You are 30 years old and stopped at a red light when a text message arrives. You want to read it on the phone in your hand. What does North Dakota law say?

Correct answer: Wait until you are lawfully parked, since the ban also covers stops at signals.

Why

Driving needs your full attention. North Dakota law bans every driver from composing, reading, or sending a text, email, or other electronic message while the vehicle is in traffic, and that includes a stop at a light or sign. Calls, navigation, and hands-free voice use are not part of this ban, but any activity that takes your attention and leads to an offense or a crash can also bring a charge for failure to maintain control. Save messages until you are lawfully parked.

Verified against 2025-2027 Class D Noncommercial Driver License Manual · Distracted driving · p. 34