North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1298

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Report Pass
1/23/25  
Engrossed
1/27/25  
Refer
2/17/25  
Report Pass
4/17/25  
Enrolled
5/2/25  

Caption

The amount of statutory fees, speed limitations on multilane highways, variable speed limits, alteration of maximum speed limits on state highways, speed zone reduction limitations, and city fines and penalties; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide a penalty.

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 1298 are expected to impact the enforcement of traffic laws significantly. Notably, the bill includes provisions for setting variable speed limits based on real-time conditions, thereby enhancing public safety on highways, particularly in response to factors such as weather and road construction. Additionally, the adjustments to fines related to various moving violations introduce a structure meant to standardize penalties across the state, which proponents argue will lead to more predictable and fair law enforcement practices in terms of traffic violations.

Summary

House Bill 1298 amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning traffic regulations, focusing specifically on statutory fees for moving and nonmoving violations, as well as the alteration of speed limits on state highways. The bill aims to establish clearer guidelines regarding how speed limits can be enforced, propose variable speed limit adjustments, and provide for the creation of a legislative management report to study the effectiveness of these measures. By modernizing these regulations, the bill seeks to enhance road safety and ensure that law enforcement practices align with contemporary traffic management approaches.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding House Bill 1298 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers who emphasize the need for updated traffic regulations to match technological advancements in traffic management. However, there are concerns among some legislators regarding the potential implementation costs of variable speed limit systems and the overall effectiveness of the proposed fines, suggesting a need for further evaluation. The discussions reflect a tension between enhancing public safety through regulation and the financial implications of implementing those regulations.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions around HB 1298 have revolved around the feasibility and financial implications of implementing variable speed limit technology. Some members have expressed skepticism about the efficacy and costs involved in converting existing speed limit signage to incorporate dynamic changes based on real-time traffic conditions. Furthermore, while proponents laud the potential benefits for road safety, critics argue the law could overburden local jurisdictions with the responsibility of monitoring and adhering to new regulations, potentially leading to inconsistent application across different regions.

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 HB1475

Speed limitations on multilane highways; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2348

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

ND HB1127

Cost limitations for a county bridge.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; 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 HB1497

The maximum number of gaming sites allowed and the maximum number of electronic pull tab devices allowed at a site; and to provide for a legislative management study .

ND HB1325

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

ND SB2304

The definitions of alcoholic beverage establishment and manufacturer, approval for a gaming site authorization and licensure, the maximum number of gaming sites allowed, the maximum number of pull tab devices allowed at a site, gaming licenses for alcoholic beverage establishments, electronic fifty-fifty raffles, rent limits for electronic pull tab devices, and the imposition of monetary fines for violations by third-party businesses; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2390

Electronic pull tab payout limitations and the use of charitable gaming gross proceeds.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.