Seat belts and child seats in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Every occupant of a car designed for fewer than 11 passengers and built with safety belts must wear a belt. Children under 8 must be in a child restraint system unless they are at least 57 inches (1.45 m) tall.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Seat belt compulsory in front seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Seat belt compulsory in rear seatsPassenger cars | Yes [1] |
| Child restraint required untilPassenger cars | Children under 8 must be in a child restraint system, unless they are at least 57 inches (1.45 m) tall, in which case a safety belt is enough. Children aged 8 to 17 must be in a child restraint system or a correctly buckled safety belt. [1] |
| Children in the front seatPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbagPassenger cars | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fine for not wearing a seat beltPassenger cars | Not wearing a seat belt is a moving violation under chapter 39-21, with a statutory fee of $20. A violation of the child-restraint rule (39-21-41.2) carries a fee of $25. [2] |
Notes
- The duty applies to vehicles designed to carry fewer than 11 passengers that were originally manufactured with safety belts. Medical and certain occupational exemptions apply.
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Branch: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 39-21 Equipment of Vehicles (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 39-06.1 Noncriminal Traffic Offense Procedure (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
North Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Seat belt compulsory in front seats | Seat belt compulsory in rear seats | Child restraint required until | Children in the front seat | Rear-facing child seat in front with active airbag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Yes | Yes | Under 8, unless 57 in (1.45 m) tall | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | Yes, driver and all passengers | Yes, driver and all passengers | Seats by age; adult belt from age 9 or when outgrown | Under 13 in rear seat when available | No if airbag active and rear seat available (under 6/60 lb) |
| Montana | Yes, every designated seat | Yes, every designated seat | Rear-facing under 2; booster to age 8; belt from 9 | No front-seat restriction in the statute | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | Yes | Only passengers aged 5 to 17 | Under 5 (seat belt at 40 lb or more) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
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
- 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
- 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.