Why North Dakota Suspends Licenses
North Dakota suspends driver licenses for specific violations and failures, not as a penalty you can appeal away. The state's Department of Transportation suspends licenses when you accumulate too many points, fail to pay traffic fines, miss court dates, or violate alcohol-related laws. Once suspended, you cannot legally drive until you meet the conditions for reinstatement — which vary by reason.
The most common reason is point accumulation. North Dakota assigns points to moving violations: speeding 1–10 mph over the limit is 2 points; 11–20 mph over is 4 points; reckless driving is 8 points. When you reach 12 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 60 days; a third lasts one year.
Other suspension triggers include failing to pay a traffic fine by the due date, not appearing in court, driving with a suspended license, and convictions for DUI or refusal to take a breath test. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
Key Takeaways
- Point accumulation (12 points in 24 months) is the most common suspension reason, and the suspension length depends on how many times you have been suspended before.
- You must pay all outstanding fines and court costs before the Department of Transportation will reinstate your license, even if the suspension was for a different reason.
- If you were suspended for a DUI or refusal, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and an approved treatment program before reinstatement is possible.
- You can request a hearing within 10 days of receiving a suspension notice if you believe the suspension was issued in error.
- Driving on a suspended license in North Dakota carries a fine of $100 to $300 and possible jail time, and will extend your suspension.
Point Suspension: The 12-Point Rule
North Dakota tracks moving violations on a 24-month rolling window. Every moving violation adds points to your record. When the total reaches 12, the Department of Transportation automatically suspends your license. The suspension period depends on your history: 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second within five years, and one year for a third within five years.
Points do not disappear after a set time — they remain on your record for 24 months from the date of the violation. This means a violation from 25 months ago no longer counts toward the 12-point threshold, but violations within the 24-month window all count together. If you receive a ticket and pay the fine without going to court, the points are still added to your record.
You will receive a written notice of suspension by mail. The notice states the suspension start date, the reason, and the length. You have 10 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing if you believe the suspension was issued in error — for example, if a conviction was reversed or if the points were miscalculated.
Suspension for Unpaid Fines and Court Failures
If you do not pay a traffic fine by the due date shown on your citation, the court will notify the Department of Transportation, which will suspend your license. Similarly, if you fail to appear in court for a traffic violation, your license is suspended when ready. These suspensions remain in place until you resolve the underlying issue.
To lift a suspension for unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed, including any late fees or court costs. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket to confirm the exact amount due. You can often pay by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse. Once payment is received and processed, the court notifies the Department of Transportation, which removes the suspension — usually within one to three business days.
For a failure-to-appear suspension, you must appear in court or contact the court to reschedule. The judge may impose additional penalties, such as a fine for the missed appearance, but resolving the original charge will clear the suspension.
DUI and Refusal Suspensions
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or a refusal to take a breath or blood test triggers an administrative suspension separate from any criminal penalty. The suspension length depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused the test.
For a first DUI conviction, the suspension is 180 days. For a first refusal, it is one year. A second DUI or refusal within 10 years results in a two-year suspension; a third results in a three-year suspension. These suspensions are mandatory and cannot be shortened or waived.
Before the Department of Transportation will reinstate your license after a DUI or refusal suspension, you must complete a substance abuse assessment by a licensed provider and follow any treatment recommendations. If the assessment recommends treatment, you must complete that program and provide proof to the department. You must also pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100) and any outstanding fines or court costs.
Driving with a Suspended License
Operating a vehicle while your license is suspended is a separate criminal offense in North Dakota. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $300 and possible jail time up to 30 days. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $300 to $500 and jail time up to 60 days. A third offense results in a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
Additionally, driving on a suspended license extends your suspension. The Department of Transportation may add 30 to 90 days to your remaining suspension period. If you are arrested for this offense, you will also face a new court case and additional court costs.
If you must drive during a suspension — for work, medical appointments, or other essential needs — you cannot obtain a hardship license in North Dakota. The state does not issue restricted or conditional licenses for suspended drivers. Your only option is to wait out the suspension or resolve the underlying issue (such as paying fines or completing a treatment program) to regain full driving privileges.
Steps to Reinstate Your License
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. For a point suspension, you straightforward wait out the suspension period. For unpaid fines or court failures, you must resolve those issues first. For DUI or refusal, you must complete the substance abuse assessment and any required treatment.
Once the suspension period has ended or the underlying issue is resolved, contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division, at (701) 328-2725 or visit a driver license examination station in person. Bring your driver license (if you still have it) and proof that the suspension reason has been cleared — such as a court receipt showing payment, a letter from your treatment provider, or a court order.
You will need to pay a reinstatement fee. The amount varies by suspension reason: $20 for a point suspension, $100 for a DUI or refusal suspension, and $50 for other reasons. Once the fee is paid and your file is cleared, your license is reinstated when ready, and you can drive legally again.
Requesting a Hearing on Your Suspension
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you have the right to request a hearing. You must submit your request in writing within 10 days of the date on your suspension notice. Mail your request to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505, or deliver it in person at any driver license examination station.
In your request, explain why you believe the suspension is incorrect. Common grounds include: points were miscalculated, a conviction was reversed or dismissed, or the suspension notice was sent to the wrong address. Include copies of any supporting documents, such as a court order reversing a conviction or a receipt showing payment of a fine.
The Department of Transportation will schedule a hearing, usually within 30 days. You will receive notice of the hearing date by mail. At the hearing, you can present evidence and argue your case. If the hearing officer finds in your favor, the suspension is lifted. If not, the suspension remains in place, and you can appeal to district court within 30 days of the hearing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license to drive to work while my license is suspended?
No. North Dakota does not issue temporary, restricted, or hardship licenses for suspended drivers. You cannot legally drive for any reason during a suspension, including work or medical appointments. Your only option is to wait out the suspension or resolve the underlying issue.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?
Once the court receives your payment and notifies the Department of Transportation, reinstatement usually takes one to three business days. You can call the driver license division at (701) 328-2725 to confirm your suspension has been lifted before you drive.
If I get a ticket while suspended, does it add more points to my record?
Yes. Points are added for every moving violation, regardless of whether your license is already suspended. A ticket received during a suspension will add points and may extend your suspension period or trigger a new suspension once your current one ends.
What happens if I move out of North Dakota while suspended?
Your North Dakota suspension remains on your record. If you obtain a license in another state, North Dakota's suspension will show up in the national database, and most states will honor the suspension. You will need to resolve the North Dakota suspension before you can legally drive in most other states.
Do I have to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new test. You straightforward pay the reinstatement fee and confirm that the suspension reason has been cleared. Your license is reinstated with the same class and restrictions you had before the suspension.