North Dakota Driver's Handbook 2026

8 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual Revised 2 023 REGISTERING YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE North Dakota law requires that a motor ve- hicle be registered immediately in North Da- kota, when the owner or operator becomes a resident of the state or becomes gainfully employed in this state. Two registration options are available: 1. Obtain a North Dakota title and purchase a vehicle license valid through the end of the registration period. We recommend this option if your present registration will expire during the time you expect to be in North Dakota. All vehicles must have liabil- ity insurance. Vehicle owners shall not per- mit a vehicle to be driven without a policy of liability insurance. As a driver, you should be sure that the vehicle you are driving is properly insured. 2. Purchase a temporary registration permit if the vehicle license from another state is still current and if you plan to be in North Dakota only a short time. The permits are available for six months or 12 months; a $10 service fee is charged in addition to the registration fee each time a permit is purchased or renewed. The vehicle regis- tration card must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Contact the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division at (701) 328-2725 for all vehicle questions. CLASSES OF LICENSES North Dakota has five classes of operator’s licenses. Each class requires its own written exam and a demonstration of driving skill for that class of license. This manual prepares you for the Class D License only. Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, provided the vehicle be- ing towed has a GVWR or gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is great- er. (May also operate Class B, C, and D vehicle groups, but not a Class M, unless endorsed.) Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater. May tow a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds. (May also operate Class C and D vehicle groups, but not Class M, unless endorsed.) Class C: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver or is transporting hazardous materials under 49 CFR Part 172 (placarded material) and 42 CFR part 73. May tow a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds. (May also operated a Class D vehicle, but not a Class M, unless endorsed). Class D: Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR may tow trailers not over 10,000 pounds GVWR. NOTE: Must be 18 years of age or under farm exemption if combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Trucks towing trailers over 10,000 pounds, provided the combined weight does not exceed 26,000 gross combination weight rating. Not valid for Class A, B, C, or M, unless endorsed. An emergency vehicle, RV, camper, vehicle driven by active duty member for military pur- poses, or a vehicle towing a travel trailer be- ing used solely for personal purposes may be driven with a Class D license. The following may also be operated on a Class D License (farm exemption): 1. Age 15 may drive a farm vehicle within 150 miles of driver’s farm, having a gross weight of not more than 50,000 pounds, when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies. 2. Any two-axle, tandem axle, or triple axle, or truck-tractor farm vehicle controlled and op- erated by a farmer transporting agricultural products, farm machines, or farm supplies to or from a farm within 150 miles of the per- son’s farm. Farm vehicle may tow a trailer, semi-trailer, or farm trailer except double or triple trailers, or if under 18 years of age, a truck-tractor. 3. Any farm vehicle operated by a farmer may 9 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual R evised 2 023 transport hazardous material within 150 miles of the farm without a hazardous mate- rial endorsement on the operator’s license. 4. Covered Farm Vehicles may also be oper- ated on a Class D License. These are ve- hicles used for farm or ranch purposes that display either farm registration plates or are identified by a designation that clear- ly identifies the vehicle as a farm vehicle (in North Dakota, form SFN 60860 avail- able on our website at www.dot.nd.gov). A covered farm vehicle with a Gross Ve- hicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), whichever is greater, of 26,001 pounds or less may be operated anywhere in the United States. A covered farm vehicle with a GVW or GVWR, whichever is greater, of more than 26,001 pounds may be operated within the state where it is registered, or if travelling outside of the state, within 150 air miles of the owner or operator’s farm or ranch. Class M: Any two- or three-wheeled motor- cycle. SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND ROAD MARKINGS SIGNS We use three basic kinds of signs on our streets and highways: Regulatory signs, Warning signs, and Guide signs. Some, but not all, of the signs you will see are shown here. REGULATORY SIGNS Regulatory signs control and regulate traffic. They give mandatory instructions to the driver. Most are white with black letters or red with white letters. The Stop sign is the only eight- sided sign. The Stop sign tells you that you must come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk area. If there is no stop line or crosswalk, stop as near as possible be- fore the intersection where you can safely see traffic approach- ing from all directions. The Yield sign means that you must yield the right of way. The sign tells you to slow down and stop if necessary so you can yield the right of way. The Speed Limit sign is an ex- ample of a regulatory sign showing the maximum speed permitted under ideal condi- tions. These signs will normally be found on the right-hand side of streets and highways. The One Way sign tells you that traffic on that particular road flows in the direction of the ar- row only. 10 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 The Wrong Way sign tells you that you are go- ing the wrong way on a street, freeway, or ramp. The Do Not Enter sign pro- hibits the driver from enter- ing a restricted road section. Some regulatory signs prohibit certain ac- tions. These signs are square with black let- tering on a white background. A red circle with a red slash indicates the action that is forbid- den. (Above signs are: No U-turn, No right turn, No trucks, No left turn.) Some states use the yellow pennant-shaped warning sign in addition to the rectangle “Do Not Pass.” The rectangular “Do Not Pass” sign is placed on the right side of the road while the pennant-shaped sign is found on the left-hand side. This sign prohibits a right turn on a red light at selected intersections. Some inter- sections display this sign electronically. Two-way Left Turn Only signs are used when a lane in the center of the roadway is to be used only by left turning ve- hicles in either direction. The center lane is not intended to be used for passing or over- taking. These signs tell you how to interpret traffic signals when you want to make a left turn. Pay close attention to the message on each one to make the turn safely. 11 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 WARNING SIGNS Warning signs are used to warn you of poten- tially hazardous conditions ahead so that you will proceed with extra caution. These signs are yellow with a black legend. These warning signs indicate curves or turns in the road. They give you time to reduce your speed before you enter the curve or turn. They are often supplemented with an advi- sory speed sign showing the maximum rec- ommended speed to negotiate the curve or turn. These signs warn you of a reduction in the number of traffic lanes ahead. Be sure to move safely into the proper lane. Merge left. The roadway will gain an ad- ditional lane of traffic. New traffic will not have to merge. The median or divided high- way ends. The median or divided high- way begins and the traffic is separated. The road has two-way traffic. Traffic may be moving into your lane from the right side. These warning signs indicate intersections on the road. Be aware of vehicles entering the flow of traffic. 12 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 The Railroad Advance Warning sign is round with black lettering on a yellow background. The sign in- dicates that you are near- ing a railroad crossing. You should slow down so that you can safely stop if a train is coming. Slow-moving vehicle signs are shaped like a triangle. They are orange with a red, reflec- tive border. This sign is mounted on the rear of vehicles or equipment be- ing towed at a speed of 25 miles per hour or less. Slow down and use cau- tion. Pedestrian Signs May be fluorescent yellow-green or standard yellow in color. Watch out for pedestrians crossing the road. (Pedestrian crosswalk.) School Signs May be fluorescent yellow-green or standard yellow in color. This sign tells you a school or a marked school crossing is ahead. (School ahead.) This sign warns you of a crosswalk for school children. (School crosswalk. Special Warning Signs or or Yield Ahead Bump in the road ahead. Slow down to avoid loss of control. Traffic Signal Ahead Deer Crossing Watch for bicyclists when you see this sign. Slow down because this road is slippery when wet. 13 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 CHANNELIZING DEVICES Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubes are the most commonly used de- vices to alert drivers of conditions in highway and street work areas and to guide drivers safely through the work zone. The diagonal stripes on the barricade or verti- cal panel guide the driver towards the direc- tion to which traffic is to pass. Stripes sloping downward to the right mean the driver should- keep to the right. Conversely, stripes sloping downward to the left mean keep to the left. FLASHING ARROW PANELS Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in work zones both day and night to direct drivers into certain traffic lanes and to inform them that part of the road or street ahead of them is closed. The arrow panel may also be used in a caution mode. Pass to the Left Pass to the Right Barricade Panel Guide Guide Caution CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE DEVICES Special signs and traffic control devices are used in highway work zones. Most signs in work areas are diamond shaped. A few signs are rectangular. These signs are orange with a black legend. You may also see electronic signs that display changing messages. Slow down through construction and maintenance zones! Failure to comply with work zone speed limits carries an $80 minimum fee when work is in progress and workers are present. 