Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in North Dakota

In North Dakota, your license can be suspended or revoked for certain criminal convictions, failing to appear in court, and several other reasons. And if you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you can be charged with a criminal offense.

This article covers the various reasons your license can be suspended or revoked and the penalties you'll face for driving on a suspended or revoked license in North Dakota.

What Does It Mean to Have Your License Suspended or Revoked?

When your license is suspended or revoked, it generally means that the state has taken away your driving privileges. In other words, while the suspension or revocation is in place, you can't lawfully drive.

General Differences Between Suspension and Revocation

In many states, "revocation" and "suspension" are used synonymously and mean the same thing. However, some states use the term "suspension" to mean a temporary loss of privileges and "revocation" to mean the permanent loss of privileges. But even in states where revocation is permanent, the driver can typically apply for reinstatement after a certain period of time.

Difference Between Suspensions and Revocations in North Dakota

North Dakota follows the general rules explained above. When your license is suspended, your driving privilege is temporarily withdrawn for a specific period. When your driver's license is revoked, your driving privileges are terminated and may not be restored without applying for a new license. (N.D. Cent. Code §§ 39-01-01, 39-06-36 (2026).)

What Are the Reasons for License Suspension or Revocation in North Dakota?

Your license can be suspended or revoked for many reasons, including certain driving offenses and civil issues unrelated to driving. Some of the more common reasons that can lead to license suspension or revocation in North Dakota include:

• misdemeanor driving offenses where someone was seriously injured
• using a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• making a false statement to the Department of Transportation about owning or operating a vehicle
• using a driver's license unlawfully or fraudulently
• driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• refusing to submit to an alcohol test in violation of the state's implied consent laws
• failing to pay a fine or serve a sentence for a criminal traffic offense
• failing to appear for a criminal court hearing in certain circumstances, and
• being convicted of an offense that contributed to an accident in which someone was killed or injured or property was seriously damaged.

(N.D. Cent. Code Ann. §§ 39-06-31, 39-06-32, 39-20-04, 39-20-04.1 (2026).)

But these are just some of the situations that can lead to the loss of driving privileges—your license can also be suspended or revoked for other reasons.

What Are the Penalties for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in North Dakota?

If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you can be charged with a class B or class A misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.

First, Second, or Third Conviction for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a class B misdemeanor if it’s your first, second, or third offense within five years. A class B misdemeanor carries:

• up to 30 days in jail, and
• a maximum $1,500 fine.

(N.D. Cent. Code §§ 12.1-32-01, 39-06-42 (2026).)

Fourth Conviction for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

You can be charged with a class A misdemeanor for a fourth or subsequent offense within five years. Class A misdemeanors carry:

• up to 360 days in jail, and
• a maximum $3,000 fine.

The convicted driver will also face an additional one-year suspension (see below). (N.D. Cent. Code §§ 12.1-32-01, 39-06-42 (2026).)

Driving During a DUI-Related Suspension or Revocation

If your license was suspended or revoked for a DUI, the penalties include a minimum jail sentence of four days and an additional license suspension (see below). (N.D. Cent. Code § 39-06-42 (2026).)

Additional Suspension Periods for Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License

A driver who is convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license also will face the following license penalties:

• 90-day suspension (maximum) for a first offense
• 180-day suspension for a second offense, and
• 1-year suspension for a third or subsequent offense.

For purposes of the suspension, all priors within the past three years are counted. Driving on a license that was suspended for a DUI-related offense carries an additional license suspension period of six months. (N.D. Cent. Code § 39-06-43 (2026).)

How Do You Reinstate a Revoked or Suspended License in North Dakota?

Once your suspension or revocation period is complete, you typically need to pay a reinstatement fee of $25, $50, or $100 before you'll be allowed to legally drive again. If your license is revoked, you also will need to apply for a new license. And, depending on the circumstances, there might be other conditions or requirements for getting your license back. (N.D. Cent. Code §§ 39-06-36, 39-06-49 (2026).)

Legal Help for Driving After Suspension or Revocation in North Dakota

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense that carries severe penalties. If you've been arrested for one of these offenses, it's a good idea to contact an experienced defense attorney. A qualified lawyer can help you understand how the law applies to your case and advise you on how best to handle your situation.