Drinking age in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Only the rules shown here have been checked against the state's statutes; local rules may differ.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 21 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | A person under 21 may be on licensed premises where alcohol is sold, at the owner's discretion, if accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 21 or over and eating a meal (not after 10 p.m., and only with local licensing authority permission in cities of 1,500 or fewer people or outside cities), or in a restaurant dining area if accompanied by a parent or guardian and not at or within three feet of the bar counter. This concerns presence on premises; the section does not state an age for private consumption. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | On licensed premises alcohol may not be dispensed or consumed between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m., on Christmas Day, or after 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Off-sale is not allowed after 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day or between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Sundays. Violation is a class A misdemeanor. [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | A person may not drink or consume alcoholic beverages in or on a motor vehicle on a public highway or in an area used principally for public parking, and may not have an opened or partly emptied container of alcoholic beverages in the passenger area of such a vehicle. The fee for a violation is $50. This section concerns vehicles; it does not state a general rule for other public places. [2] |
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code Chapter 5-02 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-08 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Where and when alcohol is sold | Federal law does not itself ban the sale of alcohol to people under 21. Under 23 U.S.C. 158, a State loses 8 percent of certain federal highway funds if buying or publicly possessing alcohol is lawful there for a person under 21. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (U.S. Code)) |
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North Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 21 | 21 | On premises with parent/guardian, with limits | Open container ban in vehicles on highways | No sales 2-8 a.m.; Christmas rules |
| Minnesota | 21 | 21 | Parent's household only | ⚠ Not yet verified | Off-sale: Sun 11-6, other days 8am-10pm |
| Montana | 21 (sales/provision banned) | 21 (sales/provision banned) | Parent: small amount only; religious use | ⚠ Not yet verified | Closed 2-8 a.m.; cities may restrict further |
| South Dakota | 21+ (purchase, possess, consume) | 21+ (purchase, possess, consume) | With parent, guardian or spouse; religious use | No spirits in public places | No sales 2-7am; locals may bar Sundays |
More rules in North Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Infraction under 1/2 oz (fine only) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph if posted
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (restricted licence at 15) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Limited list of items only · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named if blade under 6 in · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity knives named
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.