14 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 FLAGPERSONS Flagpersons are often provided in highway and street work zones to stop, slow, or guide traffic safely through the area. Flagpersons wear orange, yellow, strong yellow-green, or fluorescent vests, shirts, or jackets and use red flags or stop/slow paddles to direct traffic through work zones. WORK ZONE SAFETY TIPS • Pay attention. Work Zones contain many hazards such as uneven pavement, narrow lanes, heavy equipment, and loose gravel. • Slow down. Most crashes in the summer months are related to excessive speeds. Remember, workers are just inches away from traffic. • Watch for signs. Over 25,000 serious in- juries occur nationally in work zones each year. See Orange signs. • 98 percent of Work Zone fatalities are trav- elers. Motorists and passengers suffer most of the traffic casualties in work zones. • Work Zones can appear at any time of day. Road crews work both night and day. Watch where you are going, especially at night. GUIDE SIGNS Guide signs provide information about direc- tions, distances, available services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information. Guide signs are rectangular in shape, though their colors vary according to their message. Signs which give direction are rectangular in shape. The let- ters are white on a green back- ground. These signs give infor- mation about the direction of and distance to your destination. They give information about junctions and routes as well. Milepost signs are long rect- angles. The letters are white on a green background. The num- bers on these signs tell you how many miles you are from the south or west border of the state or origin of the route within the state. Service signs are rectangular. The symbols are white on a blue background. This is a special sign. The sym- bol of access sign indicates that facilities such as rest areas are free of barriers to people with mobility impairments. Hospital Telephone Gas 15 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 A green arrow means you may enter the intersection to make the movement indicat- ed by the arrow. If the green arrow comes on at a red light, you may turn in the direction of the arrow. You must yield the right of way to all pedes- trians and vehicles already in the intersection. Note: You may turn right on a red light af- ter stopping when the intersection is clear of both pedestrians and vehicles, unless there is a sign prohibiting a right turn on a red light. You may turn left on a red light from a one- way street onto a one-way street, unless there is a sign prohibiting this. If the traffic signals are dark, for example in the event of a power outage, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right of way to any vehicle in the in- tersection. Flashing Indications Some traffic signals are operated like flashing beacons late at night or when traffic volumes are light. Flashing red means the same thing as a stop sign—STOP. Pro- ceed when the intersection is clear of pedestrians and vehicles. Flashing yellow at an intersection means proceed with CAUTION.Left Recreational area signs are rectangular. The symbols are white on a brown background. SIGNALS Traffic Signals Like signs, traffic signals can do their job only if everyone follows the rules. A red indication means STOP. As with the stop sign, you must stop at a marked stop line or before a cross- walk. Remain stopped until the light changes and the in- tersection is clear of pedes- trians and vehicles. A yellow indication means WARNING or CAUTION. The light is changing from green to red. Green means GO—but only if the intersection is clear. 16 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 Turn Indications Steady Red Steady Yellow Flashing Yellow Steady Green What Drivers Should Know STOP. Left-turning drivers must stop and wait. WARNING CAUTION. The left turn signal is changing to red. CAUTION. You may cautiously turn left after yielding to oncom- ing traffic and to pedestrians. On- coming traffic will typically have a green light. GO. Left-turning drivers have the right-of-way. PAVEMENT MARKINGS Pavement markings are like traffic signs and signals. They direct and control the smooth and orderly movement of traffic. Broken yellow center lines are used on two-lane, two-way roads. You may cross them only to turn left or to pass an- other vehicle. One solid line with one broken line means no passing when you are in the lane with the solid line. The solid line may be crossed only to turn left. Two solid yellow lines on a two-lane road means no pass- ing in either direction. Cross- ing the centerline is permitted only as part of a left-turn ma- neuver. Undivided Roadway Multi-lane, two-way road- way, crossing the center- line is permitted only as part of a left-turn maneu- ver. 17 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 Divided Roadways This is a multi-lane roadway with a divider separating the traffic flow. Two-Way Left Turn Lane The center lane is re- served only for left-turning vehicles in either direc- tion. Passing or overtak- ing is not permitted in the center lane. At many busy intersections there are specially designated left- and right-turn lanes. If you wish to turn left, you must use the special left- turn lane. If you wish to turn right, you must use the special right-turn lane. Some inter- sections have more than one turn lane. STOP LINES are wide, white lines that show you where to stop your vehicle before enter- ing an intersection. When stop lines and cross- walk lines are used together, you must stop your vehicle before crossing the stop line. UNMARKED CROSSWALK: Where there are no lines at an intersection, you must stop your vehicle before en- tering the crosswalk (side- walk area) or, if there is no crosswalk, you must stop before your vehicle enters the intersection. CROSSWALK LINES are a pair of white lines or longitu- dinal lines that mark where pedestrians will walk. Do not block the crosswalk with your vehicle. STOP INTERSECTIONS At an intersection where a stop is required, you must follow these pavement markings—

18 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 not cross the tracks when the red lights are flashing. And never drive around the gates when they are down. School buses, vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids such as gasoline trucks, and buses carrying passengers must stop at railroad crossings. These vehicles must stop within 50 feet and not less than 15 feet from the tracks. Watch out for them and do not pass them when they are stopped at the crossing. Remember, railroad crossings are always dangerous. Every crossing must be approached with the expectation that a train is coming. TYPES OF CROSSINGS Passive Crossings. This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control de- vice. The decision to stop or proceed rests entirely in your hands. Passive crossing re- quire you to recognize the crossing, search for any train using the tracks and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safe- ly. Passive crossings have a yellow circular advance warning signs, pavement markings and crossbuck to assist you in recognizing a crossing. Active Crossings. This type of crossing has a traffic control device installed at the crossing to regulate traffic at the crossing. These ac- tive devices include flashing red lights, with or without bells and flashing red lights with bells and gates. Emergency Notification System (ENS). The Federal Railroad Administration posts emergency phone numbers on railroad cross- ing posts or the metal control boxes near the tracks. Call this number if you see an obstruc- tion on the railroad tracks or any other prob- lems at a railroad crossing such as the lights or gates are not working properly. Current ENS phone numbers are: Amtrak 1-800-331-0008 BNSF Railway 1-800-832-5452 Canadian Pacific 1-800-716-9132 RAILROAD CROSSINGS Railroad crossings can be marked with sev- eral different types of devices: warning signs, pavement markings, crossbucks, and signal lights. Some railroad crossings are marked by all four of these devices, and some cross- ings are marked by only one or a combination of devices. Watch for these warning devices. And when you see them, look, listen, and slow down. You may have to stop. These advance-warning signs warn you that a railroad crossing is ahead. Begin to slow down and be prepared to stop. This is a crossbuck. It is found at railroad crossings. If there is more than one track, the sign below tells you the number of tracks. Make sure all the tracks are clear and no trains are ap- proaching before you cross. For safety, never stop or park on railroad tracks for any reason. If a stop is required, make sure you stop your vehicle prior to the railroad crossing. When approching multiple tracks please remember that an additional train can be approaching from the opposite direction that the previous train has cleared. If your vehicle is trapped or stuck on the tracks, evacuate your vehicle and walk in the direction of the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45 dregree angle. If your vehi- cle is struck by a moving train, the debris will spread out from the tracks in the same direc- tion the train is moving. Then call the “Emer- cency Notification System (ENS) number to report the emergency and then call 911. Pavement markings may be used with the cross- buck at railroad crossings. When a train is crossing, stop at least 15 feet be- fore the crossing. At some crossings, gates and red flashing lights are used. Do 19 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 it is recommended to look first to your left, then to your right and then left again. Be prepared to yield. • At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the ve- hicle on the terminating street must yield to vehicles on the continuing street. • Vehicles turning left must yield to oncom- ing traffic. Watch for vehicles passing on the right side of a vehicle turning left. • At a four-way stop, the vehicle that stops first goes first. If one vehicle goes out of turn, yield to that ve- hicle so that you do not cause a crash. • Pedestrians in marked or unmarked cross- walks have the right of way. Drivers must yield when pedestrians are in the driver’s lane of travel. • Pedestrians carrying white canes or with guide dogs are blind or have greatly re- duced vision. Just as in other pedestrian situations, motorists are required to yield or stop for anyone who may have begun crossing a street. When stopping at an in- tersection, be sure to stop behind the cross- walk to allow the visually-impaired traveler an unobstructed path. At times the person who is blind may choose to wait for optimal traffic conditions. The key to safety is based on careful observance of the pedestrian and common courtesy. Motorists and pedestri- ans should not distract a guide dog in any way. These friendly, intelligent dogs must ENS Sign Sample HAND SIGNALS Even though vehicles are equipped with elec- trical turn and brake lights, you should know the basic hand signals as well. All turn signals of intention to turn must be given continuous- ly during the last 100 feet before the turn. Mo- torists must also be able to recognize hand signals given by motorcyclists and bicyclists and give them sufficient space to execute their signaled maneuvers as they would an- other vehicle. RULES OF THE ROAD RIGHT OF WAY Right-of-way rules are a means of establish- ing orderly traffic movement. If everyone fol- lows these rules, crashes can be reduced. Unfortunately, there are many operators who ignore the rules. For this reason, you must drive defensively. Always be ready to yield to those who do not follow the right-of-way rules. • When two vehicles approach an un- signed intersection at approximately the same time, the vehicle on the left side must yield to the vehicle on the right. When enter- ing an intersection, 20 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 focus on the commands of their owner. • Vehicles entering or crossing a roadway from a private drive must yield to all oncom- ing traffic. • Vehicles emerging from a driveway, alley, private road, or building within a business or residential district must come to a com- plete stop immediately prior to crossing a sidewalk area and, if no sidewalk, vehicles must stop before entering the roadway. • You may not make a U-turn near the crest of a hill or any curve where the driver cannot see 500 feet or more. • Emergency vehicles always have the right of way. • When an emergency or law enforcement vehicle is flashing its red, white, or blue lights or using its siren, you must immedi- ately come to a stop along the right-hand curb or edge of the road. You must remain stopped until the emergency or law enforce- ment vehicle has passed. Do not stop in the middle of the intersection. • When an emergency or law enforcement vehicle is parked at the scene of a crash with its emergency lights flashing, you must drive to the right-hand side of the roadway and stop. Once stopped, you may pass at your risk when the roadway is clear. If there is a police officer directing traffic at the scene, you must obey the officer’s instruc- tions. If an emergency vehicle, law enforce- ment vehicle, or North Dakota Department of Transportation maintenance vehicle is parked on the Interstate system or a multi- lane highway with its emergency or work lights flashing, move over to the opposite lane and proceed with due caution. • The yellow-flashing light is used mostly on tow trucks and slow moving vehicles. These lights warn you to slow down. • When a school bus is stopped and flashing its red lights, drivers approaching from both directions must stop. This is because chil- dren are being loaded or unloaded. The drivers cannot proceed until 1) the bus be- gins moving; or 2) the bus driver signals to let vehicles pass; or 3) the red lights are no longer flashing. When a school bus is equipped with yellow caution lights, these lights may be used as a warning that the school bus is about to stop and that the red flashing lights will soon come on. Be espe- cially alert every time you see a school bus. SPEED LIMITS Speed limits are maximum limits to be trav- eled only when driving conditions are ideal. Sometimes conditions may require you to drive slower than the posted speed limit al- lows. Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or conditions allow. Authorities may also post minimum speed limits if deemed neces- sary for the safe movement of traffic. Maximum speed limits in North Dakota have been established as follows: • 20 miles per hour when approaching any railway crossing when your view of the track is obstructed, unless otherwise posted. • 20 miles per hour when approaching an in- tersection when your view of the intersec- tion is in any way obstructed, unless other- wise posted. • 20 miles per hour when you pass by a school during school recess or while chil- dren are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours of school, unless otherwise posted. • 25 miles per hour in a business or residen- tial district, unless otherwise posted. • 55 miles per hour on gravel, dirt, or loose surface roads unless otherwise posted, and on paved two-lane county and township highways if there is no speed limit posted. • 65 miles per hour on rural paved 2-lane highways if posted for that speed. • 70 miles per hour on paved and divided multi-lane highways, unless otherwise posted. • 75 miles per hour on rural Interstate high- ways, unless otherwise posted. 21 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 PASSING On two-way roads you must drive on the right- hand side of the roadway; when you pass you are driving against the flow of the oncoming traffic. Before you pass another vehicle, ask yourself these questions: • Is the pass necessary? • Am I in or approaching a no passing zone? (Whenever there is a hill or a curve ahead, you must treat it as if there is oncoming traf- fic just beyond it.) • Can I return to my lane before meeting an approaching vehicle? • Can I see the road ahead clearly? Some Guidelines for Passing • Give yourself enough time to get completely beyond the vehicle that you are passing, and return to your proper lane at least 200 feet before meeting an approaching vehicle. • Do not return to your lane until you can see the image of the entire front of the vehicle you passed within the inside rear-view mirror. • When passing, never leave the main-trav- eled roadway. • When being passed, do not speed up. • Do not follow too closely. • Obey all regulatory and warning signs. Never Pass: • While approaching the top of a hill or a curve. • Within 100 feet of an intersection, a railroad crossing, or a tunnel. • When you see any pavement marking or- sign indicating NO PASSING. • When your view of the road is reduced or obstructed by fog, snow, or rain. Many head-on collisions occur while one ve- hicle is passing another. Even while driving in the left lane of a four-lane highway, be aware that you might collide with a vehicle going the wrong way. LANE CHANGES If you must change lanes, make sure the lane is clear and signal your movement. If possi- ble, avoid changing lanes within an intersec- tion. Be sure to keep a safe following distance (safe space) from the vehicle ahead of you. Check your mirrors and look over your shoul- der for vehicles behind you and already in the other lane. Be aware of “blind spots” or areas where mirrors fail to pick up approaching traf- fic. Signal prior to making the lane change. Change only one lane at a time and be sure to cancel your signal when you complete the lane change. Remember: The driver of the vehicle mak- ing the lane change is responsible for safely changing lanes. FOLLOWING AND STOPPING DISTANCES If you drive too fast or follow too close, you will not have enough time to stop in an emer- gency. At 55 miles per hour, it takes approxi- mately 300 feet or one city block on dry pave- ment to stop. When one vehicle follows another, there must be enough distance between them to allow for a passing vehicle to come into that space without any danger. If the vehicle in front of 22 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 TURNING When making any turn, you should check both ways for traffic and pedestrians. You must also signal continuously for the last 100 feet before the turn. When approaching an intersection to make a right turn, stay as far to the right as possible. Make the turn close to the right curb. To turn left from a one-way road onto a two-way road, begin in the left turn lane and complete the turn as indicated in the picture. To turn left from a one-way to a one-way, be- gin the turn from the left lane. Make the turn close to the left curb. When turning left from a two-way road onto a two-way road, begin as close to the cen- terline as possible and complete the turn as indicated in the picture. you suddenly stops, you should be far enough behind so that you can come to a stop safely. The “three-second rule” is a way to mea- sure the distance that you should use as a cushion when following another vehicle. Here is how it works: • Pick a shadow, mark, or object on or near the road ahead. • When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you passes the mark, start counting the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. Count “one-thousand-and-one, one- thousand-and-two, one-thousand-and-three.” • If you reach the spot before you count “one- thousand-and-three,” you are following too closely. Sometimes you need even more following distance, as much as four or more seconds. This is especially true when: • The roads are slippery. • Following motorcycles. • You have a heavy load or are pulling a trail- er. • Following large vehicles that block your view ahead. • The driver behind you wants to pass. • Following drivers whose view to the rear is blocked. 23 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 To turn left from a two-way road onto a one- way road, approach the turn with your left wheels close to the centerline of the road. Make the turn before reaching the center of the intersection, and enter the left lane of the one-way road. To turn left from a two-way road onto a four- lane highway, approach the turn with your left wheels close to the centerline of the road. Make the turn so that you enter the passing lane of the four-lane highway. When traffic permits, move to the right, out of the passing lane. ROUNDABOUTS A roundabout is a circular intersection where vehicles travel around a center island in a counter-clockwise direction. These intersec- tions are designed to reduce the number and severity of collisions, as well as provide oper- ational efficiencies in the flow of traffic. When approaching a roundabout, perform the fol- lowing steps: 1. Reduce your speed. 2. If more than one lane exists, use the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through unless directed otherwise by signs and pavement mark- ings. 3. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. 4. Yield to circulating traffic when entering the roundabout. 5. Stay in your lane within the roundabout and use your right-turn signal when exiting. 6. Always assume trucks need all available space—do not pass them! 7. Clear the roundabout to allow emergen- cy vehicles to pass and do not enter the roundabout if one is approaching. 8. Signal when you are changing direction to exit the roundabout. Large Vehicles Roundabouts are designed to accommodate all vehicle types, including truck and trailer combinations. To assist large trucks, the cen- ter island includes an apron to accommodate the rear wheels of the vehicle. INTERSTATE DRIVING Speeds are higher on the Interstate than on city streets. Because of this, your vehicle will travel further during your reaction time. To drive safely on the Interstate, you should: 24 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 • Be alert. Use your mirrors so that you know what is behind you as well as what is in front of you. • When changing lanes, use your turn sig- nals and make sure the lane is clear. When passing, do not cut back into the right lane too quickly. • Keep to the right if you are traveling slowly. • Never stop on the traveled part of the road- way. In an emergency, stop on the shoulder, and raise your hood to show difficulty. • Avoid driving when you are tired. • Dim your lights when following another ve- hicle. INTERCHANGES Different states use different names for the ramps used for getting on and off the inter- state highway. For convenience, we call them interchanges. The two most common types of interchanges are the diamond and the clover- leaf. For all interchanges, you must remember: • Highway guide signs tell you the location of interchanges well in advance. Watch for these signs. Move into the proper lane be- fore you reach your interchange. • Never back up on the Interstate. If you miss your interchange, go on to the next one. Do not use median crossovers. These are for authorized vehicles only such as emergency and maintenance vehicles. • Never back up on a ramp. If you exit at the wrong interchange, you must follow it out. Return to the highway by the “on” ramp. Entrance ramps allow you to adjust your speed to merge safely with the flow of traf- fic on the highway. Stopping on these ramps should be avoided. Only stop when there is no opening in the traffic flow. Unless posted signs indicate otherwise, any vehicle entering a freeway from an entrance ramp must yield the right of way to vehicles on the main roadway. Exit ramps are for leaving or exiting from the highway. You should never stop or back up on these ramps. NIGHT DRIVING Night driving tends to be more difficult than daytime driving. You can only see as far as your headlights, and this cuts down on your time to react. Be mindful not to overdrive your headlights. You should: • Use your headlights from sunset to sunrise, and at any other time necessary for safe driv- ing. • Use your headlights during inclement weath- er when visibility is less than 1,000 feet due to rain, snow, sleet, hail, smoke, or fog. • Slow down. You should be able to stop in the distance covered by your headlights even if you come up on a vehicle without taillights, or a parked vehicle with its lights on. • Clean your windshield inside and out; this will reduce the amount of glare from oncom- ing vehicles. Clean the headlights on your vehicle; this will naturally give more light 25 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 PARKING Parking on a Hill Parallel Parking When parallel parking your vehicle, your wheels should be parallel to the right-hand curb and within one foot of the right-hand curb. Here are some parallel parking hints: 1. Signal your move- ment and stop even with the vehicle ahead and about two feet away from it. 2. Turn your wheel to the right and back slowly toward the vehicle behind. 3. When clear of the vehicle ahead, turn your wheel to the left and back slowly toward the vehicle behind you. 4. Turn your wheel to the right and pull ahead toward the curb. Stop in the center of the park- ing space. Put your vehicle in park. DOWNHILL TURN WHEELS TOWARD CURB UPHILL TURN WHEELS AWAY FROM CURB UPHILL NO CURB TURN WHEELS TOWARD SHOULDER and help you see vehicles and other night hazards better. • Eyestrain, fatigue, and lack of concentration can be the result of staring at the spot creat- ed by your headlights. Keep your eyes mov- ing, especially at night. Scan for animals, pedestrians, and bicycle riders. Pay close attention at dawn and dusk for animals, es- pecially for deer. Drive at slower speeds in areas where deer crossing signs are posted. Do not swerve to avoid an animal because this could result in a more serious crash like hitting a tree or another vehicle, or possi- bly rolling over. Check to the sides for lights from other vehicles that might be crossing or entering the roadway ahead of you. Con- stantly check the taillights of vehicles ahead for any indication that they are changing speed or lane position. • Dim your headlights at least 500 feet before meeting traffic and within 300 feet when fol- lowing another vehicle. If you meet a vehicle that does not dim its lights, look to the right edge of the road to avoid being blinded. Re- member, it takes time for your eyes to ad- just after meeting a vehicle at night. • Watch carefully for pedestrians. They may be wearing dark clothing and be difficult to see. • Stop and rest if you are tired. YOUR BRIGHT LIGHTS COULD BLIND AN APPROACHING DRIVER 26 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 Leaving a Parking Space When you leave a parking space: 1. Look to the rear over your shoulder as well as in the rear-view mirror. 