Is It Illegal To Drive Through Road Closed Barriers In ND?

There is one thing that comes with the season that we really don't love.

Road Construction

There has been a ton of road construction all across North Dakota this year, and yes, it has been nothing short of frustrating. That said, I have a lot of respect for the crews working around dangerous intersections, outside in the heat and rain.

There was a time last summer where I could hardly find a way to get to my house; every street seemed to have road closed signs up. I did what most people would do after driving all over trying to find an open road and just went for it.

I drove around one of the signs and thought to myself "This has to be illegal," but I really wasn't sure.

I did a little digging to see what the law says about this. Here's what I found.

Driving Through/Around 'Road Closed' Signs

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, you are not allowed to drive past a road closure. The road may be impassable, or blocked. There might even have life-threatening conditions on the closed roads.

The source says motorist who ignore road closures may be fined up to $250.

An Exception

I'm not really sure I would consider this an exception, but let's call it that. There is a circumstance where you may drive on a closed road. If the sign says "Road Closed to Thru Traffic," you may drive on the road if you live or work on that street.

Next time you run into a "Road Closed" sign, read it carefully, and if needed, look for alternate routes.