North Dakota § 39-21-42 - Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning devices
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-42 — Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning devices, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39-21-42. Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning devices
1. No person may operate any motor truck, passenger bus, or truck tractor, or any motor vehicle towing a housetrailer, upon any highway outside the corporate limits of municipalities at any time from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise unless there is carried in the vehicle the following equipment except as provided in subsection 2: a. At least three flares or three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors, each of which must be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of not less than six hundred feet [182.88 meters] under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime. No flare, fusee, electric lantern, or cloth warning flag may be used for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of this section unless it is of a type which has been submitted to the department and 2. approved by it. No portable reflector unit may be used for the purpose of compliance with the requirements of this section unless it meets the requirements of the national highway traffic safety administration motor vehicle safety standard number 125 or unless it is so designed and constructed as to include two reflecting elements one above the other, each of which must be capable of reflecting red light clearly visible from all distances within six hundred feet [182.88 meters] to one hundred feet [30.48 meters] under normal atmospheric conditions at night when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps, and unless it is of a type which has been submitted to the department and approved by it. b. At least three red-burning fusees unless red electric lanterns or red portable emergency reflectors are carried. c. At least two red-cloth flags, not less than twelve inches [30.48 centimeters] square, with standards to support such flags. No person may operate at the time and under conditions stated in subsection 1 any motor vehicle used for the transportation of explosives, any cargo tank truck used for the transportation of flammable liquids or compressed gases, or any motor vehicle using compressed gas as a fuel unless there is carried in the vehicle three red electric lanterns or three portable red emergency reflectors meeting the requirements of subsection 1, and there shall not be carried in the vehicle any flare, fusee, or signal produced by flame.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 39-21-42
What does North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-42 cover?
Section 39-21-42 ("Certain vehicles to carry flares or other warning 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 § 39-21-42?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-42" (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 § 39-21-42 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.