2. Signal before you start to move. 3. Yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles. 4. Enter traffic in the nearest lane, and remain in that lane until safe to change to another lane. Emergency Parking When you have to make an emergency stop, park with all four wheels off the traveled pave- ment, if possible. Between one-half hour after sunset and one- half hour before sunrise, your vehicle must display at least one white or amber lamp in front and a red light on the rear, both visible for a distance of 1,000 feet when parked on a public highway. Do Not Park: • On a sidewalk or in front of a driveway. • On or within 10 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. • Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. • Within an intersection. • On the street side of a parked vehicle. This violation is called double parking. • On a bridge, overpass, or in a tunnel or un- derpass. • Within 15 feet of a flashing beacon, a stop sign, or a traffic control signal placed on the side of the roadway. • Between a safety zone and the curb next to it or within 15 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone. Safety zones are marked areas set aside for pedestrians. • Alongside or opposite street excavation when parking would obstruct traffic. • Anywhere there is an official “No Parking” sign. • In a designated Accessible Parking space unless in possession of the appropriate placard or ‘Accessible’ license plate. Do not park on the diagonal lines next to the space. TOWING Whether you are towing a camping trailer, a utility trailer, or a boat trailer, the increased weight from the trailer will lengthen the dis- tance necessary to stop your vehicle. • When traveling faster than 25 miles per hour, you need safety chains or brakes ca- pable of holding the trailer if the coupling breaks. • You need turn signals, stop lights, two red reflectors, and two red taillights mounted on the rear of the trailer and visible for a dis- tance of 1,000 feet. For more details, see the Motor Vehicle Registrar, North Dakota Department of Transportation, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0700, phone 328-2725. • You need two amber clearance lamps on the front and two red clearance lights on the back of your trailer if it is 80 inches or more in width. • Every vehicle must have a mirror allowing you to see at least 200 feet to the rear. • If you are towing another vehicle, the draw- bar or connection between any two vehi- cles, one of which is towing or drawing the others on a highway, shall be of such de- sign, strength, and construction to prevent the unintentional uncoupling of the vehicles. • For your safety, it is better to slow down when you are towing a trailer in a strong wind. COASTING PROHIBITED • The driver of any motor vehicle, when travel- ing upon a downgrade, may not coast with the gears or transmission of such vehicle in neutral. • The driver of a truck or bus, when traveling upon 27 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 a downgrade, may not coast with the clutch disengaged. BACKING When backing your vehicle is necessary, it must be done without interfering with other traffic. You are responsible for backing onto a lane of traffic safely. You must also be careful so that you do not back into children or other obstacles. To be safe, before backing you should walk around your vehicle to check for clearance. LITTERING If you throw or deposit any litter on any public highway, you are subject to a $500 fine. CRASH REPORTS If you are involved in a crash that results in the combined damage of $4,000 or more, or results in personal injury or death, you must: • Immediately report it to the local police if you are in a city. • Immediately report it to the Highway Patrol or the County Sheriff’s Office if you are out- side city limits. In all crashes involving injury or damage, the drivers must exchange the following informa- tion: driver’s name, address, motor vehicle in- surance company, and policy number. Whenever the driver is physically incapable of giving notice of a crash and also is not the owner of the vehicle, then the owner of the vehicle involved shall, within five days after learning of the crash, give notice and insur- ance information not given by the driver. Any driver who hits an unattended vehicle must immediately locate and notify the own- er. If the owner cannot be found, the driver must leave a note at a conspicuous place on the unattended vehicle. The note must list the driver’s name, address, and motor vehicle in- surance company. LIABILITY INSURANCE No person shall drive a motor vehicle in the state of North Dakota without a valid policy of liability insurance in effect. The name of the motor vehicle insurance policy carrier and the policy number of the driver must be furnished to a law enforcement officer upon request. The fine for operating an uninsured motor vehicle is $150 for a first violation and $300 for a sec- ond or subsequent violation in three years and may result in a license suspension. If a person is convicted of “No Liability Insurance,” that person will be required to provide proof of li- ability insurance to the division for one year. The person will also be required to purchase a duplicate driver’s license with the “Proof of Liability Insurance” restriction. The cost of this duplicate license is $50. There will also be a cost of $50 to have the restriction removed at the end of the one-year period. FOR EMERGENCY HIGHWAY ASSISTANCE DIAL 911 FOR WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS DIAL 511 DRIVING SKILLS AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Whenever you drive you must be alert. Al- ways watch for and be prepared to react to a possible emergency situation. As a driver, there will be situations when you will need to reduce your speed immediately—sometimes to regain control of your vehicle and other times to come to a complete stop. Remember: Brakes work best just before your tires start to skid or slide on the road surface. WINTER DRIVING Winter driving can create hazardous driving conditions. The driver must be prepared for these conditions, and follow additional safe driving practices. • It is not legal to enter a road that is officially closed due to hazardous conditions. The penalty for doing this is a $250 fine. • Keep the windshield clear. Allow the de- froster to warm up properly while scraping

28 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 the ice off windows. The windshield wash- ing fluid should contain an anti-freeze solu- tion; however, at high speeds in very cold temperatures, the fluid may freeze on the windshield and totally obscure your vision. • Get the feel of the roadway. Try your brakes while driving slowly and adjust your speed to how much traction you have. • Slow down. Snow tires or tire chains are help- ful, but you should still double your distance for following other vehicles. Studded snow tires may be used from October 15 to April 15. • Passing trucks may create snow fog. This greatly reduces your visibility. Look ahead for curves in the road, look behind for ve- hicles following, and slow down. • Remember that on bridges and shaded spots, frost and ice form quicker and are re- tained longer than on the rest of the roadway. • To stop on ice, you should pump the brakes when driving vehicles equipped with drum- type brakes on all four wheels. Vehicles equipped with disc brakes require a slow, intermittent braking action—fully on and then fully off—long enough to let the disc brakes release so that all wheels are roll- ing again. If you slam on your brakes, your wheels will lock and your tires will skid. • Keep firm and continuous pressure on anti- lock brakes (ABS). Manually pumping anti- lock brakes, or letting up on them, decreas- es their effectiveness because it turns the system off and on. • Carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle: warm clothing, footwear, shovel, energy food, etc. • If your vehicle becomes stuck in a snow- storm, stay with the vehicle! Most deaths occur when people leave their vehicles and get lost. Open your windows slightly and run the vehicle and heater for only short periods of time to avoid carbon monoxide poison- ing. Stay active and do not panic. Meeting Snow Removal Equipment Here are a few suggestions to help you recog- nize winter driving hazards while plow trucks are working: • Stay well back from snowplows. Sometimes they have to stop and back up. Plow drivers can’t see directly behind themselves, and plows also throw sanding material. Remem- ber, don’t crowd the plow! • Know where the plow is on multi-lane road- ways. The plow could be in either lane or on the shoulder. • Be extremely cautious when passing a snowplow. They can be moved sideways by drifts and hard snow-pack. • Never drive through “whiteouts” caused by crosswinds or plowing light snow. Snow- plows pull over and stop frequently to allow traffic to pass. Be patient and wait until you can see. • Watch for plow trucks on Interstate ramps and turning around on “authorized vehicle only” cross-overs. • Don’t assume you’ll have good traction be- cause the road “looks” sanded. The sand can sink into the snow-pack, leaving a slick surface. • Slow down and drive according to the con- ditions. Most winter crashes are caused by driving too fast for conditions. 29 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 SKIDS Most skids are the result of driving too fast for the road conditions on slippery roadways. The key to safe vehicle operation is slower speeds. In rear-wheel drive automobiles, you should stay off the brakes and gradually ease off the accelerator. Turn your wheels in the direction the rear end of your vehicle is skidding. If the rear end of the vehicle skids right, steer right. If the rear end of the vehicle skids left, steer left. When front-wheel drive vehicles start to skid when traveling at moderate speeds, you should accelerate slightly and steer in the direction you want to go. If there is no room to accelerate, shift into neutral or push in the clutch. Remember, front-wheel drive vehicles have positive, accurate, and quick steering; the vehicle goes exactly where you point it. Four-wheel drive vehicles have a tendency of giving the driver a false sense of security. Therefore, slower speeds on slippery surfac- es are extremely important. When traveling at moderate speeds, you should accelerate and steer into the direction of the skid. At higher speeds, or in the event there is no room to accelerate, you should push in the clutch or with automatic transmission vehi- cles, shift into neutral. RAIN A hard surface roadway is very slippery just TO CORRECT SKID after it starts raining. Water combines with the road dirt and oil to form a slick film between your tires and the roadway surface. When the water on the roadway becomes deeper, another hazardous situation occurs: hydroplaning. This occurs when your tires ride on the water and not on roadway surface. Rain reduces visibility and increases the pos- sibility of a dangerous skid. Slow down and be alert. FLOODING Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, when there is run-off from deep snow or any time there is heavy rainfall. Floodwa- ters can be found on roads, bridges and low areas. Flash floods can come rapidly and un- expectedly. They can occur within a few min- utes or hours of excessive rainfall. • It is not legal to enter a road that is officially closed due to hazardous conditions. The penalty for doing this is a $250 fine. • Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your desti- nation. • Be cautious, especially at night, when the visibility is limited. • Remember, six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling. • Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks. • Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can hide dips, or worse, flood- waters can damage roadways by washing away the underlying road surface. • If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the water to subside. 