Safety Laws in North Dakota

Helmet Laws

Motorcycles

Only riders 17 or younger are required to wear a helmet. Failure to do so will cost you two points on your license and $20 from your wallet.

Bicycles

There are no mandatory helmet laws for bicyclists.

Cell Phones and Texting

As of March 2011, there are no restrictions on the use of cell phones or texting while driving.

Headlight Laws

Motorcycles are required to ride with headlights on during daylight.

Unlike some other states, you are not required to turn on your car's headlights when the windshield wipers are in use.

Reporting Unsafe and/or Drunken Drivers

To report a drunk or an unsafe driver, dial *2121.

Unattended Children In Vehicles

No rule specific to leaving unattended toddlers in vehicles exists. Local and state authorities, however, can still use their own legal discretion in issuing child negligence charges. A child left alone in a car could be subjected to death from the weather; an accident due to the child climbing out of the seat; and even kidnapping. In short, it's a bad idea.

Unnattended Pets In Vehicles

There are no rules making it illegal to leave unattended pets in cars.

Child Car Seat Laws

• All kids seven or younger must ride in either a booster seat or car seat.

• Seat belts may substitute for a booster or car seat, provided your child weighs 80 pounds or more and tops 59 inches.

• Lap belts may be worn instead, provided your vehicle only has lap belts and your child weighs 40 pounds or more.

• Kids between the ages of seven and 17 must either wear a seat belt or be seated in a child restraint. This applies to both the front and back seats.

• All drivers are responsible for making sure all of their passengers 18 or younger are properly secured. If found negligent, you will be fined $25 and have one point added to your driving record.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child's height, weight and age.

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