Welcome to the On the Move newsletter, your gateway to the latest developments and initiatives brought to you by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Whether you're a commuter, a contractor, or simply interested in the future of mobility, our newsletter keeps you updated on infrastructure projects, safety measures, and innovative technologies shaping the way we move.
February 2025 Edition
'Build Your Horizons' at the Transportation Conference
Join us for the 2025 North Dakota Transportation Conference, taking place March 4-5 at the Bismarck Event Center. This exciting event will bring together industry leaders and transportation professionals to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices shaping the future of our transportation system.
The theme of this year's conference is "Building Our Horizons," and it will feature a diverse lineup of presentations covering infrastructure, supply chain, safety, planning, public engagement, and more.
The keynote speaker is magician Stuart MacDonald, one of the few individuals to successfully fool Penn and Teller on national television. Wendy Dietzler of ASQ Lean Six Sigma said, "Stuart made the American Society for Quality’s conference the most memorable in 20 years!"
For more details and to register, visit the ND Transportation Conference page on the NDDOT website by clicking the button below. We look forward to seeing you there!
2025 legislative session off to a strong start
The 2025 legislative session is officially underway, and the NDDOT is closely monitoring proposed legislation that could impact transportation across the state. With nearly 1,070 bills introduced so far, NDDOT is actively tracking over 150 bills that relate to transportation funding, operations, projects and safety initiatives.
We’re partnering with legislators to ensure North Dakota’s transportation network continues to meet the needs of North Dakotans. Find the NDDOT budget bill on the Legislative Council website by searching for SB 2012.
Celebrating the outstanding achievement of the Motor Vehicle team
We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the Motor Vehicle team for achieving a three-day paperwork turnaround time. Just a few short years ago, it was common for paperwork processing to take 10 to 12 weeks.
“Over the past two years, we have implemented several efficiencies, including enhancements in how we sort mail related to title and registration paperwork,” said Consumer Services Manager Darin Ketterling. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated team in business operations that efficiently manages this process.”
This dramatic turnaround was accomplished while also managing a high volume of phone calls, emails, faxes, and assisting client traffic at the service windows. At the same time, Motor Vehicle improved the online renewal system for vehicle registrations and 2290 (heavy vehicle) renewals, while also piloting an online system to allow dealerships to submit paperwork electronically.
The team’s hard work, dedication, and innovative approaches are an inspiration, said Ketterling.
“While there was no specific deadline set to reduce processing times, our team recognized in early fall that we would be facing an increased workload due to the upcoming end-of-year mobility permit renewals, all in addition to our regular workload.”
Their success was built on effective communication, a collaborative spirit, and a fun work environment that allows team members to tackle challenges head-on and transform them into opportunities for growth.
Ketterling shared his pride in the team, saying: “The success of this process can be largely attributed to our experienced staff... I feel fortunate to work alongside such talented and hardworking individuals, and it's exciting to be part of such an exceptional team.”
Join us in congratulating our Motor Vehicle team for their outstanding achievement and continued dedication to excellence for the state of North Dakota.
Give snowplow drivers space to operate
At NDDOT, we work tirelessly to maintain over 7,400 miles of roadway, ensuring safer travel during the state’s harsh winter months. Snowplows and other equipment are essential for clearing snow and ice. While these vehicles help keep roads safe, their operation can create hazards for both snowplow drivers and other motorists.
- Give them space: Double your normal following distance and wait for the plow to pull over to let motorists pass. Before passing a snowplow stopped on the shoulder of a multi-lane road, follow the “Move Over Law” by changing lanes when it’s safe.
- Pass only when necessary: Passing a snowplow is legal, but highly discouraged. Wing blades can extend up to 10 feet and may not be visible due to blowing snow. If you absolutely must pass, remember the road ahead may not have been plowed yet making it less safe for travel.
- Slow down: Reduce your speed and avoid driving through whiteouts or snow fog caused by crosswinds or plowing of snow drifts.
Know Before You Go
Winter driving in North Dakota can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on road reports and prepare your vehicle for winter driving to ensure your safety. For updated road conditions, download the ND Roads app or view the ND Travel Map in a web browser.
Vision Zero wants you to be prepared for winter driving
Winter weather, including snow, sleet and ice, can create hazardous driving conditions. Both the vehicle and the driver must be prepared for bad weather, poor road conditions and vehicle or equipment failure.
Follow these winter driving tips:
- Know before you go. Check the NDRoads app for the latest road conditions across the state.
- Dress according to weather conditions, have a full tank of gas and check tire pressure.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle.
- Carry a cell phone and let someone know when you depart, your route and your expected travel time.
- Slow down and buckle up. It’s hard to control your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.
- Don’t crowd the plow or travel beside large vehicles and/or trucks.