30 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual Revised 2 023 FLAT TIRE OR BLOWOUTS While you are driving, if one of your tires be- comes flat or you have a blowout, you might lose control of your vehicle. The warning sign to listen for is a thumping sound. If a front tire blows out, your vehicle will pull in the direc- tion of the blown tire. A flat rear tire will cause the vehicle to sway back and forth. To regain control, grasp the steering wheel tightly and steer straight ahead. Ease up on the accelerator, but do not brake until you have regained full control. Turn onto the shoulder when your vehicle is almost stopped. RUNNING OFF THE PAVEMENT If your tire drops off the edge of the pavement onto the shoulder, do not try to swerve back onto the pavement because you may lose control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel and ease up on the accelerator. If you brake hard, you may go into a skid. After you have slowed down and are in complete control, look for traffic behind you, signal, and turn gently back onto the pavement. EQUIPMENT FAILURE If your headlights suddenly fail, try your park- ing lights and turn signals and leave the road- way as soon as you have slowed down. Re- member, without lights other drivers can no longer see you. If your windshield wipers fail in rain or snow, slow down and stick your head out your side window in order to see as you leave the road- way. If your accelerator pedal sticks, depress the clutch or shift it into neutral. You may also turn the engine off; however, this may result in the loss of power steering and power brakes. Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “lock” position while it is still in motion. This will cause the steering to lock if you try to turn the steering wheel. When you can do so safely, steer to the side of the road. Brakes do their best job just before the tires lock and start to skid or slide on the road sur- face. READING THE ROAD As an operator, you must adjust your speed to fit the weather, traffic conditions, and the condition of the road. Slow down when you are driving where there are ruts, holes, bro- ken pavement, or other objects on the road. Do not slam on your brakes or steer hard to avoid these obstacles. Driving on loose gravel is harder than driving on pavement because your tires don’t have the traction needed to give you stable control. Slow down and avoid sudden changes in direction. Should an oncoming vehicle cross into your lane, slow down and try to warn the oncoming driver by flashing your headlights. If the ve- hicle keeps coming, pull as far to the right as possible. If there could be a collision, steer off the road to the right when conditions permit, or stop on the far right shoulder of the road. DISTRACTED DRIVING Driving requires your full attention. It is not legal for anyone to text (composing, reading, or sending an electronic message) while driv- ing or fail to maintain control of a motor vehi- cle due to activity that is not necessary to the operation of the vehicle and actually impairs, or would reasonably be expected to impair, the ability of the individual to safely operate the vehicle. The penalty is a $100 fine. DRIVING POSTURE Drive with both hands holding the steering wheel. You never know when evasive action may be needed. So be ready. Use one foot to operate both the gas pedal and brake pedal to avoid riding the brakes which can cause them to overheat. FATIGUE Fatigue (being tired) increases the chance of a crash. If you are sleepy, the only safe cure is to get some sleep. If you don’t, you risk your life and the lives of others. Danger signs 31 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 of fatigue are: difficulty in focusing or keeping eyes open, inability to recall the last few miles driven, having the sense of being detached or watching the vehicle being driven rather than driving it, crossing the centerline or dropping off the edge of the pavement, missing traffic signs or lights, tailgating or following other ve- hicles more closely than you normally would, forgetting to dim headlights, excessive yawn- ing, and inability to hold head up (nodding off). SHARING THE ROAD WITH TRUCKS It may sound obvious, but trucks are not large cars. To reduce the chance of a crash with a large tractor-trailer, the so-called “18-wheel- er,” drivers must be familiar with a truck’s physical capabilities and common maneu- vers. Braking Tractor-trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer may take more than 400 feet on dry pavement to come to a complete stop, or more than the length of a football field. Turning With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels fol- low a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. That’s why the drivers of tractor-trailers must often swing out to the left as the first step in making a right turn. When following a tractor- trailer, observe its turn signals before trying to pass. If it appears to be starting a left turn, wait a moment to check and see which way the driver is signaling he’s going to turn be- fore passing on the right. A Trucker’s Blind Spots (the “No-Zone”) It is important to be seen whenever you are driving. Many drivers falsely assume that a trucker can see the road better because they sit twice as high as the driver of a car. While truckers do enjoy a better forward view and have bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind spots or no-zones into which a car can disappear from view—up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor-trailer, particularly alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet in the rear. 32 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 Drivers lingering in the blind spots on the sides and in the rear hamper a trucker’s abil- ity to take evasive action to avoid a danger- ous situation—and the possibility of a crash is increased. An excellent rule of thumb for driv- ers sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is, “If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, he or she can’t see you.” Maneuverability Trucks are designed to carry many products to and from towns and cities; they are not designed to be as maneuverable as cars. Trucks have longer stopping and accelerating distances, wider turning radii, and weigh more. On multi-lane highways, tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help the flow of local traffic on and off the highway. Staying in the middle lane also increases the truck driver’s options if he or she has to switch lanes in order to avoid a dangerous situation or a crash. Following is a list of some of the most common mistakes drivers must avoid when driving around trucks. • Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the high- way to reach your exit or turn. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety. Trying to beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone represents a particularly dangerous situation. Take a moment to slow down and exit behind a truck—it will only take you a few extra seconds. • Don’t linger alongside a truck when passing. Always pass a tractor-trailer completely and always on the left side. If you linger when passing any vehicle, your position makes it impossible for the trucker to take evasive action if an obstacle appears on the road ahead. • Following too close or tailgating. When fol- lowing behind a truck, if you can’t see the truck driver’s rearview mirrors, there is no way the truck driver can see you. Tailgat- ing a truck or car is dangerous because you take away your own cushion of safety if the vehicle in front of you stops short—and if the vehicle you are following hits something on the road, you will have no time to react before it hits the front of your car. • Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer. Because of its large size, a tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed than it is. A substantial number of car-truck collisions take place at intersections because the driver of the car does not realize how close the truck is or how quickly it is approaching. MOVE OVER If a motor vehicle is stranded along the inter- state or multilane highway outside city limits, with flashing hazard lights, a driver approach- ing or passing this vehicle should yield the right of way and move safely to the lane not adjacent to the stranded vehicle. If only lane available to move safely to is the adjacent lane to the stranded vehicle, proceed with caution and reduce speed. SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES Motorcyclists have the same rights and re- sponsibilities on public roadways as other drivers. Special conditions and situations of- ten cause greater problems for motorcyclists. Drivers should be aware of these problems so they can more safely share the roadway with motorcyclists. Special Hazards • Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an au- tomobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane. • Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcy- clist. • Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and dis- tance of an approaching motorcycle. 33 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual R evised 2 023 • Always signal your intentions before chang- ing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. • Remember that motorcyclists are often hid- den in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Al- ways make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle—motorcycle signals usu- ally are not self cancelling and riders some- times forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed. • Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to you pose major haz- ards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traf- fic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, rail- road crossings, and grooved pavement. • Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the mo- torcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car. Being aware of these situations can help you as a driver share the road safely with motor- cyclists. SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES Bicyclists generally travel at slower speeds than motorists which can create special con- siderations for sharing the road safely. • Remember to reduce speed when encoun- tering bicyclists. • Recognize situations that may be poten- tially dangerous to bicyclists and give them space. • When passing, maintain a safe operating distance between your car and a bicyclist. The individual operating the motor vehicle is required to leave a minimum of three feet of passing space between the vehicle and bicycle. Pass a bicyclist only when road and traffic conditions dictate that it is safe to do so. Check over your shoulder after passing a bicyclist and before moving back t normal position. In inclement weather, give bicy- clists extra room. • Scan for bicyclists in traffic, particularly at intersections. Most crashes involving a mo- tor vehicle and a bicyclist occur at intersec- tions. Allow bicyclists extra time to cross in- tersections. • When turning right, check your blind spot for bicyclists before initiating the turn. • Avoid driving in designated bicycle lanes other than to make a right turn. Do so safely; signal and look before moving into the bi- cycle lane on approach to your turn. • Children on bicycles are often unpredict- able and may not have adequate knowl- edge of traffic laws. Children may be harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults. So, expect the unexpected and slow down! SEAT BELTS There is no good excuse for not wearing seat belts. Seat belts have been proven to be one of the most effective safety devices today. Most of the traffic deaths and serious injuries occur when the driver and passengers are ejected or are thrown onto the dashboard. Your chances of be- ing killed are four times greater if you are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts help keep vehicle oc- cupants in place, reducing the chance of death or injury. This is not only for highway driving. In fact, crashes causing injury are most likely to occur at speeds less than 40 miles per hour and within 25 miles of home. At 30 miles per hour, the force is like hitting the ground from the top of a three-sto- ry building. Drivers have much to gain by taking a few seconds to fasten their seat belts. Not only do seat belts protect you, but seat belts help you maintain proper riding and driving posture mak- ing you feel less tired after a trip. 34 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 Belts must be worn correctly. Lap belts should lie snug and low across the hips, not across the abdomen. Shoulder belts should lie across the chest and over the collarbone with minimal, if any, slack. Automatic seat belts automatically move into place around front-seat occupants when the car doors are closed. A separate lap belt must be fastened manually to provide sufficient