[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6360031,"mediaKeyId","2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd","parentId",2175409,"title","Bill would create administrative path to title long‑abandoned vehicles; sponsors say it would avoid costly court actions","audioSeconds",470,"startMs",2880000,"endMs",3350000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd&start=2880&end=3350","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd/thumbnail_2880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6360031/North-Dakota/Bill-would-create-administrative-path-to-title-longabandoned-vehicles-sponsors-say-it-would-avoid-costly-court-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360031-ea764a30a3d0063128c36d8b1e19b10a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190423&Signature=RiEbeYXLmC1cJaa8d7L8Cim-DdYOv~HvVOt-UWJ-aM2BE0RLh7BI0LPSGYbOaKtxur0Ir98PDLEF5efd6uJUPWhzeifr0qO1E8GtPpm-9ayKNWo4A2d0JHYk9K5LBAgOMPe8Hk1rHHPtPRwYWshEDnPKt2zgbGX6tHFOcdLIc5b0dbG4QzIk9-kzhhXCXrkz3QdogpKKrR9m2iSgsL9fCAXM3KQH9Q1nr-sY2yD~mPBP~0fbK~FFNsajivFc0YYildSveErWH9fLW8NCWqjm6BGJeW0PjzPxkmYnFD0WUyrPLQLqFiHaW2T6LcIt6pRW4KzZZsl8Cv0vaUKGt7vyeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Transportation, ND","date","2025-01-30T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Keith Kepnick introduced House Bill 14 80 to provide an administrative procedure for requesting a certificate of title for motor vehicles that have been unregistered or effectively abandoned for an extended period. The sponsor said the proposal is patterned on North Dakota’s processes for abandoned mineral claims and is intended to give people a workable option short of filing a quiet‑title action in court.

Under the draft described to the committee, an applicant must search for the last known owner, send a certified letter to the owner’s last known address, and publish notice in the county’s official newspaper for a statutory period (the draft referenced a two‑week publication). If no claimant responds, the applicant may present evidence to the Department of Transportation and the DOT would issue a reissued certificate of title. The sponsor said a 10‑year inactivity threshold was used in the draft but could be adjusted.

Dennis Johnson, a former speaker of the House, testified in support and related constituent cases in which heirs could not obtain titles without costly court proceedings. He described instances where vehicles — including rare collector vehicles and family‑owned trucks — sat for years in garages or on properties and the cost of litigation made restoring or selling the vehicles impractical.

Committee members asked about edge cases such as illegible or missing vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Sponsor Kepnick said the bill contemplates reasonable steps to identify last known owners, including searches of property records, and acknowledged VIN‑related issues will arise and may require additional steps or evidence in some cases.

The hearing concluded with committee members and DOT staff noting other related bills are under consideration; no vote was taken at this hearing.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Transportation Jan 30, 2025 II","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Keith Kepnick asked the committee to approve a process to allow people to request a certificate of title for motor vehicles that have been unregistered or abandoned for a lengthy period, to avoid costly court actions.","taxTitle","Transportation, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28897,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360035,"Residents urge counties be given power to curb off‑highway vehicle damage and nuisance",916,2584000,3500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd&start=2584&end=3500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd/thumbnail_2584000.jpg","/articles/6360035/North-Dakota/Residents-urge-counties-be-given-power-to-curb-offhighway-vehicle-damage-and-nuisance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360035-1a0ce84c27062133d3160cd78eac3da0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190423&Signature=NqA2t8RJhCWypN1ntz8~~CPGaiTo0HjEGNOqeFGgHDaVEABfOQlYevsiXNrSy4n2OFxtQdouxGdYjnKttIVXS6K-P9E95SYWJhebLjOTCtI86~a5Lbs7XeI~JtbNhGneQ7DRA1WXw~SdL1VatOK7~ZarAjNkR9VLuDc~w0RDJLlVbMTAm~4svYFlaiNp5vBD6ANnXITUdXcZS7K36R6zpWryuHZXZ1Aig-2OndSiKZqmE0QMo5Bcqh2UJTgNLg87ImvXt3CqaUQUq2Kadf8gerh~XhVkKGEiPKtKIP4PVATEfdLsEDy0enAlTmOZ1M5tqbGbkKv72a~AL745SytGXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Matt Heilman introduced House Bill 13 46 to give counties explicit authority to regulate the operation of off‑highway vehicles and to strengthen penalties. Heilman told the committee the measure responds to long‑running complaints about OHV riders using subdivision streets and ditches, causing property damage and safety concerns.

Multiple residents testified in favor. Doug Pearson, a resident of a rural subdivision outside Bismarck, said riders from within city limits and other subdivisions use residential roads as racetracks and that “townships, county commission, and local sheriffs do nothing about it.” He estimated calling the sheriff five to ten times a year on average and argued that parents should be held accountable for unsupervised young riders.

