North Dakota DUI Laws & Penalties
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ND pioneered the '24/7 Sobriety Program' (twice-daily breath testing / CAM), mandated on repeat offenses. Refusal is a crime (post-Birchfield: breath refusal criminal, blood refusal requires warrant).
Overview
- Legal BAC limit: 0.08% (commercial 0.04%, under-21 0.02%, enhanced at 0.16%).
- Lookback period: 7 years. 7-year window for second/third counting; a fourth within 15 years is a Class C felony; lifetime priors matter for the felony trigger.
- Primary statute: N.D.C.C. § 39-08-01
0.16+ adds a 2-day mandatory minimum jail on a first offense and lengthens penalties at each level.
Penalties by offense
| Offense | Classification | Jail | Fine | License suspension | Interlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Class B misdemeanor | none (2 days if 0.16+) – 30 days; mandatory min none base; 2 days if 0.16+ | $500–$1,500 ($500 minimum ($750 if 0.16+)) | 91 days (test failure) / 180 days (0.16+) – 1 year+; hardship: restricted work permit after portion; IID for some | Not required |
| Second offense | Class B misdemeanor (within 7 years) | 10 days (48 hours consecutive) – 1 year; mandatory min 10 days | $1,500 ($1,500) | 365-day suspension – 2 years; hardship: 24/7 program participation required; IID | Required |
| Third offense | Class A misdemeanor (within 7 years) | 120 days – 1 year; mandatory min 120 days | $2,000 ($2,000) | 2-year suspension – 2+ years; hardship: 24/7 program + 360 days supervised probation | Required |
| Fourth+ offense | Class C felony (4th within 15 years) | 1 year and 1 day (366 days) – 5 years; mandatory min 366 days | $2,000 | 3-year revocation – 3 years+; hardship: 24/7 + IID | Required |
First offense
- Classification: Class B misdemeanor
- Jail: none (2 days if 0.16+) – 30 days; mandatory min none base; 2 days if 0.16+
- Fine: $500–$1,500 ($500 minimum ($750 if 0.16+))
- License suspension: 91 days (test failure) / 180 days (0.16+) – 1 year+; hardship: restricted work permit after portion; IID for some
- Alternative disposition: Addiction evaluation mandatory; no charge-dismissal diversion.
- Interlock: IID/24-7 program conditions common; mandatory on repeats.
Second offense
- Classification: Class B misdemeanor (within 7 years)
- Jail: 10 days (48 hours consecutive) – 1 year; mandatory min 10 days
- Fine: $1,500 ($1,500)
- License suspension: 365-day suspension – 2 years; hardship: 24/7 program participation required; IID
- Interlock: 360 days of 24/7 Sobriety Program participation mandated.
Third offense
- Classification: Class A misdemeanor (within 7 years)
- Jail: 120 days – 1 year; mandatory min 120 days
- Fine: $2,000 ($2,000)
- License suspension: 2-year suspension – 2+ years; hardship: 24/7 program + 360 days supervised probation
Fourth+ offense
- Classification: Class C felony (4th within 15 years)
- Jail: 1 year and 1 day (366 days) – 5 years; mandatory min 366 days
- Fine: $2,000
- License suspension: 3-year revocation – 3 years+; hardship: 24/7 + IID
Refusing a chemical test (implied consent)
Refusal is a SEPARATE CRIME (§ 39-08-01) carrying penalties equivalent to the DUI itself, plus administrative suspension (180 days first). Post-Birchfield, warrantless BLOOD-test refusal cannot be criminally punished but breath refusal can. Refusal admissible.
Statute: N.D.C.C. § 39-08-01, § 39-20-04
Ignition interlock
The 24/7 Sobriety Program (twice-daily breath tests or CAM bracelet) is ND's signature sanction, mandated 360 days on repeat offenses; IID also used for restricted driving.
Statute: N.D.C.C. § 54-12-30 (24/7); § 39-06.1-11
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in North Dakota?
A first DUI in North Dakota is a Class B misdemeanor. Jail: none (2 days if 0.16+) – 30 days; mandatory min none base; 2 days if 0.16+. Fine: $500–$1,500 ($500 minimum ($750 if 0.16+)). License suspension: 91 days (test failure) / 180 days (0.16+) – 1 year+; hardship: restricted work permit after portion; IID for some.
What is the legal BAC limit in North Dakota?
0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How long does North Dakota look back at prior DUI offenses?
7 years. 7-year window for second/third counting; a fourth within 15 years is a Class C felony; lifetime priors matter for the felony trigger.