protection with automatic shoulder belts. Wear Your Belt Correctly North Dakota’s seat belt law requires all oc- cupants to wear seat belts in all seating posi- tions. AIR BAGS Air bags are designed to provide supplemen- tal protection for belted front-seat occupants in a frontal crash. Lap/shoulder belts must al- ways be used in conjunction with an airbag to protect occupants in side-impact and roll-over crashes. Air bags work best when everyone is buckled and children, especially those age 12 and younger, are properly restrained in the back seat. If you transport children, check the vehicle and child restraint manufacturers’ recommendations for child restraint use in ve- hicles with side air bags. CHILD RESTRAINTS (Car Safety Seats) Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and injury for children in North Dakota. YES! NO! NO! NO! Tragically, most deaths and injuries can be prevented with the proper use of car safety seats and seat belts. North Dakota’s child passenger safety law re- quires: • Children under eight years of age must be properly secured in a child restraint (car seat or booster seat). A seat belt may be substituted for children who are at least 57 inches tall. • Children ages eight through seventeen must be properly secured in a seat belt or child restraint. • Child restraints and seat belts must be used correctly following the manufacturer’s in- structions. The penalty for violation is $25 and one point against the license of the driver. Incorrectly-used car seats may not protect a child in a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual ex- actly. Correct use of a child restraint includes (1) installing the car seat tightly in the vehicle with the safety belt or LATCH system and (2) snugly securing the child in the car safety seat. Other child passenger safety tips: • Children under age 13 should ride in the back seat —even if the vehicle does not have an airbag. • Never place a rear-facing infant car seat in front of an airbag. • Children should be at least 40 pounds and at least 4 years of age to move from a car seat to a booster seat. • Never allow children to ride in the cargo area of a pickup truck. • Never buckle two children into one seat belt. For more information, contact the North Da- kota Department of Health at www.ndhealth. gov/injury/ or call 1-800-472-2286. 35 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 HEATSTROKE Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children. Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in a vehicle, allowing for the child’s body tem- perature to rise in a quick and deadly manner. Heatstroke begins when the core body tem- perature reaches about 104 degrees and the thermoregulatory system is overwhelmed. A core body temperature of about 107 degrees is lethal. Unfortunately, even great parents can forget a child in the back seat. Other risk factors include caregivers who are not used to driving kids, or whose routine suddenly changes. Whether you are a parent, care- giver, or bystander of a child left in a vehicle, it is vitally important to understand children are more vulnerable to heatstroke than adults are. Even in cooler temperatures, your vehicle can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. An outside temperature in the mid- 60s can cause a vehicle’s inside temperature to rise above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The inside temperature of a vehicle can rise al- most 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. HEATSTROKE PREVENTION TIPS • Look before you lock. Make it a habit to look in your back seat before you lock. • Keep your vehicle locked and keep your keys out of reach. Nationally, nearly 3 in 10 heatstroke deaths happen when an unat- tended child gains access to a vehicle. • Take action if you notice a child alone in a vehicle. It is never okay to leave a child alone in a ve- hicle for any amount of time, as it can lead to tragedy. These deaths, while accidental, are always preventable. DRINKING, DRUGS, AND DRIVING ALCOHOL More traffic deaths on the nation’s highways are caused by alcohol than any other single cause. In North Dakota, nearly half of the traffic deaths involve drivers who have been drinking prior to the crash. There is evidence proving that if you drink—even just a little— your chances of a crash are seven times greater than if you were completely sober. Alcohol is a drug that slows the activity of the brain. When alcohol enters the stomach, it goes directly into the blood and other parts of the body. It reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain cells. Alcohol directly affects a person’s ability to drive. When a person drinks increasing amounts of alcohol, the degree of impairment and the intensity of the effect will rise rapidly. The amount or concentration of alcohol in the blood or breath is known as Alcohol Concen- tration or AC. Three factors influence a per- son’s AC: 1. THE ALCOHOL CONTENT. In the “aver- age drink” the alcohol content is about the same whether it’s a 12-ounce can of beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine, or a 1-ounce glass of scotch or whiskey. Remember that, in reality, mixed drinks at home or in a lounge VARY a great degree. Drinks at a private party tend to be quite a bit stronger. 2. THE PERIOD OF TIME OVER WHICH THE ALCOHOL WAS CONSUMED. The more alcohol you consume the longer it takes to sober up. Time is the only way to eliminate alcohol from the blood stream. This process is relatively slow and will not be quickened by drinking coffee, taking cold showers, or exercising. 3. THE PERSON’S LEAN BODY WEIGHT. Larger people have more blood and flu- ids which will dilute the alcohol consumed more than in a smaller person. EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL 1. Alcohol slows down reactions. 2. Alcohol impairs vision. 3. Alcohol interferes with concentration. 36 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual Revised 2 023 4. Alcohol dulls judgment. 5. Alcohol creates a false sense of confi- dence. Alcohol is a drug that depresses the central nervous system and slows down brain activ- ity. Alcohol in the bloodstream slows reaction time, interferes with the driver’s vision, and causes dangerous situations to appear “not so dangerous.” IMPLIED CONSENT Upon receiving your license to operate a mo- tor vehicle in North Dakota, you have given your consent to a chemical test to determine the level of alcohol and/or drug content in your blood, breath, urine, or saliva. If you refuse to take the test, your license will be revoked for 180 days to three years. Remember: A chem- ical test can help you. If you are not legally intoxicated, the test will show it. DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE If a chemical test reveals that you have eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or greater of alcohol in your blood, or .02% if un- der the age of 21, you are considered legally to be under the influence of alcohol. The pen- alties for driving in this dangerous condition are harsh. What will happen to your driving privi- leges? There are two separate penalties involved under the DUI law. One is an administrative license penalty, the other is a court conviction penalty. Your driving privileges may be sus- pended through either or both processes. • If you have an alcohol concentration (AC) of .08 percent or more or .02 percent or more if you are under age 21, your license will be suspended for: » 91 days, first offense in seven years » 180 days, first offense, AC .18 or greater in seven years » 365 days, second offense in seven years » two years, second offense, AC .18 or greater in seven years » two years, third and subsequent offense in seven years » three years, third and subsequent of- fense, AC .18 or greater in seven years • If you refuse to take either an AC test or a roadside preliminary breath test (PBT), your license will be revoked for 180 days to three years. • Temporary restricted license can be issued after serving at least 30 days of suspension or after serving at least 14 days if participat- ing in the 24/7 Sobriety Program. • Temporary restricted licenses can only be issued if within the past 7 years there has been a refusal or more than one alcohol/ drug related violation. Participation in the 24/7 Sobriety Program is required until one year violation free. There are also harsh penalties for driving while your license is suspended or revoked after an alcohol-related violation—four days mandatory minimum jail sentence and a fine of up to $1,000. • The license plates and registration card for your vehicle may be impounded for the length of the suspension/revocation. What happens if you’re convicted? If convicted through the court process, in ad- dition to losing your driving privilege, you also face mandatory fines and jail sentences. • First conviction—$500 fine. • First conviction if the AC is .16% or greater —at least $750 fine and two days impris- onment. The term of imprisonment may be converted to community service. • Second conviction within seven years —$1,000 fine and 10 days in jail and at least 12 months in the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a mandatory condition of probation. • Third conviction within seven years—$2,000 37 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 fine and 120 days in jail and participation in the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a mandatory condition of probation. • Fourth or subsequent offense—$2,000 fine and one year and one day in jail and par- ticipation in the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a mandatory condition of probation. In addition, all convicted offenders are re- quired to submit to a mandatory alcohol ad- diction evaluation and complete any rec- ommended treatment. These are just the minimum penalties. It could be worse! What happens if you cause a serious injury or death? In addition to the minimum penalties for DUI, if you are involved in a crash and cause a se- rious injury to another, you will spend an ad- ditional 90 days in jail. If you cause the death of another, your time in jail is extended by one year. What happens to your insurance? If you refuse to take an AC test, or if convicted of a DUI, the law requires you to show proof of financial responsibility (SR 22 insurance coverage). Typically, motor vehicle insurance is obtained to satisfy this requirement. Chances are your annual motor vehicle insurance rates could double—or even triple! REPORTING IMPAIRED DRIVING If you exhibit or encounter out-of-the-ordinary driving that would indicate alcohol impair- ment, anyone can report this to law enforce- ment by dialing 911. OPEN CONTAINER LAW It is illegal for anyone, driver or passenger, to drink alcoholic beverages in or on a mo- tor vehicle. You cannot legally have an open container in your vehicle. The seal cannot be broken. Any open containers must be placed in the trunk of the vehicle. MINOR IN POSSESSION/CONSUMPTION LAW Persons under 21 years of age are prohibited from purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages. DRUGS Drugs and driving do not mix. Even certain cold tablets and capsules can affect your driv- ing ability by making you drowsy at the wheel. Read all directions carefully. As with alcohol, operating while under the in- fluence of a narcotic drug is especially dan- gerous. Not only do you endanger your life, but you also endanger the lives of others us- ing the same road. The harsh penalties that deal with operating under the influence of al- cohol also apply to narcotic drugs. PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES PEDESTRIANS Traffic rules apply to pedestrians as well as motorists. Some special rules for pedestrians are listed below. Remember: Joggers are considered pedestri- ans and must also obey these rules. Obey traffic signals. Walk in the crosswalks. Do not start to cross the roadway on a flash- ing “Don’t Walk” signal. If you are already in the intersection, move to the other side at a normal pace. If you cross a road where there is no cross- walk, you must yield the right of way to all ve- hicles on the roadway. Do not cross intersections diagonally unless an official traffic control device says you may. Walk facing traffic. Use sidewalks when you can; if there are no sidewalks, get as far off the road as possible. You have the right of way only in crosswalks. Yield to vehicles any place else. Use your common sense—yield if there is any danger.

