridan
• Sioux
• Slope
• Stark
• Steele
• Stutsman
• Towner
• Traill
• Walsh
• Ward
• Wells
• Williams