North Dakota § 39-10-04 - Obedience to and required traffic-control devices
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 39-10-04 — Obedience to and required traffic-control devices, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-10-04. Obedience to and required traffic-control devices
1. The driver of a vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter. 2. A provision of this chapter for which traffic-control devices are required may not be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a state statute does not state that devices are required, the statute is effective even though no devices are erected or in place. 3. Whenever an official traffic-control device is placed in a position approximately conforming to the requirements of this title, the device must be presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction of lawful authority, unless the contrary is established by competent evidence. 4. Any official traffic-control device placed pursuant to the provisions of this title and purporting to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to the device must be presumed to comply with the requirements of this title, unless the contrary is established by competent evidence. 5. The department may not remove or inactivate a traffic-control signal placed within the corporate limits of a city and within one thousand feet [304.8 meters] of a public or nonpublic elementary, middle, or high school without consulting with the city having jurisdiction of the location where the traffic-control signal is placed, except for temporary repair or routine maintenance.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 39-10-04
What does North Dakota Century Code § 39-10-04 cover?
Section 39-10-04 ("Obedience to and required traffic-control devices") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Dakota § 39-10-04?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 39-10-04" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.
How does North Dakota § 39-10-04 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.