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.
April 2025 Edition
Navigating spring safely: Don't forget fines double in work zones
Whether you're driving through a long-term construction site or a short-term maintenance zone, the rules of the road — and the responsibility to drive safely — still apply.
What’s the Difference?
- Construction Zones are larger, long-term projects like road rebuilding, repaving, or bridge replacement. They often include barriers, detours, and reduced speed limits for extended periods.
- Temporary Work Zones might pop up with little notice and involve smaller-scale projects like utility repairs, painting lines, or pothole patching. They can last just a few hours or a couple of days.
So remember, slow down, stay focused, watch for workers and equipment. Use a zipper merge, but be safe and respectful to other drivers. Pay attention to flaggers, signs, and cones. Most importantly, be patient! A few extra seconds of caution can prevent serious crashes and even save lives.
Spring load restrictions help protect North Dakota roads
As temperatures rise and the spring thaw begins, highways across North Dakota become more vulnerable to damage from heavy vehicles. To help protect our roads during this critical time, the NDDOT places temporary spring load restrictions on certain routes.
These restrictions are essential to prevent significant pavement damage, which often occurs in the early weeks of thawing when roadbeds are soft and unstable. By limiting the weight of vehicles during this period, we can reduce costly long-term damage and extend the life of our roads.
Load restrictions are updated regularly based on weather patterns and road conditions. Once roadbeds have stabilized and are strong enough to support heavier loads, the restrictions are lifted.
To stay informed:
- Check the NDDOT Travel Map online
- Download the free ND Roads app
- Dial 511 for current road and load restriction information
- Sign up for email and text alerts
Your cooperation helps keep North Dakota’s roadways safe and reliable — thank you for doing your part!
Sip coffee, save lives at Click-It 4 Coffee
Click-It 4Coffee is returning to coffee shops across the state throughout the month of May to support the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign.
There are nine participating locations offering a discount to customers wearing their seat belt through the drive through. Law enforcement will join Vision Zero Outreach Coordinators to educate the public on the importance of buckling up and North Dakota’s primary seat belt law.
Get a full list of dates and participating coffee shops by clicking the button below
Don't miss the Vision Zero Partner Conference
The 2025 Vision Zero Partner Conference is scheduled for May 7-8, 2025, in Bismarck at the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence. The conference will once again be available in-person and virtually.
POST and CEU credits are available for:
- Board of Nursing
- LCCR/ICCR
- POST
- ND CJE
- ND CLE
- Engineering
Thank you for your votes!
Well, North Dakota, it was a courageous fight. We tip our hats - and our blades – to the South Dakota Department of Transportation on their Battle of the Blades win.
North Dakota plows scooped up well over 10,000 votes during this bracket brag-off tournament, but it wasn’t enough to bury our neighbors in snow. But winter will return, and now you know the assignment: vote!
Until then, thank you for your cheers and your votes, and start thinking of new snowplow names that have heart, humor, and serious horsepower for next year!
Plower Ranger and Snow Force One: Name-A-Plow winners meet their machines
As the seasons shift from winter to spring, our annual Name-A-Plow contest wraps up with one of the most exciting parts — meet and greets between the winners and the snowplows they named.
On Tuesday, April 1, Benjamin Olson, a sixth grader at Park River School in Grand Forks District, came face-to-face with his named plow: Plower Ranger. The plow and its driver, Jared Carlsen, rolled up to Park River School, quickly becoming the center of attention for Nona Hove’s sixth-grade classroom. Ben and his classmates didn’t miss a beat — striking Power Ranger poses and snapping photos and videos to celebrate Ben’s big win.
Over in the Bismarck District, contest winner Dale Schwindt had his own chance to shine with a photo op alongside Snow Force One and its driver, Terry Price. We’re thrilled by the community’s enthusiasm for this annual contest and can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Get on board with Real ID starting May 7
North Dakota Driver License offices are hustling ahead of the upcoming Real ID implementation date. As of May 7, a Real ID (or Passport) will be required of air travelers over the age of 18 to board a flight or enter Federal facilities where IDs are required to enter.
Although the implementation date is almost here, North Dakota drivers are able to get a Real ID at any time before or after May 7. It is a regular service of the Driver License Division.
"A Real ID ensures that you meet federal security standards for air travel and identification. Remember, if your license has a gold star, you already have a Real ID. If you're planning to travel soon, we encourage you to schedule an appointment online and complete the pre-application for a streamlined process," said Brad Schaffer, NDDOT driver license director.
To get a REAL ID, citizens must visit a North Dakota Driver’s License office in person. To learn about the documents required to obtain a Real ID and to make an appointment, click the button below.
