North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2243

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Report Pass
2/20/25  
Engrossed
2/24/25  
Refer
3/7/25  

Caption

The amount of statutory fees, entries against a driving record, points assigned to driving records, limitations on city fines and penalties, and commitment of a guilty person for nonpayment of fines or costs.

Impact

The implications of SB2243 could significantly affect the enforcement of traffic laws within the state. By establishing clear guidelines for the assessment of fees and points, the bill is designed to create a more predictable legal framework for both drivers and law enforcement. Additionally, the changes to city fines aim to limit the maximum penalties cities can impose, which could reduce instances of disproportionately high fines for minor offenses. This adjustment is expected to foster a more equitable approach to traffic regulation, impacting local governance and the autonomy of city administrations.

Summary

Senate Bill 2243 focuses on various amendments to the North Dakota Century Code. It aims to update the framework for statutory fees associated with driving violations, including both moving and non-moving infractions. The bill also adjusts the points assigned to driving records based on specific violations and modifies the limitations on city fines and penalties. This legislative effort seeks to streamline traffic violation procedures and enhance consistency in how fees are assessed across the state, ensuring that motorists are subject to a standardized system of penalties for traffic offenses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2243 appears to be predominantly positive among legislators who advocate for regulatory efficiency and fairness in the penalization process. Supporters express that the bill is a necessary modernization of outdated legal provisions that could improve compliance and reduce ambiguities in traffic law enforcement. However, there are concerns among those who oppose alterations that could mitigate local control over municipal ordinances and the potential impacts on revenue streams from traffic fines, suggesting a mixed reception.

Contention

Notable points of contention among lawmakers revolve around the balance of power between state and local governance. Critics argue that the bill may undermine the ability of local governments to enforce regulations that cater to unique community needs, particularly regarding traffic management and safety. There are also discussions about the fairness of committing individuals to jail for nonpayment of fines, especially highlighting the implications for lower-income individuals who may struggle to comply. These debates reveal underlying tensions regarding regulation, public safety, and community autonomy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2168

Speeding violations, use of safety belts, and city fines and penalties; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1417

Entries against a driving record.

ND HB1061

Entries against driving record, rotary traffic islands, and stop and yield signs.

ND SB2219

Suspension of an operator's license for nonpayment of child support, the issuance of a temporary permit, authority to suspend an operator's license for failure to pay a fine, hearings on suspension or revocation of license, license reinstatement fees, temporary restricted licenses, and entries on driver's record abstract; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1316

Definitions relating to multipassenger bicycles, driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, open container prohibition, and exempting multipassenger bicycles from the point system; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2169

The special punishment for causing injury or death while operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances, driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs or substances while being accompanied by a minor, entering a closed road, and a lamp or flag on a projecting load; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2348

Statutory fees for traffic offenses; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1038

Technical corrections and improper, inaccurate, redundant, missing, or obsolete references; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1325

The fee for failure to adhere to right of way offenses; and to provide a penalty.

ND HB1371

Agricultural definitions, ownership exceptions for beekeeping, agriculture support services, livestock backgrounding and feedlot operations, raising or producing of livestock by persons that have limited landholdings, and required reporting for corporate farming; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.