Jerry Hopfuff and Pat Thompson described repeated instances of dirt‑bike tracks, loud noise, collisions and, in one case, an ambulance response after two riders collided. Hopfuff said the sheriff’s department responds but has limited success because riders disperse before officers arrive. Testimony repeatedly noted that many affected roads and ditches are in county jurisdiction and that existing state provisions (testimony cited chapter 39‑29‑09) enumerate unsafe OHV operation, but that enforcement is spotty.

Several residents said the practical problem is enforcement: deputies told witnesses they have limited ability unless counties enact specific ordinances. Testifiers urged the committee to allow counties to adopt enforceable local rules and penalties to restore safe residential neighborhoods.

Committee members asked about rural farming uses (moving between fields) and the bill’s supervision language for riders under 16. Witnesses said farm uses differ from the nuisance behavior described by residents and that counties could draw distinctions in local ordinances.

The hearing was closed with no vote recorded; committee members asked DOT and county officials to review enforcement mechanisms and to consider targeted county ordinances.

","Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 13 46, which would let counties regulate off‑highway vehicles (OHVs). Multiple residents described repeated incidents of reckless riding, damage to ditches and yards, and limited enforcement by local authorities.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360040,"Committee backs bill giving cities discretion to allow golf carts on local streets",825,1631000,2456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd&start=1631&end=2456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd/thumbnail_1631000.jpg","/articles/6360040/North-Dakota/Committee-backs-bill-giving-cities-discretion-to-allow-golf-carts-on-local-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360040-a33ea2638294e987cf9d5a2b637ea92b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190423&Signature=MV2M1vIbgfgcN9viZ5xu4xA4Fci-z17228MMgryr~CEz9wO~oRbqqTZwyx-~7j~OtGnF~FQ4QrZRc2yU~ts6siNZMqFuiVJApSWvbR9eOR~LRpzRXdVKBZkSMzCjnPYT80a6QCodSzhfiCEc9FlzaeBwzyxMK2tumLm1qM9qGKBUPc4eblUMW-SVTEoWbXUf2tXMfynNq5rhVxjVOsQGCrhMsQLqCBlXpyaXPVOgRGp7SedWePDvnkWb4PP87CpbzSHGUPAEIqQgnR4GBSeikfHgFYJXCLMlQ1Otq4CTg-uMV7Z4xMxCSbN~gFsqA-DXNmF6Xs1v~3uIsJLksLIdRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Karen Anderson (District 19) told the Transportation Committee she introduced House Bill 15 22 at a constituent’s request to change language in the North Dakota Century Code (section 45‑20‑2) so that cities may permit golf carts more broadly on city streets, including removing the phrase that limited carts to daytime travel “between owner’s place of residence and golf course.”

“By striking some of the language in line 10, it gives the golf cart driver a little more latitude in where they can travel during the day,” Anderson said. She said small towns without nearby golf courses want local authority to allow residents to use carts for short errands and mobility, particularly older residents.

Stephanie Ingebretsen, appearing for the North Dakota League of Cities, said the change would provide municipalities a tool and that large cities are unlikely to adopt the authority. “I have heard from a few cities that there are elderly individuals that would like to use golf carts as a way to get around their small communities,” she said, adding that cities could craft local ordinances to require mirrors, blinkers, route limits or time windows.

Committee members asked about liability and safety equipment. Representative Anderson said liability likely falls to the cart operator’s personal insurance; Ingebretsen said cities would be able to tailor ordinances and likely could be more restrictive than state law.

The committee voted to give the bill a due pass. The motion for a due pass was made by Representative Johnston and seconded by Representative Christiansen. The committee reported the motion carried (11 yes, 1 no, 2 absent) and selected Representative Christiansen as the bill carrier.

","The House Transportation Committee voted to give cities the authority to allow golf carts on city streets beyond the current daytime, to‑and‑from‑course restriction. Supporters said the change would help elderly residents and small towns; the North Dakota League of Cities testified in favor. The committee gave the bill a due‑pass recommendation.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360046,"Committee hears bill to allow removal of temporary restricted driver licenses after repeat violations",1036,171000,1207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd&start=171&end=1207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6360046/North-Dakota/Committee-hears-bill-to-allow-removal-of-temporary-restricted-driver-licenses-after-repeat-violations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360046-011aab95dd9862efe3098ddd3a7f6bb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190423&Signature=h4OEHgnEXl7H8ot2zGOEwQlHkeTNs2MJpK6UsT3YopF5jKnR34PyKZ2mpXgHb3IA~NVSCFu1lkNaKmQmajXCG0FPp58qxlVKPPrFIK3GENjhbC9WcF24gFF0V-ImVA9604ex7VvWfwjZ9IWUVMQYX9GXFWv1YHeCnM6jmS7hCV3MR4rEvg7CEw8GeZOePymK9qW0NyvfgS9VV7EiOqHVjWC-v4EnROzoJj-Dp5UpopXaudylPchZMFlap5tqW9ogtEKAuy24guY94s~G0o9T2egQCNOZfbHLvObj4HqmCqgxsPYl78G2iBj4JKBLjf8iuwgDO44Vrw8DmanB54vwyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Matt Ruby, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, introduced a bill to allow the Department of Transportation to suspend or revoke temporary restricted driver licenses after repeated non‑major violations.

