What are the speed limits in North Dakota?

Standard speed limits in North Dakota are: 25 mph residential, 55-70 mph other highways depending on road type and posting, 80 mph interstate [§ 39-09-02; 39-06.1-06].

How many points is a speeding ticket in North Dakota?

Points vary by how much you exceed the limit [§ 39-06.1-10]. North Dakota uses a point system that assigns points to specific offenses under a statutory demerit schedule (values vary by offense rather than by generic severity tier).

Can I fight a speeding ticket in North Dakota?

Yes. Common defenses include challenging the radar/laser calibration, arguing the speed limit was not properly posted, or showing the speed was safe for conditions. You can also negotiate a reduced charge through an attorney.

Will a speeding ticket affect my insurance in North Dakota?

Yes. A speeding conviction typically increases insurance rates by 15-40% for 3-5 years[src:https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-auto-insurance|Insurance Information Institute]. The increase depends on the speed over the limit and your overall driving record.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

North Dakota Speeding Tickets — Fines, Points & Defenses

Speed limits, speeding penalties, point values, and how to fight a speeding ticket in North Dakota.

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in North Dakota §39-09-02; §39-06.1-06. Penalties vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit and where the violation occurs.

Speed Limits

North Dakota's standard speed limits:

	Speed Limit
Residential/Business	25 mph residential
Rural Roads	55-70 mph other highways depending on road type and posting
Interstate/Highway	80 mph interstate
School Zones	Posted speed when active §39-09-02; §39-06.1-06
Construction Zones	Fines often doubled §39-09-02; §39-06.1-06

Penalties for Speeding

Statutory fee of $20 or $3 per mph over the limit, whichever is greater ($5 per mph on highways posted above 65 mph), plus an additional $20 at 16+ mph over; higher minimum fees in school zones ($40) and posted construction zones with workers present ($150); points scale with mph over the limit under separate schedules for zones posted at or below and above 65 mph (§ 39-06.1-10) §39-09-02; §39-06.1-06.

How Speeding Affects Your Record

Citation issued — fine amount and points determined by speed over limit

Points added to your driving record §39-06.1-10

Insurance company reviews record at renewal — rates may increase 15-40%

Excessive points may lead to license suspension

Points typically remain on record for 2-3 years

Fighting a Speeding Ticket

Common defenses include:

Challenging the accuracy of the speed detection method (radar, laser, pacing)

Arguing the speed limit was not properly posted

Showing the speed was safe for conditions (absolute vs. presumed limits)

Proving mistaken identity (wrong vehicle cited)

Negotiating a reduction to a non-moving violation

✓Defensive driving course completion may reduce points; approved courses available through state DMV-certified providers. This can help avoid points and insurance increases.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (Traffic Violations)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Traffic citation copy

(date, location, violation code)

Driving record / MVR

(point history, prior violations)

Insurance and registration

(proof of coverage, vehicle reg.)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and violation type.

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