Crashes, insurance and registration in North Dakota

By the end of this topic you can

• You can take the right steps at the scene of a crash.
• You can decide when and to whom a crash must be reported.
• You can list the details drivers must exchange.
• You can explain what to do if you hit an unattended vehicle.
• You can explain the penalties for driving uninsured.

What you need to know and understand

• A crash with injury, death, or combined damage of $4,000 or more must be reported immediately.
• Inside a city, report to the local police; outside city limits, report to the Highway Patrol or county sheriff.
• In every crash with injury or damage, drivers exchange name, address, insurance company and policy number.
• If you hit an unattended vehicle and cannot find the owner, leave a note with your name, address and insurance company.
• No one may drive in North Dakota without valid liability insurance, and you must show the insurer and policy number to an officer on request.
• Driving uninsured is a $150 fine for a first violation and $300 for a repeat within three years, and can lead to suspension.
• Leaving the scene of a crash with injury or death is 18 points.

At the scene

1. Stop. Leaving the scene of a crash is a serious offense.
2. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked.
3. If it is safe and the cars can move, get them off the traveled road. On a highway, stop on the shoulder and raise the hood.
4. Report it immediately if anyone is injured or killed, or the combined damage is $4,000 or more: local police in a city, the Highway Patrol or sheriff outside city limits.
5. Exchange name, address, insurance company and policy number with the other driver.
6. Write down what happened and take photos when it is safe.

Special situations

• Unattended vehicle: find the owner straight away. If you cannot, leave a note in a clear spot with your name, address and insurance company.
• Driver unable to report: if the driver is hurt and does not own the vehicle, the owner must give notice and insurance details within five days of learning of the crash.
• Hitting a deer: do not swerve to avoid it, because swerving can cause a worse crash. Brake firmly and stay in your lane.

Insurance you must carry

Vehicle owners must not let a vehicle be driven without liability insurance, and as a driver you should check the car you drive is insured. If you are convicted of having no liability insurance, you must prove insurance to NDDOT for one year and buy a duplicate license with a Proof of Liability Insurance restriction, which costs $50, plus $50 to remove it afterwards. A DUI conviction or test refusal also triggers SR-22 proof of insurance. For the current minimum coverage amounts, check with your insurer or NDDOT.

Registering a vehicle

North Dakota requires a vehicle to be registered as soon as its owner becomes a resident or takes a job in the state. You can get a North Dakota title and plates, or, if your out-of-state registration is still current and you are staying only a short time, buy a six or 12-month temporary registration permit. Keep the registration card in the vehicle at all times. The NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division handles vehicle questions.

Common mistakes

• Driving away from a minor bump without swapping details. Exchange information in every crash with damage.
• Guessing the damage is under $4,000. Repair costs add up fast; if in doubt, report it.
• Forgetting the insurance card. You must give the insurer and policy number to an officer on request.
• Swerving hard for a deer on a rural highway. Brake and stay in your lane.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in North Dakota

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in North Dakota
• North Dakota 50 Hour Supervised Driving Log
• North Dakota Permit Practice Test