North Dakota Senate Bill SB2183

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Caption

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 9 of section 39-06.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a violation of a construction zone speed limit; and to provide a penalty.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2183 amends subsection 9 of section 39-06.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, specifically addressing penalties for violations of speed limits in highway construction zones. The bill establishes a fee structure for speeding in these zones, setting a base penalty of $150 for exceeding the speed limit by 1 to 10 miles per hour, and an additional $2 for each mile per hour over 10 miles per hour above the limit. The enforcement of this penalty is contingent upon the presence of construction workers at the time of the violation and the appropriate signage indicating the minimum fee.

Impact

The passage of SB2183 will modify existing traffic laws in North Dakota, particularly those related to speeding in construction zones. It aims to enhance safety in these areas by imposing stricter penalties on speeding violations, which could lead to increased compliance with speed limits. The bill's implementation may also require updates to signage and enforcement practices within construction zones to ensure that drivers are aware of the new penalties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2183 appears to be largely positive, as evidenced by the overwhelming support in both the Senate and House votes, with 44-3 and 88-6 respectively. This suggests a strong consensus among legislators regarding the need for stricter penalties to protect construction workers and improve safety in highway work zones.

Contention

While there is broad support for the bill, some contention may arise regarding the appropriateness of the penalty amounts and the enforcement mechanisms. Critics may argue that the fines are excessive or that they could disproportionately affect lower-income drivers. However, specific points of contention were not highlighted in the available discussion transcripts or voting records.