Dalrymple Signs Two Road Safety Bills

Press Release

Governor Jack Dalrymple today signed two bills into law that will make North Dakota's roadways safer for travel.

Dalrymple was joined by legislators, Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. James Prochniak, state Transportation Director Francis Ziegler, industry representatives and families in the state Capitol where he signed House Bill 1195, which prohibits texting while driving, and House Bill 1256, which strengthens the state's licensing process for young drivers.

"These two pieces of legislation will help save lives," Dalrymple said. "Texting while driving is clearly a dangerous distraction that can result in serious injury or death, and I'm glad to see we are joining a growing number of states that are taking this action to make our roads a safer place. I'm also pleased to see that our youngest and most inexperienced drivers will benefit from a process that will better prepare them for the road and help keep them and others safe. House Bill 1256 will help young drivers minimize their risks, while they maximize their experience behind the wheel."

House Bill 1195

House Bill 1195 prohibits all drivers from using a wireless communications device to compose, read or send an electronic message. A study by Virginia Tech Driving Institute shows that motorists who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident or a near-crash incident. The ban on texting while driving includes a $100 state fine and will take effect August 1.

"Today, North Dakota joins 30 other states and the District of Columbia in enacting a law to prohibit texting while driving by all drivers," said Rep. Larry Klemin, primary bill sponsor. "Through the enactment of this law, through education of the public about this law and about the dangers of texting while driving, and through strong law enforcement, we can save lives and make our streets and highways safer for all of us."

House Bill 1256

House Bill 1256 strengthens North Dakota's licensing process for young drivers. The driver's instructional period, the "learner's permit" is extended from six months to one year for drivers under the age of 15. The change to the permit period takes effect January 1, 2012. Anyone who gets their permit before that day will be processed under current law. Anyone who gets their permit on the effective date or beyond will be processed under the new law.

The teen licensing program includes additional restrictions until drivers reach the age of 18.

* Prohibits motorists under the age of 16 from driving between sunset or 9 p.m. (whichever comes first) and 5 a.m. Drivers under 16 are exempt from the nighttime restriction if they are driving to work, school, religious activities or if accompanied by an adult.
* Prohibits motorists under the age of 18 from using electronic communication devices, including cellular phones while driving.
* Extends driver's instructional period, the "learner's permit", from 6 months to one year for drivers under the age of 16.
* Requires motorists under the age of 16 to complete 50 hours of driving under varied conditions with a parent or other adult licensed driver.
* Provides a "farm exemption" which allows license holders to operate farm vehicles that weigh less than 50,000 pounds.

"House Bill 1256 moves North Dakota closer to the rest of the country in helping young drivers receive more opportunities to gain driving experience, promote driving safely, reduce teen accidents and most importantly, save young people's lives," said Rep. George Keiser, primary bill sponsor.

Traffic crashes are the number one killer of North Dakota teens. Between 2001 and 2009, teen drivers were involved in nearly 35,000 crashes. While they account for only 6.57 percent of all drivers in the state, teen drivers have been involved in 19.5 percent of fatal crashes and 30.7 percent of injury crashes during that period.

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