Skip to main content
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

North Dakota DUI Laws

Whether you've had a day of concert-going and beers in Fargo, or you've had too many cocktails after an evening of poker at a local gaming casino, if you've been drinking alcohol and decide to drive, you could be in violation of North Dakota's driving under the influence (DUI) laws. Police officers in North Dakota are looking for several factors to determine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol before pulling you over. Law enforcement typically looks for weaving within our outside your lane, speeding or driving too slow, driving in the wrong lane, driving without your headlights, and more. Read on as FindLaw takes you through the highlights of DUI laws in the Peace Garden State.

Drinking and Driving, Don't Do It

Even if you think you've "only had a little," drinking and driving never mix. In North Dakota, you can be in violation of the law if you are either driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and/or are driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more in your system. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every day, 28 people in the U.S. die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Your best bet is to always have a designated driver or call a taxi or ride share service.

North Dakota Zero Tolerance Laws

In North Dakota, the legal age to drink alcohol is 21 years of age. The law doesn't make exceptions, no matter how innocent you think your drinking may be. If you are under 21 and you are caught drinking alcohol and driving, you are considered legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.02 percent or more at the time of driving. That is basically one drink. And if you are under 18 years of age, the penalties are even higher.

This chart lays out the basics of North Dakota's DUI laws:

North Dakota DUI Laws: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent

"Per Se" BAC Limit 0.08 Percent
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit 0.02 Percent
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit 0.18 Percent
Implied Consent to Submit to BAC Test? Yes
 

North Dakota DUI Laws: Select Penalties

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense) 91 to 180 days, 1 or 2 years, 2 to 3 years
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment Assessment & Treatment
Vehicle Confiscation Possible? Yes (2nd offense)
Ignition Interlock Device Possible? Yes

North Dakota DUI Resources:

Don't Face DUI Charges Alone: Contact a North Dakota DUI Attorney

If you're concerned about what a DUI conviction could mean for your driving record, criminal record, and reputation, consider contacting a qualified DUI attorney to learn more about your case. A DUI attorney in your jurisdiction will be able to review the evidence against you and help you decide the best course of action.

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified DUI attorney to make sure your rights are protected.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Help Me Find a Do-It-Yourself Solution

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex DUI situations usually require a lawyer
  • DUI defense attorneys can challenge Breathalyzer/Intoxilyzer or blood test results
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate DUI penalties
  • A lawyer can help get your license back

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

 

 If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options