Are these penalties more harsh than drunk driving penalties? That is something that needs to be cracked down on in ND.
I found what the drunk driving penalties are in ND and apparently they are harsher than the texting penalties. The problem with all of these laws and penalties are there are certain people who will continue to text and drive, put on make-up and drive and those that drink and drive and never seem to get caught. I know I've seen people talking on their phones, smoking, and putting on make-up at the same time. That seems way more distracting than texting. I know I'll text occasionally, but usually only if I'm stopped at a red light.
I found this info at
http://dui.drivinglaws.org/ndakota.phpND DUI Offense
1st Drunk Driving Conviction
* Fine - $250 Minimum
* License Suspension – 91 Days (Blood Alcohol Content Up to .17)
* License Suspension - 108 Days (Blood Alcohol Content .18 or Above)
* Work Permit Possible After 30 Days
* Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation
* SR22 Insurance Coverage
2nd Drunk Driving Conviction
* Jail – 5 Days or,
* Community Service – 30 Days
* Fine - $500 Minimum
* License Suspension – 365 Days (Blood Alcohol Content Up to .17)
* License Suspension – 2 Years (Blood Alcohol Content .18 or Above)
* No Work Permit Possible
* Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation
* SR22 Insurance Coverage
3rd Drunk Driving Conviction
* Jail – 60 Days
* Fine - $1,000 Minimum
* License Suspension – 2 Years (Blood Alcohol Content Up to .17)
* License Suspension – 3 Years (Blood Alcohol Content .18 or Above)
* Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation
* SR22 Insurance Coverage
4th Drunk Driving Conviction
* Jail – 180 Days
* Fine - $1,000 Minimum
* License Suspension – 2 Years (Blood Alcohol Content Up to .17)
* License Suspension – 3 Years (Blood Alcohol Content .18 or Above)
* Must Complete Addiction Treatment For License Reinstatement
* SR22 Insurance Coverage
5th Drunk Driving Conviction
* Jail – 5 Years Maximum
* Class “C” Felony
* Fine – $5,000 Maximum
* SR22 Insurance Coverage