Supporters and DOT officials said TRLs — also called work permits — let people drive for work and essential purposes while serving a suspension for other offenses. Brad Schafer, director of Driver and Vehicle Services for the Department of Transportation, told the committee a TRL is typically issued to allow limited in‑state driving during a suspension and is distinct from a commercial driver’s license.

Schafer said the DOT issued just over 3,000 TRLs in 2024. Of those, about 818 individuals received at least one driving violation while on a TRL; 88 people had three or more violations, and 1 person had 12 violations. Under current practice, Schafer said, “if they get speeding tickets, any type of other violation, just driving, we don’t have anything in there to remove that currently,” though major violations such as another alcohol offense or cancellation of high‑risk insurance would trigger removal.

A constituent testifier described observing repeat offenders who continued to drive despite multiple stops. “I said, why wouldn’t you be able to take the work permit? He says he’s issued to the DOT,” the witness said, arguing that law enforcement cannot immediately revoke TRLs and must petition DOT in writing.

Committee members asked how long TRLs remain in effect and whether points are counted while someone holds a TRL. Schafer said the length of a TRL generally matches the length of the underlying suspension; alcohol suspensions can last months to a year depending on the offense. He clarified that alcohol violations typically do not carry points but that other moving violations while on a TRL do accrue points and count toward suspension thresholds.

Members also discussed a provision in the draft bill that would require payment of a $100 fee to obtain a TRL. Schafer said DOT does not charge for issuing TRLs today and suggested the committee and sponsor could address fee design during committee work. Several members asked DOT for examples from other states and additional statistics; Schafer said the department would research interstate practices and provide requested data.

The committee closed the hearing on the bill without taking a vote and signaled it would request additional information in follow‑up work.

","Lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would give the Department of Transportation authority to revoke temporary restricted licenses (TRLs) for repeated minor driving violations. DOT staff and constituents described how TRLs are used and how the proposed change would work; no formal action was taken.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6360026,"Committee amends registration schedule to use gross vehicle weight rating and advances bill",566,4359000,4925000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd&start=4359&end=4925","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2175409-9cb07d76c7478d2b1cd313e89984a8cd/thumbnail_4359000.jpg","/articles/6360026/North-Dakota/Committee-amends-registration-schedule-to-use-gross-vehicle-weight-rating-and-advances-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6360026-903b8f166122a72bc400b466d0515ca4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190423&Signature=mZm-aJNPyOmdeUBz0n48xVzdv50T4jgJ5Pg5ouM4Xc~uwPGiRFBYY4xcNZFhIgiFDQMiJD1ePGTiczZLPqU0cYK-UQLj~cqruQUTLRUZbBnVQ7Qi0wVtBDS-Q9eZhmlTNbpZA4jS4UcQuzREQY2r6R7PD3f29J0gciPOr1aEaidKVis8n5UvrqHXttK4c~Pn4plj1QZao-9zkOtS4OzkuG5C6bSnKkno6L-hapVNGtHVNJdAoxkksmXE23DQJkTPocjoE7HpvcUNYRE69xwPTqsvbC8OqEtHWr6bmyuGcjcIRQtLQWcxEPqCe4i2HQWzWPHVa06ZS-pZjySImcgUqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee considered a bill to change how some vehicle registration fees are calculated, moving from a shipping‑weight basis to gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Representative Koppelman offered an amendment to replace “gross vehicle weight” language with “gross vehicle weight rating” and to set an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. DOT staff advised the committee that applying GVWR to the existing fee brackets would allow the department to produce a fee schedule that is roughly revenue neutral to current collections.

Koppelman moved the amendment; Representative Dressler seconded. After committee discussion about implementation details and confirmation that DOT could apply the revised schedule administratively, members voted to adopt the amendment. Representative Mackey then moved the committee to give the bill a due pass as amended; Representative Fralick seconded. The committee recorded support for moving the amended bill forward and selected a bill carrier. The committee and DOT staff said the effective date will allow DOT to apply the rates on a calendar year basis.

Committee members asked about fiscal impacts and noted DOT had produced an updated schedule of fees by vehicle age and weight that would be used if the bill is enacted. DOT said its conversion brought the projected revenue close to current levels and that an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026 would ease administration.

","Lawmakers amended a bill so vehicle registration fees will be based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) rather than shipping weight, directed DOT to apply an updated fee schedule, and advanced the bill out of committee as amended. The committee set the amendment to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bill would create administrative path to title long‑abandoned vehicles; sponsors say it would avoid costly court actions

Residents urge counties be given power to curb off‑highway vehicle damage and nuisance

Committee backs bill giving cities discretion to allow golf carts on local streets

Committee hears bill to allow removal of temporary restricted driver licenses after repeat violations

Committee amends registration schedule to use gross vehicle weight rating and advances bill