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Controversial DUI Laws in North Dakota

Driving while under the influence is a risky and dangerous act. In North Dakota, a first offense suspends your license for a minimum of 91 days, so, it is serious. North Dakota has stiff laws that try to curtail you from driving under the influence. However, there are some controversial laws that are in effect or can take effect in North Dakota.

 
 

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21 Law

There is a push for the 21 Law, which would raise the legal drinking age to 21. This is to ensure that alcohol-related accidents are curtailed, for many of them are caused by drunk persons under the age of 21.

It is argued for the law that it would protect the development of youths. Alcohol can negatively affect the brain and body’s development, so to outlaw it until 21 ensures that more minors would have better health. Also, the trauma of being charged with DUI under the age of 21 can be devastating for some. It will affect your reputation and could prevent you from getting work as an adult. Likewise, it is said that the law saves lives, since many alcohol-related accidents involve drunk persons under the age of 21, as mentioned previously. It is also a fact that more young people die from alcohol-related causes than any other illegal drugs combined.

Those who argue against it say that as long as you are an adult, which is the age of 18, then you should be able to drink and buy alcohol. Many show maturity at that age and should be able to handle adult decisions at that age.

Other controversial laws in consideration or passed in North Dakota

  • Zero Tolerance Laws: This is law that doesn’t tolerate any alcohol in the bloodstream while driving. Many countries have this law in place for persons of all ages. However, in North Dakota, the state has it for drivers under the age of 21. This means that no alcohol is allowed in your bloodstream while operating a vehicle.
  • Also, North Dakota has lowered its tolerance of commercial drivers driving under the influence. The legal limit for a commercial driver is 0.04 BAC. Usually, in North Dakota, it is 0.08, but for commercial drivers, it is lower. It is well-known that commercial drivers drive for long periods of time and are under quite a bit of stress to meet deadlines for shipments. So, this is to protect other drivers on the road, including commercial drivers themselves.
  • Minor in Possession (MIP) Laws: This law prevents minors from possessing alcohol.
  • Sale of alcohol to those under 21: This law proposes stiff penalties against those who sell alcohol to persons under the age of 21.
  • Social host laws
  • Drinking and driving laws
  • Public intoxication for those underage

There are just a few controversial laws concerning DUI in North Dakota. There are some that have a far shot from ever being in place, while there are others already in place or being considered.