Bill > HB1229

This bill creates new legal provisions regarding motor vehicle owners' responsibilities when a driver flees from a peace officer during a traffic stop. Specifically, the bill establishes that a motor vehicle owner can be presumed responsible for a violation if the driver of their vehicle attempts to elude law enforcement. The owner can be issued a traffic citation within 96 hours of the incident, with fees ranging from $100 for a first violation to $500 for subsequent violations. However, the owner can avoid being charged if they can prove they were not the driver, the vehicle was stolen, they cooperate with the investigation, or they provide information demonstrating they were not operating the vehicle at the time of the offense. The bill also includes special provisions for vehicle lessors, allowing them to transfer responsibility to the lessee if they provide the lessee's registration and personal information to law enforcement. Importantly, an individual cannot be charged under both this new provision and the original fleeing offense for the same incident. The bill does not apply to vehicle rental companies that rent vehicles for 90 days or less, providing an exemption for short-term rentals.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1229.html