38 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual Revised 2 023 ping (see page 16). • Do not carry more people on a bicycle or motorized bicycle than it was designed to carry. • All bicycles and motorized bicycles must be equipped with a brake. • If under 18, an approved safety helmet is required to operate a motorized bicycle. A good practice is to wear a safety helmet while riding a bicycle and motorized bicycle regardless of age. • It is a good idea to wear brightly-colored clothing to increase your visibility in traffic. • Only carry a package or bundle if it allows you to keep at least one hand on the han- dlebar. • Do not hold on to other moving vehicles for the purpose of being towed. • At night, all bicycles must be equipped with a headlight visible from a distance of 500 feet. The bicycle must also have a red reflector on the rear. If equipped with a taillight, it must be visible for 500 feet to the rear. OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES The operator of an off-highway vehicle must be in possession of a valid driver’s license, permit, or an off-highway vehicle safety cer- tificate issued by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. For complete infor- mation on minimum age requirements, call 328-5357 or visit www.parkrec.nd.gov OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES RULES There are a number of rules regulating the operation of an off-highway vehicle. Here are some of them: • Persons under the age of 18 must wear a safety helmet that meets United States De- partment of Transportation standards. • Do not operate an off-highway vehicle on the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of any road, street, or highway except as provided in Chapter 39-29 of the North When you walk at night, walk facing traffic and wear light or white clothing. Make sure drivers can see you. You are not allowed to stand on the traveled portion of the street or highway for the pur- pose of hitchhiking. Drivers must always be on the lookout for pe- destrians. Be alert for children at play. For in- stance, a ball rolling onto the street tells you a child might be chasing it. Your reactions might save a life. RECREATIONAL VEHICLES Bicycles and Motorized Bicycles Traffic laws apply to everyone. Whether you are driving a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or motorized bicycle, you must always obey the same basic rules of the road. A motorized bicycle is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle no more than 32 inches wide. It must also have: 1. Foot pedals or footrests. 2. Maximum piston or rotor displacement of 49.98 cc. (3.05 cubic inches) enabling a speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour on a level surface. 3. An automatic drive system not requiring the use of a clutch. To operate a motorized bicycle, you must be at least 14 years of age or older and have in your immediate possession a valid operator’s license, motorized bicycle permit, operator permit, temporary permit, instruction permit, or motorcycle permit. Rules and Guidelines • Obey all traffic laws. • Ride not more than two abreast (single file is safest). • Keep to the right side of the roadway. • Give pedestrians the right of way. • Use hand signals before turning and stop- 39 Noncommercial D river L icense M a nual R evised 2 023 Dakota Century Code. Review your owners manual before operating. • Cross streets or highways at an angle of ap- proximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no ob- struction prevents a quick and safe cross- ing. Come to a complete stop before cross- ing the shoulder or main-traveled roadway. You must yield the right of way to all road- way traffic. When crossing a divided high- way, cross only at an intersection of the highway with another street or highway. • Except in emergencies, you may not oper- ate within the right of way of any controlled- access highway. • A person who is performing pest control or survey work for a political subdivision may operate an off-highway vehicle on the bot- tom, back slope, inside slope, and shoulder of a highway other than a controlled-access highway. • A licensed driver may operate a registered off-highway vehicle: » On a gravel, dirt, or loose surface roadway. » On a paved highway designated and posted at a speed not exceeding 55 mph. • A licensed driver over 16 years of age may operate a registered class III off-highway vehicle on a paved highway designated and posted at a speed not exceeding 65 mph. • All off-highway vehicles operated on paved highways or gravel, dirt, or loose surface roadways must meet the equipment require- ment in 39-29 of the North Dakota Century Code. SNOWMOBILES In order to operate a snowmobile on a high- way right of way, you must have in your pos- session a valid driver’s license or a snow- mobile safety certificate issued by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. For complete information on minimum age requirements, call 328-5357 or visit www. parkrec.nd.gov. Equipment Your snowmobile must have: • A headlight. • A taillight. • Brakes. • A leakproof exhaust system which includes a muffler. Snowmobile Rules There are a number of different rules regulat- ing when and where you can operate a snow- mobile. Here are some of them. • Persons under the age of 18 must wear a safety helmet that meets United States De- partment of Transportation standards. • Never operate a snowmobile on the road- way, shoulder, or inside bank of any road in North Dakota. • Never operate on the right of way of any In- terstate highway. The right of way includes the driving portion of the road, the median, the shoulders, and the ditches on either side. • If you operate in any ditch alongside the roadway, move in the same direction as roadway traffic. • Never operate on any right of way from April 1 to November 1 of any year. • If you must cross a roadway, yield the right of way to all roadway traffic. Come to a complete stop before reaching the shoulder of the road; proceed at right angles to the road when it is clear. • On a divided highway, cross only at inter- sections. • When required for your safety and that of others, use your headlights and taillights. • Never operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Do not harass any animals with your snow- mobile. You are liable for damages. • Never operate where your machine will damage trees and plants. • Do not operate on private land without per- mission. 40 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 POINT SYSTEM North Dakota uses a point system to improve safety on the roads. Under the North Dakota point system, each traffic violation is assigned a certain amount of points. The more serious the offense, the higher its point value. After each violation, the corresponding amount of points are added to the driver’s record. This normally occurs within 10 days of convic- tion. When the record reveals a total of 12 or more points, the driver will be informed that the authorities intend to suspend his or her license. The driver will also be notified that he or she may have an administrative hearing. If it is found to be true that the driver in ques- tion has 12 or more points, the license will be suspended according to the following table: The point total can be reduced: 1. ONE POINT—for every three-month peri- od during which the driver has not had any points recorded against his/her record. 2. THREE POINTS—if the driver completes an approved driver improvement course such as a defensive driving course. 3. A person may elect to attend a driver im- provement course in lieu of points on the driving record for violations assigned five or less points. This option is valid once ev- ery 12 months and may not be used in con- junction with item 2 above. PARENT/GUARDIAN DRIVER COACHING TIPS WITHDRAWAL OF PARENTAL CONSENT Consent of a parent or legal guardian is re- quired for a minor to get a permit or a license. The person who consented can withdraw the consent at any time and the permit or license will be cancelled. A teen can regain their permit or license with parental consent or when they reach the age of 18. DRIVING RISKS — What Parents Need to Know Driving can be a potentially dangerous en- deavor for everyone; however, it is more dan- gerous for young drivers. Novice teen drivers crash more than any other age group. There are many reasons for this, including: • Young Age/Lack of Maturity: Teenagers can make more errors in judgment than oth- er age groups. Be aware your teen is likely to drive differently and take more risks when you are not in the vehicle. • Brain Development: Teens should be the world’s best drivers. Their muscles are well toned, their reaction time quick, their eye- hand coordination at a peak. Yet car crash- es kill more of them than any other cause — a problem, some researchers believe, that is rooted in the adolescent brain. A National Institutes of Health study suggests that the region of the brain that inhibits risky behav- ior is not fully formed until age 25. • Risky Driving Behaviors: Teenagers may engage in risky driving behaviors. These include speeding, running red and yellow lights, running stop signs, tailgating, weav- ing in and out of traffic, not keeping a safe distance for merging or changing lanes, misjudging gaps in traffic, and misjudging the capability of their vehicle. • Distractions: Any new or inexperienced driver is challenged when faced with driving distractions. Music, cell phones, pets, and passengers are best left at home while your teen is learning to drive. • Driving Inexperience: Teenagers lack driv- ing experience. It takes a LOT of practice to be able to safely maneuver in everyday situations and unexpected circumstances. Teens show the greatest improvement with- in the first year and 1,000 miles of driving. They continue to improve through their first 5,000 miles of driving. HIGH-RISK DRIVING CONDITIONS • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Drinking any — yes, any — amount Accumulated Point Total Period of Suspension 12 7 days 13 and above 7 days for each point over 11 41 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 of alcohol produces impairment. Not only is the use of alcohol and illicit drugs illegal, the combination of alcohol or drugs and driving can be deadly. • High Speeds: For teen drivers (especially males), most severe crashes occur at high speeds. Crash risk, severity, and force all increase as speed increases. • Passengers: For teen drivers, as the num- ber of passengers increase, teen crashes increase. Driving is a “new skill” for teens, and they need to pay close attention. Teen passengers can be a major distraction. Teen passengers may intentionally or unintention- ally encourage friends to speed, show off, or not pay enough attention to driving. • Night Driving: For teen drivers, the most severe crashes occur at night and on week- ends. Night driving is challenging for all driv- ers, but novice teen drivers do not have the experience to anticipate and react to condi- tions at night when visibility is reduced. Make sure your teen gets extensive practice driv- ing with you in varied types of weather. Be aware that teenagers driving at night usually include a lack of adult supervision, carrying passengers, and driving at high speeds, all of which increase risk exponentially. • Seat Belt Non-Use: Seat belt non-use is a problem for both drivers and passengers. Seat belts are important because they keep the driver and passengers inside the vehicle where they are the safest. Driver education is the beginning of the process of learning to drive, but teens need many, many hours of practice to become safe drivers. TIPS FOR SUPERVISING TEEN DRIVING PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Prac- tice as much as possible, even after your teen gets their license. • Who: Practice with only you and your teen in the vehicle. Other people, pets, etc., can distract both of you and increase stress. Re- member: remain calm and focused; making mistakes is part of learning, and practice driving is serious, but it should also be inter- esting and engaging. • What: Practice the driving skills yourself that your teen is learning. Begin with basic skills such as turning, parking, and backing up. Then, practice more complex skills such as changing lanes and merging. • When: In the beginning, practice during day- light hours with good weather. As your teen’s skills increase, gradually expose them to different roads, weather conditions, and times of day. • Where: In the beginning, practice in safe, low-risk driving areas. Start out in empty parking lots or on remote roads. As your teen’s skills increase, progress to quiet neighborhood streets and later to busier roads and highways. • Why: Learning to drive is a complex, on- going process requiring responsibility and dedication from both parents and teens. New drivers need a lot of practice to handle daily driving hazards and unexpected situa- tions. Teens will show the greatest improve- ment in the first 1,000 to 5,000 miles of driving. Do These Each Time You Practice • Be in the “practicing mood.” Practice when both of you are ready, in good moods, have sufficient time, and are well rested. • Adjust mirrors, seat belts, seats, and steering wheel position before starting the vehicle. • Always wear your seat belts and use your headlights day and night! • Come to a complete stop at stop signs and for right turns at red lights. • When proceeding from a stop look left, then front (straight ahead), then right before proceeding. • Keep your eyes moving. Use your mirrors to check around and behind the vehicle ev- ery 6-8 seconds. 