Picture your hands gripping the wheel as your phone buzzes insistently, tempting you to glance away on North Dakota’s wide-open highways. You can’t text while driving—it’s banned for all, with a $100 fine under primary enforcement—but distractions go further, hitting visual, manual, and cognitive focus. Drivers under 18 face stricter device bans. What happens if you’re cited, and how does it impact your insurance?
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
- Texting while driving — reading, typing, or sending texts, emails, or messages — is prohibited for all drivers in North Dakota and carries a $100 fine.
- Any distraction that materially impairs safe vehicle operation qualifies as distracted driving under state law (expanded effective August 1, 2017).
- Drivers under 18 are banned from using any electronic communication device while driving, with fines and license points for violations (specific penalties vary by age).
- Law enforcement uses primary enforcement and high-visibility campaigns (e.g., Put the Phone Away or Pay) to issue distracted-driving citations.
- Distracted-driving citations can raise insurance rates and serve as strong evidence of negligence in civil liability claims for crash damages.
What North Dakota Law Says About Texting and Electronic Device Use While Driving
North Dakota bans texting while driving for all drivers, including reading, typing, or sending texts, emails, or other electronic messages on handheld devices—even at stoplights—with a $100 fine.
North Dakota forbids reading, typing, or sending texts on handheld devices—$100 fine, even at stoplights.
You face texting penalties under these electronic device regulations: if you’re under 18, you’re banned from any electronic communication devices, even hands-free.
For ages 14-15, you’ll get a $20 fine plus 4 points on your record; for 16-17, it’s a $20 fine only.
Since August 1, 2017, any distraction impairing safe operation triggers a $100 citation.
How Distracted Driving Is Defined Under State Statute
North Dakota defines distracted driving under state statute as any behavior that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving, such as texting or using electronic devices.
Effective August 1, 2017, the law expanded this to include any distraction that impairs your ability to safely operate the vehicle.
If you’re distracted and commit a traffic violation, you face a $100 fine.
Statutory Distraction Definition
Although state law treats any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off driving as distracted driving, it specifically singles out text‑based electronic communications and broadly empowers officers to cite distractions that impair safe operation of a vehicle.
You should know distraction types include manual, visual, and cognitive effects, all recognized by statute. Text messaging is expressly prohibited for all drivers and carries a $100 fine.
If you’re under 18, you may not use any electronic communication device, even hands‑free. Law enforcement can issue a distracted driving citation whenever a distraction materially impairs safe vehicle operation.
Impairing Safe Operation
Distracted driving in North Dakota means any distraction that impairs your ability to safely operate a vehicle, including taking your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving. This covers visual distraction like glancing at your phone and cognitive distraction like daydreaming, both of which compromise safety. Since August 1, 2017, you’ll face a $100 fine if your distraction causes unsafe operation. Texting is banned for all drivers, even when stopped, with the same $100 penalty. Under-18 drivers can’t use any electronic devices, hands-free or not. Officers add fines if you’re distracted during other violations.
Penalties and Fines for Distracted Driving Violations
If you text while driving in North Dakota, you’ll face a $100 fine regardless of age.
You’re completely banned from using any electronic communication device—including hands-free options—if you’re under 18, with 14- and 15-year-olds also earning 4 points on their record and 16- and 17-year-olds getting a $20 fine.
Since August 1, 2017, any distraction impairing safe operation triggers a $100 fine when paired with a traffic violation.
Texting Ban Enforcement
When you’re stopped for using a phone behind the wheel in North Dakota, officers can issue a $100 citation for texting or any distraction that impairs safe operation of the vehicle, a law expanded in 2017 to cover more than just texting.
You’ll face texting penalties under primary enforcement, so an officer can stop you solely for phone use.
Younger drivers face stricter rules: under-18s can’t use electronic devices and 14–15‑year‑olds risk a $20 fine plus 4 points on their record.
Distracted driving is negligent behavior, can raise insurance rates, and may lead to civil liability.
Youth Device Penalties
North Dakota strictly prohibits drivers under 18 from using any electronic communication devices while driving, including hands-free options.
You must follow strict device restrictions: 14- and 15-year-olds face a $20 fine plus 4 points on their driving record for violations, while 16- and 17-year-olds receive a $20 fine without points.
The broader distracted driving law applies to all drivers and carries a $100 fine for any distraction that impairs safe operation.
Repeat offenses can increase fines and penalties, so you should treat youth penalties seriously and avoid distracted driving to protect your license and safety.
