Every North Dakota resident who operates a vehicle on the roads and highways of North Dakota must always have in their possession a valid driver's license. In the event of an accident or traffic violation, having your license on you will spare you from a web of legal hassles and suspicions.

Top Miscellaneous License Stuff

• If you reside in the state for 90 consecutive days you will upgrade to resident-status, and thus be required to obtain a North Dakota license. Out-of-state college students, tourists, and armed service members stationed in North Dakota are the exceptions to this rule.

• Any 14 or 15 year old with a driver's license (Class D) can operate a farm vehicle for the purpose of transporting farm products or supplies, as long as it is within 150 miles of his or her farm and has a gross weight under 50,000 pounds.

• Any farmer may transport hazardous materials without a hazardous materials placard provided it is within 150 miles of his or her farm.

Top Safety Tips

• Heed winter storm warnings. Because of North Dakota's predominantly flat, treeless landscape, blizzards are common during the cold months. And, once the white-outs begin, driving reduces from a skill to a guess.

• If you must drive in a winter storm, make sure your vehicle is equipped with blankets or sleeping bags, water, food, and a cell phone. Because of North Dakota's unpopulated landscape, help, should you need it, can sometimes be hours away.

• Don't let the treeless landscape fool you into thinking the land is devoid of wildlife. Pheasant are common alongside all roads, and will sometimes flutter in front of your vehicle without warning. Deer are also notorious jaywalkers, especially at night.

• Keep an alert eye out for farm vehicles, especially in the spring.

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