42 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 • Keep at least a 3-4 second space between your vehicle and others in traffic flow. Try to stay centered in your lane of travel. • Avoid the “No-Zone” with trucks or bus- es. This is about 15 feet on all sides of the truck. If you cannot see truck drivers in their mirrors, they cannot see you either. • Be aware—Speed increases braking dis- tance. Doubling your speed will quadruple your braking distance. The faster you’re go- ing, the longer it takes to stop. • Be aware—Vehicle weight increases braking distance. Doubling your vehicle weight will double your braking distance. If you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer it takes longer to stop. North Dakota law sets requirements for teen driving, but families need to determine other rules and limits for their teen drivers. Make sure that family rules are very clear from the beginning. Talk to your teen about driving every chance you get. USE A PARENT-TEEN DRIVING AGREEMENT Use a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement to de- termine appropriate rules and guidelines for your teen driver, and to make sure everyone is clear about them! A sample agreement can be found on the internet at www.dot.nd.gov/di- visions/safety/teens-parents.htm under “Edu- cation.” DRIVING RULES/GUIDELINES FOR YOUR FAMILY • Require Seat Belt Use: This applies to your teen and all passengers at all times. • Prohibit Alcohol and/or Drug Use: This applies to your teen as the driver of any ve- hicle. • Prohibit Riding with Someone Who Has Used Alcohol or Drugs: This applies to your teen as the passenger in another ve- hicle. • Require Compliance With Speed Lim- its: Stress that this applies to all roads at all times because crash forces at higher speeds kill. • Prohibit Distractions While Driving: Pro- hibit cell phone use, eating, drinking, pets or changing radio or CDs while driving. • Require a Full Report: Require informa- tion about each trip before leaving, includ- ing where your teen is going, with whom, and when they will return so that you know where they are. PROVIDE A SAFE, RELIABLE VEHICLE FOR YOUR TEEN • Mid- to full-size sedans and station wagons with smaller engines and airbags are safest for teen drivers. • Under certain conditions, small trucks and SUVs may be more prone to roll-overs than other types of vehicles. • High-performance cars may encourage teens to drive beyond their experience level. IMPOSE CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING RULES/GUIDELINES • Make consequences relate to losing driv- ing privileges: for a day, weekend, week, month, etc., depending on the violation. • Consequences not related to losing driving privileges will not be as effective in sending the messages: “You must be a responsible driver” and “I am serious about your follow- ing the rules and limits for driving.” • Consider requiring your teen to complete additional supervised practice. Make consequences known: Set conse- quences for common violations before they occur so that your teen knows what to expect. • Getting a speeding ticket. • Coming home less than 30 minutes after curfew. • Coming home more than 30 minutes after curfew. • Lying about their whereabouts. 43 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 • Violating passenger restrictions. In North Dakota, teen drivers account for about 20 percent of fatal crashes. So, before you ever get into the car, make sure that both you and your teen understand the basics. TEEN-DRIVER TRAINING ORIENTATION Before you begin training, make sure you know common teen driving errors and ways you can help your teen be a better driver. Top 11 Driving Errors 1. Not attending to the path of travel. 2. Driving five or more miles per hour too fast for conditions. 3. Driving too fast through a curve. 4. Inadequate search at an intersection and failing to yield to cross traffic. 5. Lack of attention at an intersection and being struck by another driver. 6. Improper evasive action — quick turn not executed properly. 7. Failure to maintain visual lead. 8. Failure to see action developing at side of the roadway. 9. Following too closely. 10. Willfully taking right-of-way. 11. Distracted. AGGRESSIVE DRIVING Drivers who routinely speed, run red lights and stop signs, tailgate, and otherwise disre- gard the safety of other motorists are turning streets and highways into high-risk arenas. Aggressive driving can easily escalate into road rage. We’re all too familiar with stories of motorists who have killed or injured other drivers for seemingly trivial reasons. When is it Aggressive Driving? The following attitudes and behaviors indicate that problem driving behaviors are related to aggression rather than inexperience: • Constant rushing, lane jumping, and the need to “get ahead.” • Ignoring road signs and regulations. • Constantly ridiculing and criticizing other drivers. • Denying entry into your lane or preventing passing. • Speeding past another car, revving engine. • Tailgating a driver to go faster or get out of their way. • Honking, yelling, or making visible insulting gestures. When Confronted by Aggressive Drivers: • First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way. • Put your pride in the back seat. Do not chal- lenge them by speeding up or attempting to “hold-your-own” in your travel lane. • Wear your seat belt. It will hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver and it will protect you in a crash. • Avoid eye contact. • Ignore gestures and refuse to return them. • Report aggressive drivers to the appropri- ate authorities by providing a vehicle de- scription, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel. • If you have a cell phone, and can do it safe- ly, call 911. 44 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 NOTES The exercise above illustrates the area around the car the driver cannot see: • While your teen is sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine off, get out of the car and stand close to the front bumper facing the driver. • Begin taking steps backward and have your teen tap the horn when he or she can see your feet. • Place a cone or cup in that spot. This is the pavement area in front of the vehicle that cannot be seen when looking out of the windshield. • • Ask the driver to use the inside mirror and/ or to look over the right shoulder, and re- peat this process to the rear of the vehicle. • Walk backwards from the passenger doors on the left and right sides of the vehicle and place cups or cones to mark the side areas visible to the driver. • Have your teen measure these distances and record them. AN EXERCISE TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH BLIND SPOTS 45 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 SUPERVISED DRIVING LOG Instruction permit holders under the age of 16 must complete a minimum of 50 hours of super- vised, behind-the-wheel driving experience in various driving conditions that include: • Driving in rural areas. • Driving in urban areas. • Driving on gravel, dirt, or aggregate surface roads. • Night driving. • Driving in winter conditions. The log below will help you keep track of the hours required. Please note that the 50 hours of supervised driving is in addition to the formal drivers education requirements. Driving Log: Must practice driving in each of these conditions. When added together, must total a minimum of 50 hours. Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Hours Rural Areas Urban Areas Gravel/Dirt/Aggregate Road Surfaces Night Driving Winter Driving TOTAL HOURS Notes: 46 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 FLY? FLY? DRIVER LICENSE Sample 1 1 2proof of age and identity proof of social security proofs of North Dakota residency SUCH AS: Ÿ U.S. Birth Certificate Ÿ Passport (valid only). SUCH AS: SUCH AS: Ÿ Original Social Security Card Ÿ W-2 Form Ÿ SSA-1099 Form Ÿ Utility Bill Ÿ Lease/Mortgage Document Ÿ Homeowner's/Renter's Insurance If your North Dakota driver license or ID doesn't have a federally-required REAL ID gold star by May 7, 2025, you may not be able to fly in the United States. WHAT type of documentation is needed for REAL ID? LEARN MORE: real-id.dot.nd.gov DOES YOUR LICENSE DOES LICENSE YOUR *For a full list of document options go to NDDOT website. * May need additional documentation if name varies from ID document. 47 Noncommercial Driver License Manual Revised 2023 www.ndsc.org For more information, call 701-223-6372 or 800-932-8890 In-Person Courses Public Course (voluntary): $60 Distance-Learning Courses Public Course (voluntary): $80 Alive at 25 is a highly interactive 4.5-hour program targeted toward drivers under the age of 25 that helps young drivers take greater responsibility for their driving. Whereas driver education teaches the mechanics of car and road handling and state law, Alive at 25 focuses on behavior, judgment, decision making and consequences, and provides tools for making positive choices. Defensive Driving course also available for experienced drivers. But you can give them the tools to be safer. Plus, courses are approved in ND for insurance discount and point reduction! 10% Discount Use coupon code NDDOT

INDEX Aggressive Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Air Bags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Applying for a License or Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bicycles - Sharing the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Blindspots - Become Familiar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Change of Name or Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Child Restraints (Car Safety Seats). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Classes of Licenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Coasting Prohibited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Crash Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Driving Posture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Driving Risks - What Parents Need to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Driving Rules/Guidelines for Your Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Driving While Under the Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Duplicate Licenses/Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Equipment Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Exemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Fatigue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Flat Tire or Blowouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Flooding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Following & Stopping Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 High-Risk Driving Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Implied Consent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Impose Consequences for Violating Rules/Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Interchanges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Interstate Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Lane Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Littering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Minor in Possession/Consumption Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Minors Driver License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Motorcycles - Sharing the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Special Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Night Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Open Container Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Parent-Teen Driving Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Parking Do Not Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Emergency Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Leaving a Parking Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Parallel Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Parking on a Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Pavement Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 People Who Cannot Get a License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Point System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Provide a Safe, Reliable Vehicle for Your Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Railroad Crossings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Reading the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Recreational Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Bicycles and Motorized Bicycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Off-Highway Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Snowmobiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Registering Your Motor Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Renewals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Reporting Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Right of Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Roundabouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Running off the Pavement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Signals Flashing Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Left Turn Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Traffic Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Signs Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Special Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Skids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Speed Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Stop Intersections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Teen-Driver Training Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Top 11 Driving Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Teen Driving - Tips for Supervising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Do These Each Time You Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Trucks - Sharing the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Blind Spots (the “No-Zone”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Maneuverability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Turning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Wear Your Belt Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Meeting Snow Removal Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Withdrawal of Parental Consent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Work Zone Channelizing Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Construction and Maintenance Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Flagpersons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Flashing Arrow Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 It is NDDOT’s policy that all employees have the right to work in an environment free of harassment. An employee may discontinue service to a customer if the customer subjects the employee to conduct, communication, or sexually explicit paraphernalia which may interfere with the employee’s work perfor- mance or create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and its related statutes and regulations, no person or groups of persons shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or income status, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any and all programs, services, or activities administered by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. www.dot.nd.gov