Restrictions and Rules for Drivers Under 18
Because drivers under 18 face stricter rules, you’re completely prohibited from using any electronic communication device while driving — including hands‑free options — with limited exceptions for emergencies and contacting law enforcement. You must also avoid texting at any time, even when stopped, and follow distracted‑driving rules that can trigger a $100 citation for any distraction that impairs safe vehicle operation. Youth education and safe driving should guide your choices. Penalties: 14–15 year olds: $20 fine + 4 points; 16–17 year olds: $20 fine, no points.
| Age group | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 14–15 | $20 + 4 points |
| 16–17 | $20 only |
| All ages | Texting banned; $100 if distraction causes violation |
Common Examples and Types of Driving Distractions
Although you may not realize it, most distractions fall into three clear types—manual (taking your hands off the wheel), visual (taking your eyes off the road), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving)—and common examples like texting, dialing a phone or programming a GPS, eating or drinking, talking with passengers, and adjusting controls often combine two or more types at once, greatly increasing crash risk.
You should treat texting as especially dangerous because it mixes manual, visual, and cognitive distractions and raises crash risk dramatically.
Avoid multitasking; plan routes, secure devices, and postpone eating or conversations while driving.
Steps to Take After a Crash Involving a Distracted Driver
If you’re involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver, stay at the scene and wait for law enforcement to document the incident.
Call 911 immediately if anyone’s critically injured. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers, but don’t admit fault.
Handle the crash aftermath with thorough accident documentation: photograph vehicles and the scene, and get witnesses’ contact details.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly for coverage and support. These steps protect your rights and guarantee proper handling.
How Distracted Driving Enforcement and Public Campaigns Work
Effective distracted driving enforcement in North Dakota combines targeted policing with public education to reduce risky behavior and crashes.
You encounter primary enforcement for texting, where officers stop and ticket you solely for it, alongside expanded laws covering any impairment to safe driving—netting a $100 fine.
Enforcement strategies like “Put the Phone Away or Pay” issued 665 citations in one campaign, deterring violations.
Agencies prioritize public engagement through awareness campaigns and community events, though studies note limited behavior change.
Under-18 drivers face $20 fines plus points; you’re 18-plus, it’s $100 flat.
How Distracted Driving Affects Civil Liability and Insurance Claims
When enforcement and public campaigns catch a distracted driver, the legal consequences often extend beyond the $100 citation and into civil and insurance domains because North Dakota treats distracted driving as negligent conduct that can establish fault in a lawsuit or claim.
You can face civil liability for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if your distraction causes injury, and that $100 citation is powerful evidence of negligence in civil litigation.
Insurance claims may also reflect higher premiums—often around a few hundred dollars annually—so documenting multiple distractions and collecting thorough evidence is essential to proving fault.
Resources and Contact Information for Legal Help and Traffic Safety Programs
Because distracted driving can create both criminal citations and costly civil claims, you should know where to get legal help and safety resources in North Dakota.
Because distracted driving can trigger criminal citations and costly civil claims, know where to get help.
You can contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation for traffic programs and safety guidance at 701-328-2500 or visit 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND.
For legal resources after an incident, firms such as Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. handle distracted driving claims and can advise on liability and damages.
North Dakota law imposes a $100 texting fine and additional penalties for drivers under 18, and officers may add fines when distraction contributes to other violations.
