A motorcycle loses power on a roadway. May its rider grab a moving truck or attach the motorcycle to it for a tow while riding?
Correct answer: No; a person riding a motorcycle may not attach themselves or the motorcycle to another vehicle on a roadway.
North Dakota prohibits this form of clinging or attachment. Move to safety and arrange suitable recovery instead of remaining aboard while attached to another vehicle.
Source: NDCC §39-10.2-04, physical PDF page 1. Official source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A seated rider’s replacement handlebar grips sit above the rider’s shoulders. What does North Dakota’s equipment rule require?
Correct answer: The grips may not be above the seated operator’s shoulder height.
The legal height reference is the shoulder height of the seated operator, not a borrowed seat-height measurement from another state.
Source: NDCC §39-27-06(5), physical PDF page 2. Official source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A rider installs a bypass to route exhaust around the motorcycle’s noise-reducing muffler on public roads. What is North Dakota’s rule?
Correct answer: Exhaust cutouts and bypasses are prohibited.
The exhaust must incorporate a muffler or other effective noise-reducing device, and the statute expressly prohibits cutouts and bypasses. Rider or passenger shielding and secure, leakproof components are also required.
Source: NDCC §39-27-08, physical PDF page 3. Official source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A motorcycle owner removes every mirror, planning to rely only on head checks. What does North Dakota’s current motorcycle equipment statute require?
Correct answer: At least one compliant, securely mounted and adjustable rear-view mirror.
The statute requires at least one qualifying handlebar mirror. The handbook recommends two; neither a legal mirror nor two mirrors eliminates blind-spot checks.
Source: NDCC §39-27-09, physical PDF page 3; handbook Know Your Motorcycle, printed 3 / physical 15, recommends two mirrors. Official source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
An owner removes the motorcycle’s only taillamp because the stop lamp still works when braking. Is that sufficient under North Dakota’s motorcycle equipment law?
Correct answer: No; the motorcycle must have at least one taillamp as well as the required stop lamp.
The equipment statute separately requires a taillamp and a stop lamp. A light that appears only during braking does not replace the required tail lighting.
Source: NDCC §39-27-17(4)–(5), physical PDF page 4. Official source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
An adult has a valid North Dakota car license and is applying for initial motorcycle authority. Which requirements does NDDOT still list?
Correct answer: The motorcycle knowledge test and a vision screening.
The current application instructions separately require the motorcycle knowledge test and vision screening. A car license satisfies the existing-credential/Rules of the Road prerequisite, but does not erase these motorcycle application steps.
Source: NDDOT Motorcycle License → How do I apply for a motorcycle license?, items 6–9. Official source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
