North Dakota Driving Records

Think of your driving record as your personal road report card, it typically tracks your experiences behind the wheel, including traffic tickets, accidents, and license status. Beyond bureaucratic formality, it impacts real-life decisions.

In North Dakota, strict state and federal regulations safeguard drivers' personal information, clearly defining who may access complete records and under what conditions. Whether you are reviewing your own record or requesting one for official use, knowing how North Dakota's system operates is essential for staying informed and compliant with the rules of the road.

What Is a North Dakota Driving Record?

A North Dakota driving record or driver's license record maintained by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is an official document that summarizes a person's history of driving a vehicle in the state.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records

Only the NDDOT may issue official driving records in North Dakota. These records are state-certified and generally include verified information gathered from multiple official state sources.

In contrast, public driving records obtained through third-party services like RecordsFinder typically offer an informal alternative. These reports are quick to access online and may be useful for personal reference or casual background checks.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

There are many reasons why someone in North Dakota may need access to a driving record.

One of the most common reasons individuals request their own records is to verify that the information they contain is well sourced. Checking for outdated violations, incorrect points, or administrative errors may help prevent unexpected issues like license suspension or insurance complications.

Driving history reports are also frequently used in employment screenings, especially for positions that involve operating a vehicle. In North Dakota, this typically includes roles like school bus drivers, commercial truck operators, and delivery personnel.

Insurance providers also rely heavily on driver records to evaluate risk and set policy rates. Moreover, legal professionals and courts may request a record in situations involving traffic-related offenses.

Finally, driving records are useful when enrolling in defensive driving courses or beginning the process of license reinstatement. In North Dakota, eligibility for these courses depends on what's listed in your record.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

A North Dakota driver report typically contains the following information:

• Personal information
• License details
• Violations and point assessments
• Accident and crash history
• Suspensions, revocations, and cancellations
• Commercial driver details

Types of Driver Records Available in North Dakota

The NDDOT (North Dakota Department of Transportation) typically provides driver records to requestors in two formats: limited and complete.

The limited record typically provides a snapshot of a driver's current point total, excluding violations older than three years and details of any accidents. This version is easily accessible online and is typically used for quick checks or informal purposes when a detailed history is not necessary.

Individuals may request a complete driving record, also known as a state-certified abstract, for a complete and official record. This record generally includes a full history of the driver's violations, demerit points, suspensions, revocations, and accident details, regardless of the age of the information.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in North Dakota

Traffic violations in North Dakota are regulated under the state's motor vehicle laws, primarily outlined in Title 39 of the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC).

Most violations result in the issuance of traffic tickets, also known as citations, which serve as official notices of the offense. Many of these infractions may be resolved by paying a fine or posting a bond without appearing in court. However, more serious offenses are classified as criminal violations and must be addressed through the court system.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

North Dakota traffic violations fall into two main categories: moving and non-moving offenses, each governed by specific sections of the NDCC.

For example, speeding is addressed under NDCC Section 39-09-02, which prohibits driving faster than the posted limit. A speeding ticket fine starts at $100, with an additional $5 charged for every mile per hour over the speed limit beyond 45 mph.

Running a red light is another common moving violation outlined in NDCC Section 39-10-10. This law mandates a full stop at steady red traffic signals and results in a $20 fine. Stop sign violations and illegal U-turns are covered in the same chapter.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is treated much more seriously and is regulated by NDCC Section 39-08-01. A first-time DUI offense carries a minimum fine of $500, with harsher penalties, including jail time and a license suspension, if the driver's blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.16%. Repeat offenses generally lead to increased fines, longer suspensions, and other potential charges.

Non-moving violations, on the other hand, typically include issues like expired registration tags and parking infractions. An expired tag typically results in a $20 fine. Parking violations are usually governed by local ordinances, with fines around $20 and the potential for towing in some cases.

North Dakota also issues "fix-it" tickets for equipment-related problems, such as broken headlights or missing mirrors. These citations may often be dismissed if the issue is promptly corrected and proof is provided.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When issued a traffic citation in North Dakota, you are legally required to respond within 14 days, either by paying the fine or appearing in court. Ignoring this deadline may result in increased penalties, including additional fees, suspension of your driver's license, or even the issuance of a warrant.

How To Pay a Traffic Ticket

You may resolve a traffic ticket by paying the fine through one of the following methods:

• Online: Visit the North Dakota Court System's official website and use their secure payment portal. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted.
• By Mail: Send the payment and citation to the clerk of the district court in the county where the ticket was issued.
• In Person: You may pay directly at the courthouse. Be sure to check business hours and accepted payment types (typically cash, check, or card).

How To Appear in Court for a Traffic Ticket

If your traffic citation in North Dakota requires a court appearance, either because of the seriousness of the offense or because you have chosen to challenge the charge, you must indicate your intent to contest it by checking the "hearing requested" box on the citation. After submitting the form, the court will send you a notice with your scheduled hearing date and time.

When appearing in court, bring the citation and any evidence that supports your case, such as photographs, receipts, or witness statements. You will be asked to enter a plea and will have the chance to present your version of events. This may involve questioning witnesses or explaining the circumstances that led to the citation.

The judge will review all the evidence and testimony before issuing a decision.