State-by-State Distracted Driving Laws: Texting Bans, Handheld Rules & Penalties
| Alabama | Texting and handheld phone use banned for all drivers; primary enforcement with fines for violations. |
| Alaska | Handheld phone use prohibited for all drivers; texting is banned; escalating fines apply. |
| Arizona | Texting while driving is banned; handheld phone use discouraged with primary enforcement and penalties. |
| Arkansas | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use restricted with fines and points on license. |
| California | Strict texting and handheld phone ban for all drivers; hands-free required with significant fines. |
| Colorado | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld phone use restricted; fines for primary enforcement. |
| Connecticut | Texting ban and handheld phone restrictions; primary enforcement with tiered fines. |
| Delaware | Texting and handheld phone use banned for all drivers; hands-free recommended with penalties. |
| Florida | No texting while driving; handheld phone use restricted in school/zones; fines apply for violations. |
| Georgia | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone restrictions with secondary enforcement and fines. |
| Hawaii | Statewide texting ban; handheld use restrictions; hands-free strongly advised with penalties. |
| Idaho | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld phone use discouraged with fines and points. |
| Illinois | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use limited; primary enforcement rights granted to police. |
| Indiana | Texting and handheld phone restrictions in place; fines and possible license points apply. |
| Iowa | Texting ban for all drivers; handheld phone use restricted; enforcement with financial penalties. |
| Kansas | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited for novice drivers; restrictions and fines apply. |
| Kentucky | Texting ban and restrictions on handheld devices for all drivers; penalties and points apply. |
| Louisiana | Texting prohibited; limited handheld use restrictions; fines and ticketing enforced. |
| Maine | Texting and handheld phone bans in place; primary enforcement with fines and points. |
| Maryland | Statewide texting ban; handheld phone use restricted; graduated fines for violations. |
| Massachusetts | Texting and handheld restrictions; primary enforcement with escalating penalties. |
| Michigan | Texting while driving banned; handheld use discouraged; fines and potential points apply. |
| Minnesota | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; hands-free preferred with fines for violations. |
| Mississippi | Texting ban and phone restrictions; enforcement with fines and possible points. |
| Missouri | Texting disallowed; handheld phone restrictions; fines and citations follow violation. |
| Montana | Texting while driving prohibited; handheld use limitations enforced with penalties. |
| Nebraska | Texting ban in effect; handheld phone restrictions apply with graduated fines. |
| Nevada | Texting and handheld phone use banned; hands-free strongly recommended with penalties. |
| New Hampshire | Texting prohibited; handheld phone use discouraged; enforcement with fines and tickets. |
| New Jersey | Texting and handheld phone use banned; primary enforcement; significant penalties apply. |
| New Mexico | Texting ban and restrictions on handheld device use; fines and enforcement in effect. |
| New York | Strict texting and handheld phone bans; primary enforcement; high penalties for violations. |
| North Carolina | Texting and handheld use prohibited; enforcement leads to fines and possible license actions. |
| Ohio | Texting and handheld phone bans; handheld use restricted; fines and points apply. |
| Oklahoma | Texting prohibited; some handheld phone use restrictions; citations and fines enforced. |
| Oregon | Texting ban and handheld phone restrictions; primary enforcement and fines apply. |
| Pennsylvania | Texting and handheld use banned; hands-free preferred with penalties for violations. |
| Rhode Island | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; primary enforcement with fines. |
| South Carolina | Texting ban in effect; handheld phone use restricted with fines and enforcement. |
| South Dakota | Texting while driving banned; handheld phone rules enforced with penalties. |
| Tennessee | Texting and handheld limits in place; fines assessed for violations. |
| Texas | Texting ban; handheld phone restrictions; citations and fines for distracted driving violations. |
| Utah | Texting prohibited; handheld phone use restricted; enforcement includes fines. |
| Vermont | Texting ban and handheld phone limitations; fines apply for violations. |
| Virginia | Texting and handheld phone use prohibited; hands-free preferred with fines for violations. |
| Washington | Strict texting ban; handheld phone restrictions; high enforcement and fines. |
| West Virginia | Texting prohibited; handheld use restrictions; penalties enforced with fines. |
| Wisconsin | Texting and handheld phone bans; enforcement with fines and possible license points. |
| Wyoming | Texting ban in place; handheld phone use restricted; citations issued for violations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the New Distracted Driving Law in North Dakota?
In one September enforcement, North Dakotan cops cited 665 drivers for distracted driving. You face legal consequences like a $100 fine if you’re distracted driving during violations; texting’s banned anytime, under-18s can’t use devices.
Is North Dakota a Zero Tolerance State?
No, North Dakota isn’t a zero tolerance state for distracted driving. You’ll face driving penalties like a $100 fine for texting, with stricter enforcement policies for minors and added fines during other violations.
What Is the Sunshine Law in North Dakota?
You’re covered: North Dakota’s sunshine provisions require public meetings and records to allow public access, mandate advance notice and agendas, and permit citizens to request records, with narrow statutory exemptions and enforcement remedies for violations.
What Is the New Phone Law in North Dakota?
The new phone law bans texting while driving and limits phone usage to hands-free methods to promote driving safety; violations carry a $100 fine, and drivers under 18 are completely prohibited from using electronic devices.
Conclusion
You obey North Dakota’s strict distracted driving laws by avoiding texting and device use, especially if you’re under 18, to dodge $100 fines and primary enforcement. Distracted driving impairs your focus—visual, manual, or cognitive—raising crash risks and insurance hikes. In one campaign, enforcement cited 367 drivers for it amid 665 total stops, proving it’s rampant yet preventable if you stay alert.
