North Dakota driving guide

Driving around North Dakota? Our handy guide will provide you with all the information you need. From speed limits in North Dakota to weather conditions and tips for driving with children, you’ll find all the essential information you might need for your journey across the Peace Garden State. 

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between North Dakota and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• You can turn right on red, as long as you have come to a full stop, there are no signs prohibiting it and the road is clear of vehicles and pedestrians.
• Regardless of whether they’re in the front or back of the vehicle, anyone under 18 must wear a seatbelt
• It is against the law to create, send or read a text message while driving.

Speed limits in North Dakota

Below you can find more details on the different speed limits in North Dakota.

Toll roads in North Dakota

There are no toll roads in North Dakota, so you can explore the state without having to plan for crossing charges.

Driving ages and license requirements in North Dakota

• The minimum driving age in North Dakota is 16.
• The minimum age to rent a car in North Dakota is 20 with Hertz.

Some specific vehicles and collections are age restricted. You can find out more in our guide for renters under the age of 25.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in North Dakota

In your vehicle, you must have:

• Your driver’s license
• The rental agreement
• Proof of insurance
• First aid kit.

There are some items that you can’t carry in your Hertz car, so please check your rental agreement for further guidance.

North Dakota speed violations, infractions and penalties

If you break the speed limit in North Dakota, you can face a fine ranging from $5 to $100. The amount depends on how fast over the speed limit you were going. 

So, if you were caught going 10 mph over the speed limit, you’d be fined $5.00, plus an extra $10 for every mile over the limit you are. That brings the total fine to $15.00.

Driving with children in North Dakota

If traveling with children, those under the age of eight will need to be secured in a child car seat or booster. If the child is under eight, but they are at least 57 inches tall (4' 9"), they can use a seat belt.

A seat belt must be worn at all times, even when they’ve outgrown the child seats and booster seat.

Gas prices in North Dakota

The average gas price in North Dakota is $3.35 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.09 per mile.
• For a larger family car like a Chevrolet Equinox, it works out at $0.16 per mile.
• And for an SUV like a GMC Yukon, it’s around $0.18 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated February 14, 2023. 

Electric car charging in North Dakota

North Dakota has over 60 electric vehicle charging points across the state. There’s plenty in the major cities, so you can drive in confidence without any range anxiety. 

Driving between North Dakota and other states

Whether you’re driving across the state or plan to venture further afield, you can cross state borders in your Hertz rental car with no problem.

Head next door into Montana or Minnesota or venture south to South Dakota.  North Dakota also borders with Canada, and you can legally drive across the country border in your Hertz car. Just make sure you let us know in advance, so we can help you plan for the journey.

Driving conditions in North Dakota

Weather in North Dakota varies from 3°F to 82°F, with northern parts of the state usually being slightly warmer than their southern counterparts. It sits around 0° for an average of fifty days a year.

The warm season ranges from May to September, while the colder season is between November to March. January is the coldest month, and snow is common between November and March – so be sure to look out for weather warnings and come prepared.