North Dakota's move over law: fee, points and what it requires
By Road Ready Safety · Checked against North Dakota law on
Short answer
When an emergency vehicle is stopped with its lights flashing on the interstate or a multilane highway outside a city, you have to move to a lane that isn't next to it, or slow down if you can't. The same goes for state highway maintenance vehicles. The ticket is a $50 fee and 2 points.
- Fee
- $50
- Points
- 2
- Covers
- Emergency and state maintenance vehicles
- If you cause a crash
- An infraction
What does the law require?
It depends on the road (NDCC 39-10-26).
On the interstate or a multilane highway outside a city. When an emergency vehicle is parked or stopped with amber, blue, white or red lights flashing, you yield "by moving to a lane that is not adjacent" to it, if you can do that safely. If you can't, you slow down and keep a safe speed.
At the scene of an emergency. When an emergency vehicle is stopped there with its lights on, approaching traffic moves to the right edge and stops. After stopping, you can go past at your own risk when the road is clear.
Does it cover snowplows and road crews?
It covers vehicles operated by or for NDDOT to maintain the state highway system, when they're stopped on the interstate or a multilane highway with amber or white lights flashing.
What about an emergency vehicle coming up behind me?
Pull to the right edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop until it has passed.
What is the penalty?
A $50 fee and 2 points. The points come from the schedule's entry for failing to yield the right of way.
What if there's a crash?
Causing an accident with an emergency vehicle or a state maintenance vehicle that has its lights on is an infraction. It's 2 points, and it's one of the offenses in NDCC 39-06.1-05 that can't be resolved by paying a fee.
Can I keep the points off?
For the ordinary $50 violation, yes. It's worth 2 points, so you can elect a driver training course at court when you post bond.
For the crash version, no. Offenses listed in section 39-06.1-05 are excluded from the election.
Quick answers
What is the move over law in North Dakota?
On the interstate or a multilane highway outside a city, drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane for a stopped emergency or state highway maintenance vehicle with lights flashing, or slow down if they cannot move over.
How much is a move over ticket in North Dakota?
$50 under NDCC 39-06.1-06, and 2 points.
Does the North Dakota move over law apply to snowplows?
It applies to vehicles operated by or under the control of NDDOT for maintaining the state highway system, when stopped with amber or white lights flashing.
Sources
- North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-10: rules of the road
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-06: amount of statutory fees
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-10: point schedule and suspension
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-05: offenses excepted
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-10.1: driver training course in lieu of points
We read each source on September 29, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. NDDOT applies any point reduction, and your court handles an election in lieu of points. See a mistake? Email info@roadreadysafety.com.
More North Dakota guides
- Careless driving in North Dakota: points, fee and what to do
- North Dakota driver license points by violation
- Stop sign and red light tickets in North Dakota: points and fees
- In lieu of points: how to elect a course at a North Dakota court