Driving Tests

North Dakota Winter Driving Tips from the Driver's Manual

informational·how to guide·Published April 15, 2026

What are the main winter driving rules and tips in North Dakota?

Slow down first: the North Dakota driver's manual says most winter crashes come from driving too fast for conditions. Double your following distance on snow and ice, keep the windshield clear and carry a winter survival kit. Never enter a road that is officially closed for hazardous conditions, because the fine is $250. If a snowstorm strands you, stay with your vehicle.

Where these North Dakota winter driving tips come from

The tips come from the winter driving, skids, flooding and following-distance pages of the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025-2027 edition). The road closure rule and the following-distance rule come from N.D.C.C. sections 39-10-21.1 and 39-10-18. The $250 fee comes from N.D.C.C. section 39-06.1-06, and the restricted license rule comes from N.D.C.C. section 39-06-17. The rules are current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (dot.nd.gov) before you drive.

Closed roads in North Dakota: the $250 fee

The highway patrol or local law enforcement may close a road temporarily for hazardous conditions. After the closure is announced to the public, nobody may drive on that road. State law sets a $250 fee for this violation, and the manual calls it a $250 fine. Four-wheel drive and new winter tires do not change this: see our free question on driving on a road closed for a blizzard.
The manual prints "dial 511" for weather and road conditions. Check before a long trip, and turn around if a road is closed.

How to keep your view clear on a North Dakota winter road

Keep the windshield clear.
A passing truck can throw up snow fog that cuts your visibility. Look ahead for curves, look behind for following vehicles, and slow down.
Never drive through a whiteout caused by crosswinds or plowing light snow. Snowplows often pull over to let traffic pass, so be patient and wait until you can see.

How to brake on ice by brake type in North Dakota

How to brake on ice by brake type in North Dakota
Brake type	How to stop on ice	What to avoid
Drum brakes on all four wheels	Pump the brakes	Slamming the pedal: the wheels lock and the tires skid
Disc brakes	Brake slowly: fully on, then fully off, long enough for all wheels to roll again	Slamming the pedal: the wheels lock and the tires skid
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)	Keep firm, continuous pressure on the pedal	Pumping or letting up: it turns the system off and on, so it works less well

How far behind the car ahead on snow and ice in North Dakota

Pick a mark on the road, such as a sign. If you reach the mark before you count "one-thousand-and-three" after the car ahead passes it, you follow too closely. Slippery roads need more room, as much as four or more seconds. Snow tires or tire chains help, but you should still double your following distance.
State law says you may not follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent for your speed, the traffic and the condition of the road. At 55 mph a stop on dry pavement takes about 300 feet. Try your brakes while you drive slowly, and set your speed to the traction you have.

What to do in a skid on a North Dakota winter road

Your rear-wheel-drive vehicle starts to skid

Stay off the brakes and ease off the accelerator. Turn the wheels in the direction the rear end is sliding. Our free question on steering through a skid covers this case.

Your front-wheel-drive vehicle skids at a moderate speed

Accelerate slightly and steer in the direction you want to go. If there is no room to accelerate, shift into neutral or push in the clutch.

Your four-wheel-drive vehicle skids at a moderate speed

Accelerate and steer into the direction of the skid. Four-wheel drive tends to give a false sense of security, so keep your speed low on slippery roads.

How to drive near snowplows and on sanded roads

Stay well back from a snowplow. It sometimes has to stop and back up, the driver cannot see directly behind it, and it throws sanding material.
On a multi-lane road, the plow could be in either lane or on the shoulder.
Be extremely cautious when you pass a plow. Drifts and hard snow-pack can move it sideways.
Watch for plow trucks on Interstate ramps and at "authorized vehicle only" cross-overs.
Do not assume a road that looks sanded has good traction. The sand can sink into the snow-pack and leave a slick surface.
On bridges and in shaded spots, frost and ice form quicker and stay longer than on the rest of the road.

What to do if your vehicle is stuck in a North Dakota snowstorm

1
Stay with the vehicle
Most deaths happen when people leave their vehicles and get lost. Our free question on being stranded in a blizzard shows the safest plan.
2
Open your windows slightly
A little fresh air helps you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
3
Run the engine and heater only for short periods
Short periods also help you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Stay active and do not panic.

Key takeaways

Most winter crashes come from driving too fast for conditions. Never drive faster than the posted limit or conditions allow.
Do not enter a road that is closed and announced: the fee is $250.
Double your following distance on snow and ice. Pump drum brakes, use slow on-and-off pressure with disc brakes, and keep firm pressure on ABS.
If you are stuck in a snowstorm, stay with the vehicle, open a window slightly and run the engine only for short periods.
Next step: practice on the free North Dakota Class D practice test.

North Dakota winter driving: common questions

When can I put studded tires on in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual says studded snow tires may be used from October 15 to April 15. Studs do not make a higher speed safe: most skids come from driving too fast for slippery roads, and slower speed is the key to safe driving.

Do I need my headlights on when it snows in North Dakota?

Yes, when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. Use your headlights in bad weather when rain, snow, sleet, hail, smoke or fog keeps you from seeing that far. Also, never pass another vehicle when fog, snow or rain reduces or blocks your view of the road.

What should I keep in my car for a North Dakota winter?

Carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle: warm clothing, footwear, a shovel and energy food. Use windshield washer fluid that contains anti-freeze. At high speed in very cold air, even this fluid can freeze on the glass and block your view.

Does a teen driver in North Dakota have to practice in winter?

Yes, if you are under 16. Instruction permit holders under 16 must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, and the list includes driving in winter conditions. The restricted Class D license, available from age 15, also needs 50 supervised hours that include winter driving. Our guide to the North Dakota instruction permit rules has the other steps.

Can I drive through a flooded road when the snow melts in North Dakota?

No. Run-off from deep snow is one cause of flooding. Six inches of water reaches the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause loss of control or stalling. Do not drive through flooded areas: turn around and find another route to your destination.