Cass County, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — Residents of North Dakota are affected today, August 1, 2025, as the state’s new Fleeing and Owner Liability law officially goes into effect.
Enacted by House Bill 1229, signed into law by Governor Kelly Armstrong on May 1, 2025, the legislation empowers law enforcement to hold vehicle owners financially accountable for fleeing incidents. While not considered criminal charges, owners may receive a $100 citation for a first offense and up to $500 for repeat violations if authorities can identify them as the vehicle’s registered owner.
Law enforcement leaders, including Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski, have characterized the law as an additional deterrent aimed at reducing instances of motorists fleeing from police pursuits. Fargo PD posted ahead of the change that the law begins enforcement as of today, underscoring its statewide scope.
Supporters argue that the law fills a gap in enforcement when fleeing drivers evade arrest, but their identity can be traced through vehicle registration. If repeated fleeing occurs, fines escalate under the new statute.
Law enforcement may now assume the vehicle owner is the fleeing driver, issue a civil citation accordingly, and impose escalating penalties. The law rolls out statewide today, August 1, marking a shift in approach to traffic and public safety enforcement in North Dakota.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.