Hardship License Insurance
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North Dakota Hardship License Guide

North Dakota calls it a Restricted Driver's License and issues it through the DMV for specific qualifying causes including DUI, unpaid fines, and points suspensions. Application requires proof of employment or essential need, SR-22 filing, and court or DMV approval depending on the suspension cause.

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Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

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Updated July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota operates under a traditional tort system and offers a hardship program called a Restricted Driver's License. The state requires SR-22 filing for most restricted license applicants, regardless of suspension cause. Eligibility depends on the specific violation—DUI, uninsured operation, unpaid fines, and points suspensions typically qualify, but application paths differ.

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25/50/25 minimum liability
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurer with the North Dakota Department of Transportation confirming you carry minimum liability coverage. The filing itself costs $25–$50, but the policy premium increases significantly for high-risk drivers—expect $100–$250/month for liability-only coverage. North Dakota requires continuous filing for the duration specified in your suspension order, typically 1–3 years depending on violation type.
25/50/25
Liability Insurance
North Dakota requires $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage—expressed as 25/50/25. These minimums cover damages you cause to others, not your own vehicle or injuries. A single serious accident can exceed these limits, leaving you personally liable for the difference, which is why many restricted license holders carry 50/100/50 or higher.
25/50/25 minimum liability
Non-Owner SR-22
If you don't own a vehicle but need a restricted license to drive an employer's vehicle or borrowed cars, non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage and satisfies North Dakota's filing requirement. Costs typically $30–$80/month, significantly less than standard SR-22 policies. The coverage does not extend to vehicles you own or vehicles available for your regular use, which means you cannot register a car in your name while holding non-owner coverage.
Varies by provider
Ignition Interlock Insurance
North Dakota requires ignition interlock devices for DUI-related restricted licenses. Not all carriers write policies for IID-equipped vehicles—Progressive, The General, and state-assigned risk pools typically accept these drivers. Device installation costs $70–$150, monthly monitoring fees run $60–$90, and insurance premiums increase 50–150% over standard high-risk rates. North Dakota law requires the device remain installed for the full restricted license period, typically 1–2 years.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · North Dakota

North Dakota Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$50,000
Property Damage$25,000

License Reinstatement Fee$50

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your North Dakota quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in North Dakota?

North Dakota restricted license insurance costs reflect suspension cause and filing duration. DUI-related restricted licenses trigger the highest premiums due to mandatory ignition interlock and multi-year SR-22 requirements. Geographic factors matter less in North Dakota than in urban states—Fargo and Bismarck drivers pay similar rates, with rural drivers sometimes paying slightly less.

What Affects Your Rate

  • DUI conviction adds $120–$200/month to standard liability premiums due to mandatory SR-22 and ignition interlock requirements
  • Second DUI within 7 years doubles premium increases and may limit you to North Dakota's assigned risk pool
  • Uninsured operation suspension adds $60–$100/month and requires 1-year SR-22 filing minimum
  • Points-related suspension typically adds $40–$80/month with 1-year SR-22 requirement
  • Bismarck and Fargo rates average $15–$30/month higher than rural counties due to higher accident frequency
  • Male drivers under 25 with restricted licenses pay 30–50% more than female drivers in the same age bracket
Minimum Coverage
$110–$200/mo
State minimum 25/50/25 liability with SR-22 filing. Lowest legal option for restricted license holders without vehicles registered in their name.
Standard Coverage
$180–$320/mo
50/100/50 liability with SR-22 filing, sufficient for most employment and essential-needs driving. Includes uninsured motorist protection, which North Dakota does not require but strongly recommends.
Full Coverage
$280–$480/mo
100/300/100 liability plus collision and comprehensive with SR-22. Required if you finance a vehicle while holding a restricted license. Provides collision repair coverage and protects loan value.

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Coverage Types

SR-22 Insurance

Certificate filed by your insurer with North Dakota DOT proving continuous liability coverage. Required for most restricted license types.

Non-Owner SR-22

Liability coverage and SR-22 filing for drivers who don't own vehicles but need to maintain legal driving status.

Ignition Interlock Insurance

Coverage for vehicles equipped with court-ordered breath-test ignition devices, required for DUI-related restricted licenses.

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Does not cover your own vehicle or injuries.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.

Find Your City in North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota cityscape and street view

Fargo

suburban
Bismarck, North Dakota cityscape and street view

Bismarck

suburban
Modern multi-story building complex with curved dome feature and mixed facade colors during golden hour lighting

Grand Forks

urban
Panoramic sunset landscape with pink and purple sky streaks over silhouetted trees and horizon

Minot

urban
Peaceful pond surrounded by marsh grasses with residential houses visible in the background under blue sky

West Fargo

suburban

Frequently Asked Questions

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