North Dakota (ND) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the state of North Dakota, teens are eligible to apply for a learner’s license at age 14. Although North Dakota teens may begin practicing at an early age, they must wait until age 16 to become eligible to apply for a restricted license. North Dakota’s Graduated Driver Licensing system eliminates a few of the requirements of the traditional system, but it still helps save teen lives. Continue reading to learn more about North Dakota’s unique Graduated Driver Licensing program and other important teen driving laws.

North Dakota Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), Requirements and Enforcement

North Dakota’s Graduated Driver Licensing program is simple. Teens can begin the program by obtaining a driving permit. To obtain a driver permit, you must:

•    Be at least 14 years of age
•    Pass a written exam
•    Pass a vision screening
•    Provide proof of identity
•    Provide proof of residency
•    Provide a social security card

The North Dakota driver permit is valid for one year following the date of issue. During the permit period, the teen driver must successfully complete a driver education program. During this time, the teen is only allowed to drive with a parent, legal guardian or licensed driver age 18 or older that has had at least 3 years of driving experience. The designated driver must be seated in the passenger seat next to the permit holder at all times.

The next step in the process is the restricted license. Once all driver permit requirements have been met, and the teen is age 16 or older, he can apply for a restricted license. The terms of the restricted license may vary depending on the teen’s status. The North Dakota DMV has the right to add time restrictions, physical restrictions or destination restrictions.

Violating any of the conditions of the driver permit or restricted license could result in license suspension or delays in licensing. In addition, North Dakota adds points to licenses for traffic violations. An accumulation of points could also lead to license suspension.

North Dakota Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of North Dakota, there are no limits on cell phone use for minors. Several bills banning cell phone use and texting for minors have been attempted, but so far all have been defeated. It is important to note that while legal, cell phone use while driving is downright dangerous, especially for teens and beginner drivers. If you must make or take call while driving, pull over to a safe place first.

North Dakota Teen DUI Laws

In the state of North Dakota, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. This is North Dakota’s version of a “zero tolerance” law. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict an North Dakota teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your license may be suspended and you will accumulate points on your driver license.

North Dakota Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of North Dakota all drivers, including teens, must carry mandatory coverages including liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist’s coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) in the amount of $25,000 bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident, $50,000 bodily injury or death of two persons in any one accident, $25,000 injury to or property damage of others in any one accident, $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident uninsured motorist coverage, $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident underinsured motorist coverage, and $30,000 personal injury protection (PIP).

Because the risk of an auto crash is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, North Dakota auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year, with an average of $2,171 a year.