← North Dakota driving laws›Phone Use While Driving

North Dakota Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Conditional: North Dakota bans texting for all drivers — you can't compose, read, or send an electronic message while driving.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

North Dakota bans texting for all drivers — you can't compose, read, or send an electronic message while driving. Holding the phone to talk is still allowed, but drivers under 18 may not use any device (N.D.C.C. 39-08-23; minors: 39-08-24).

Official source: ndlegis.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering North Dakota

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

MinnesotaRestricted
Minnesota bans handheld use for all drivers — hands-free only. The ban took effect August 1, 2019. Minn. Stat. 169.475 bars holding a wireless communications device with one or both hands.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
MontanaPermitted
Montana has no statewide handheld or texting ban for adult drivers — only local ordinances apply. SB 359 failed in 2025, and the Montana Department of Transportation confirms there is no statewide law.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mca.legmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
South DakotaConditional
South Dakota bans texting, data use, and video on a mobile device while driving, but holding the phone for a voice call is allowed (SDCL 32-26-47.1).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind North Dakota vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.