No, lane splitting remains illegal in North Dakota under state traffic statutes, with no legislative amendments or regulatory exceptions permitting motorcyclists to maneuver between lanes.
North Dakota’s traffic code, specifically NDCC § 39-10.1-03, prohibits lane splitting by defining lane usage as requiring full lane occupancy for all vehicles, including motorcycles. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) enforces this through traffic citations, with no pending rule changes as of 2026. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Bismarck Police Department, cite violators under reckless driving statutes when motorcyclists engage in lane splitting.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in North Dakota
- Statutory Prohibition: NDCC § 39-10.1-03 explicitly requires motorcycles to occupy a full lane, barring any lateral movement between traffic lanes.
- Enforcement Practices: NDDOT and municipal police departments treat lane splitting as a traffic violation, often paired with fines or points on a motorcyclist’s license.
- No Local Exemptions: City ordinances (e.g., Fargo, Grand Forks) mirror state law, offering no allowances for lane filtering or splitting under any circumstances.
Motorcyclists in North Dakota must adhere to lane discipline or risk penalties, as the state has not adopted permissive measures seen in jurisdictions like California. Compliance officers emphasize that even minimal lane deviation may be construed as unsafe operation under NDCC § 39-10.1-04.