Drink-driving limits in North Dakota (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: State drink-driving rules for this state have not yet been verified.

Rule	What applies
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	For a person under 21, an alcohol concentration of at least 0.02% by weight at the time of a chemical test within two hours of driving or physical control leads to suspension of driving privileges. ^[2]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	A commercial motor vehicle driver with an alcohol concentration of at least 0.04% by weight is disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle. ^[3]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	First or second offence in seven years: class B misdemeanour; a first offence must include a fine of at least $500 and an addiction evaluation (at least $750 and 2 days' imprisonment if the concentration is 0.16% or more). A fourth or later offence within 15 years is a class C felony with at least one year and one day's imprisonment. ^[1]

Notes

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

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
North Dakota	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial)	⚠ Not yet verified	1st: class B misdemeanour; fine min. $500
Minnesota	0.08%	Any alcohol, under 21	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 7 years, $14,000 (felony)
Montana	0.08%	0.02% under 21	0.04% in a commercial vehicle	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 6 months jail, $600-1,000 fine
South Dakota	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% commercial	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 1 year; $2,000 fine

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
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.