How To Recover Lost Tickets

If you have misplaced your traffic citation or need to retrieve details about it, the following are the typical ways to access the information:

• Online: Use the North Dakota District Court's Public Access website to search for your case by name or birthdate.
• By phone or in person: Contact the clerk of court in the county where the violation occurred. Provide your name, birthdate, and estimated citation date to help staff locate your ticket.

How Does the North Dakota Point System Work?

North Dakota uses a demerit point system to track traffic violations and determine penalties for unsafe driving behaviors. Drivers accumulate points for most moving violations, with more severe offenses carrying higher point values. For example:

• Speeding: 1-15 points
• Reckless or Careless Driving: 6 points
• Failure to Report an Accident: 6 points

Some minor offenses, such as running a red light or making an illegal U-turn, may result in 0 to 2 points.

If a driver's total reaches 12 or more points, their driving privileges will be suspended for seven days for each point beyond 11. For drivers under 18, the license will be canceled after accumulating six points.

Reinstating driving privileges after a suspension may require completing a defensive driving course, paying reinstatement fees, and, in some cases, meeting additional insurance requirements. Under certain conditions, drivers may request a Temporary Restricted License (TRL) and take state-offered driver refresher courses.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History

Most traffic violations remain on a driver's complete driving record in North Dakota indefinitely, unless removed through specific legal or administrative processes. However, the limited driving record only displays violations and crash data from the past three years.

Serious offenses, such as DUI convictions, stay on your complete record permanently.

While demerit points assigned for moving violations also remain on the record indefinitely, drivers may reduce their point total over time. One point is removed for every three months without a new violation, and completing a state-approved defensive driving course once every 12 months may remove up to three points.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Traffic violations cannot be erased or expunged from an official North Dakota driving record. Once recorded, these infractions remain part of your complete driving history permanently.

While the state does allow limited expungement or sealing for certain criminal records under specific conditions, traffic-related offenses, especially non-criminal infractions like speeding or failure to yield, are not eligible for removal.

DUI offenses are also not eligible for true expungement. Although some DUI cases may be sealed under very limited circumstances, this does not erase the offense from your driving record.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

If you need to review your driving history in North Dakota, the state offers convenient options depending on your needs.

For quick, informal access, you may request a limited driving record online through the NDDOT's Driver License Record Request System. To access it, you will need to enter your name, date of birth, driver's license number, credit or debit card details, and the reason for your request.

If you require a complete or certified driving record, you will need to fill out Form SFN 51386. This form must be mailed to the Driver License Division at 608 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505‑0750. It requires basic personal information and your signature to authorize the release of your full record.

Those who prefer in-person assistance may submit their request to a local NDDOT driver licensing office. The Driver License Division staff may also help verify your information and guide you through the process over the phone at (701) 328‑2600.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in North Dakota?

North Dakota charges a flat $3 fee for any driving record request.

If you are using the online system to get a basic overview of your record, your request is processed immediately and may be printed right away. Meanwhile, the processing time for mailed or hand-delivered requests is generally between five and seven business days.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

North Dakota does not offer free access to official driving records. However, basic case details related to traffic citations may be viewed at no cost through the North Dakota Courts Public Access website. While this portal allows users to search for traffic cases by name or case number, it does not replace an official driving record and cannot be used for certified purposes.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

In North Dakota, a poor driving record typically involves a history of traffic violations, accidents, or serious offenses. These violations may result in license suspensions, revocations, additional fees, and even legal consequences.

Administrative issues, such as failing to pay fines, appearing in court, or providing proof of insurance, may also trigger further suspensions and more complex reinstatement requirements.

In addition to penalties, drivers may face higher out-of-pocket expenses, including SR-22 insurance filings, mandatory defensive driving courses, and reinstatement fees. Over time, these financial and legal consequences make a bad driving record burdensome to manage.

However, not all encounters with traffic enforcement affect your driving record. For example, parking tickets are categorized as non-moving violations and won't be reflected on your official record if resolved promptly. Likewise, warnings are informal and carry no legal or administrative weight.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A blemished driving record in North Dakota may have serious consequences on insurance rates and job prospects.

Insurance companies regularly check your driving records to assess how risky you are to insure. Even one moving violation, like a speeding ticket, may raise your premiums by 10–20%. More serious offenses may lead to a dramatic increase. A first-time DUI in North Dakota may push your annual full-coverage premium from about $2,670 to over $5,100, a nearly 94% jump.

Employers also take driving history seriously. Federal regulations require companies to review a commercial driver's driving history at the time of hire and at least once per year. If your record shows multiple violations, a suspended license, or a DUI, it could disqualify you from a job or lead to stricter oversight.

Who Can Access Your North Dakota Driving History?

Access to driving records in North Dakota is strictly regulated to safeguard personal information. Federal and state laws, including the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and NDCC Section 39-33, limit who may access these records and for what purposes. Personal data cannot be shared unless the request falls under a legal exception.

Permitted access generally includes:

• Law enforcement agencies: for investigations and legal proceedings
• Courts and government agencies: as part of their official duties
• Insurance companies: for underwriting and claims processing
• Employers: particularly those hiring drivers, to verify safety and licensing
• Licensed private investigators: for legally authorized investigations
• Toll road authorities: for enforcement or billing purposes
• Vehicle manufacturers: for recall or safety-related research and notifications

Drivers themselves may request their own driving history at any time.

FAQs About North Dakota Driving Records

Below are some key answers to common inquiries about North Dakota driving records.

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