A Guide to Legal Vehicle Modifications in North Dakota

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If you live in North Dakota or are planning to move to the state, it is important that you know if your modified vehicle complies with state laws. The following information will help you ensure that your vehicle is legal on the roads in North Dakota.

Sounds and noise

North Dakota has laws governing the use of sound and noise reduction equipment in your vehicle.

Sound systems

Drivers cannot disturb the peace with their sound systems. These rules include not playing music above 85 decibels and not annoying or endangering the comfort or health of others.

Muffler

• Silencers are required on all vehicles and must be in good working order.
• Vehicle sound must not exceed 85 decibels.
• Muffler shunts, cutouts and amplifying devices are not allowed.

FunctionsA: Always check with your local county laws in North Dakota to make sure you comply with any municipal noise ordinances that may be stricter than state laws.

Frame and suspension

• Vehicle height must not exceed 14 feet.

• The maximum suspension lift limit is four inches.

• The maximum body height is 42 inches.

• The maximum bumper height is 27 inches.

• The maximum tire height is 44 inches.

• No part of the vehicle (other than tires) may be lower than the lowest part of the wheels.

• The body of vehicles weighing 7,000 pounds or less may not have parts higher than 42 inches from the road.

• All modified from production vehicles must have fenders on each of the four wheels.

ENGINES

There are no laws in North Dakota to replace or modify engines, and the state does not require emissions testing.

Lighting and windows

Lanterns

• Two fog lamps are allowed between 12 and 30 inches above the roadway.

• Two spotlights are allowed, provided they do not interfere with the windows or mirrors of other vehicles.

• Two nearby auxiliary lights are allowed.

• Two auxiliary driving lights are permitted.

• Red and green lights visible from the front of the vehicle are prohibited.

Failure to comply with the following lighting color requirements will result in a $10 fine per violation:

• Front clearance, marker lights and reflectors must be yellow.

• Rear clearance, reflectors and side lights must be red.

• License plate lighting must be yellow or white.

Window tinting

• Windshield tinting should allow 70% of the light to pass through.
• Front side windows must let in more than 50% of the light.
• The back and back glass can have any darkening.
• Reflective tinting is not allowed.
• Side mirrors must be tinted rear window.

Vintage/classic car modifications

North Dakota offers header plates for vehicles over 25 years old that are not used for regular or everyday transportation. A form of Affidavit on the use of a collection vehicle is required.

If you want to make sure your vehicle modifications are legal in North Dakota, AvtoTachki can provide mobile mechanics to help you install new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications are best for your vehicle using our free online Ask a Mechanic Q&A system.