An overview of North Dakota's bicycle laws, reviewed and cited to primary sources. Use the sections below to jump to a specific rule, or the Sources block at the end for the full citation list.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
North Dakota allows sidewalk cycling statewide subject to two duties: a rider must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on the sidewalk and must give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian (NDCC § 39-10.1-09). Cities and counties may further restrict sidewalk riding by local ordinance — Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks each prohibit it in designated downtown business districts.
North Dakota's DUI statute (NDCC § 39-08-01) reaches anyone in actual physical control of a 'vehicle,' but the general vehicle definition in NDCC § 39-01-01 expressly excludes devices moved by human power. As a result, the standard DUI statute does not reach a person riding a bicycle. An impaired cyclist who endangers others may instead be charged under reckless-operation or public-intoxication statutes.
Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front.
Rear requirement
Rear reflector or light
Rear spec
Red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the highway commissioner, visible from 100 to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A red rear lamp visible from 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the reflector.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, must ride within a single lane.
Bicycles, pedestrians and other non-motorized traffic are prohibited on the Interstate system in North Dakota under NDDOT policy and the limited-access framework in NDCC § 24-01-01.1; cyclists must use parallel state highways and county roads.