Bill > SB2206

This bill introduces several changes to North Dakota motor vehicle and legal regulations. It creates a new two-year limitation for civil actions against commercial motor carriers, limits noneconomic damages in such cases to $500,000, and modifies safety belt usage requirements and legal implications. Specifically, the bill requires drivers of most motor vehicles to ensure occupants are wearing safety belts, with exceptions for certain situations like emergency medical personnel, those with medical conditions, and when all safety belts are in use. The bill also introduces a significant legal provision allowing evidence of safety belt non-usage to be considered in civil actions, potentially reducing plaintiff recovery by up to 1% if expert testimony can prove the lack of a safety belt contributed to injury or death. Additionally, the legislation prevents juries from being informed about the noneconomic damages limitation in commercial motor carrier cases, but requires courts to reduce jury awards that exceed the $500,000 cap. These changes aim to clarify legal responsibilities, protect commercial motor carriers, and encourage safety belt usage by introducing potential legal consequences for non-compliance.

Justice

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2206.html