What Suspends a License in North Dakota
North Dakota suspends licenses for specific violations, and the suspension is automatic — you do not have to be convicted in court for it to happen. The most common reason is a DUI or DWI arrest: your license is suspended when ready after arrest, even before trial. Other suspensions come from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical disqualification, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
The Department of Transportation (NDOT) manages all suspensions. When a suspension takes effect, NDOT sends a notice to your address on file. That notice tells you the reason, the length of the suspension, and what you must do to restore your license. If you do not receive the notice, the suspension is still active — not receiving mail does not pause it.
The length of suspension depends on the reason. A first DUI suspension lasts 180 days. Unpaid fines or failure to appear can result in suspensions that last until you resolve the underlying issue. Point-based suspensions vary by how many points you accumulated and whether you have prior suspensions.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota suspends your license automatically for DUI arrests, unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, and excessive points — you do not need a conviction for suspension to begin.
- The Department of Transportation sends a written notice to your address on file explaining the reason, length, and restoration requirements for your specific suspension.
- DUI suspensions last 180 days for a first offense, but you may be able to request a hearing to challenge the suspension within 10 days of the notice.
- Restoration requires you to pay any outstanding fines, resolve the underlying violation, and submit a restoration request form to NDOT with the required fee.
- Some suspensions allow you to request a limited license for work or medical purposes while the suspension is still active.
DUI and DWI Suspensions: The when ready Process
When you are arrested for DUI or DWI in North Dakota, your license is suspended on the spot. The officer takes your physical license and gives you a temporary permit valid for 30 days. During those 30 days, you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension — this is separate from any criminal court case.
To request a hearing, you must contact NDOT's Driver Licensing Division in writing within 10 days of your arrest. You can mail a written request or deliver it in person to the NDOT office in Bismarck. The hearing examines whether the officer had legal grounds to arrest you and whether the suspension should stand. If you do not request a hearing within 10 days, the suspension becomes final and lasts 180 days for a first offense.
If you lose the hearing or do not request one, your 30-day temporary permit expires and you cannot drive. The 180-day suspension clock starts from the date of arrest, not from the date your temporary permit expires. You can mark your calendar: 180 days from arrest is when you become may be able to access to restore your license.
Suspensions for Unpaid Fines and Failure to Appear
North Dakota suspends licenses when you do not pay traffic fines by the due date or when you fail to appear in court for a traffic violation. These suspensions remain in place until you resolve the underlying debt or court obligation — there is no fixed time limit. Your license stays suspended indefinitely until you act.
To lift a suspension for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can pay the fine in full, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing to contest the fine. Once the court confirms payment or resolves the case, they notify NDOT, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.
For failure to appear, you must go to the court and resolve the case. This usually means appearing before the judge, paying any fines, and completing any required conditions. The court then sends confirmation to NDOT. Do not ignore a failure-to-appear suspension — it can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
Point-Based Suspensions and Accumulation
North Dakota assigns points to your driving record for traffic violations. Speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents all add points. When you reach 12 points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended for 30 days. A second suspension within 24 months lasts 60 days. A third suspension within 24 months lasts 180 days.
Points expire after three years, so older violations do not count toward your total. However, the suspension itself is separate from the points — you must restore your license even after the suspension period ends. You can check your current point total by contacting NDOT or requesting your driving record online through their website.
If you believe a point was assigned in error, you can request a hearing with NDOT. You have 30 days from the date of the violation notice to request the hearing. Bring documentation showing the violation was not your fault or that the citation was issued incorrectly.
How to Restore Your License After Suspension Ends
Once your suspension period is over, your license does not automatically restore. You must submit a written request to NDOT along with a restoration fee. The fee is $20 for most suspensions, though DUI-related restorations may have additional requirements.
Send your restoration request to the NDOT Driver Licensing Division at 608 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason for the suspension. You can also submit the request in person at the NDOT office or by mail. Processing takes five to ten business days after NDOT receives your request.
For DUI suspensions, you may also need to provide proof of completion of a substance abuse assessment or treatment program, depending on the circumstances of your case. NDOT will specify this requirement in your suspension notice. If you are unsure what documents to include, call the Driver Licensing Division at 701-328-2725 before mailing your request.
Limited Licenses During Suspension
North Dakota allows you to request a limited license for certain purposes while your suspension is still active. A limited license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — but nowhere else. You cannot use it for personal errands or social activities.
To request a limited license, you must file a petition with the district court in the county where you live. You will need to show that the suspension causes undue hardship — for example, that you will lose your job without a way to get to work. The court decides whether to grant the limited license. This process takes two to four weeks.
Limited licenses are not automatic and are not available for all suspension types. DUI suspensions are more likely to may have access to, but unpaid-fine suspensions rarely do. Ask the court clerk in your county whether a limited license is an option for your specific situation before you spend time on the petition.
Reinstatement Requirements for DUI Suspensions
If your suspension was for DUI or DWI, restoring your license may require more than just paying a fee. North Dakota requires you to complete a substance abuse assessment before you can restore your license. This assessment is conducted by a licensed provider and determines whether you need treatment or counseling.
You must pay for the assessment yourself — the cost ranges from $300 to $500 depending on the provider. Once the assessment is complete, the provider sends the results to NDOT. If the assessment recommends treatment, you may need to complete that treatment before your license is restored, or you may be able to restore your license while completing treatment on an outpatient basis.
You also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if you want to drive during the suspension period with a limited license, or if the court orders it as part of your sentence. The device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Installation costs $100 to $200, and monthly monitoring fees are $50 to $100.
Common Mistakes That Delay Restoration
The most common mistake is waiting for your license to restore on its own. It will not. You must submit a restoration request after the suspension period ends, or your license remains suspended indefinitely. Many people assume the suspension automatically lifts and are shocked to find out months later that they are still suspended.
Another mistake is submitting an incomplete restoration request. If you forget to include your driver's license number or do not include the restoration fee, NDOT will return your request without processing it. This adds another week or two to the timeline. Double-check your request before mailing it.
For DUI suspensions, failing to complete the substance abuse assessment is a major delay. Even if your 180-day suspension period is over, you cannot restore your license without the assessment. Start the assessment process early — do not wait until the last day of your suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I did not receive the notice?
No. The suspension is active whether you receive the notice or not. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in North Dakota and can result in fines up to $1,000 and jail time. If you suspect your license is suspended, contact NDOT to confirm your status before you drive.
What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?
You will be cited for driving with a suspended license. This is a separate criminal charge from the original violation that caused the suspension. You face fines, possible jail time, and an additional suspension. The best course of action is to not drive until your license is restored.
How long does it take to restore my license after I submit the request?
Processing takes five to ten business days after NDOT receives your request. If you mail it, add three to five days for delivery. If you submit it in person at the NDOT office in Bismarck, it may be processed the same day. Call ahead to confirm office hours before you visit.
Can I restore my license early if I complete a DUI treatment program?
No. The 180-day suspension period is fixed and does not shorten based on treatment completion. However, completing treatment before the suspension ends helps you meet the requirements for restoration and may help if you request a limited license during the suspension.
What if I move out of North Dakota while my license is suspended?
Your North Dakota suspension follows you. If you move to another state, that state will recognize the North Dakota suspension and will not issue you a license until the suspension is lifted. You must still restore your North Dakota license through NDOT, even if you no longer live there.