Is It Against The Law To Pass A Snowplow In North Dakota?

Those of us who have spent time in North Dakota are confident of one thing...

....you can NEVER take the weather for granted - best always to be alert at all times. The old saying " If you don't like the weather, wait a minute" does not come into play.

More accurate would be the obvious - that temperatures and conditions can drastically change - not rare at all for one day you're walking around in 60+ degrees, less than

24 hours later - you have a jacket on and it's in the 20s.

Now that we somewhat understand how dangerous and extreme our weather can turn

I think it's amazing how efficient NDDOT is - clearing the roads of snow and ice- getting their plows out there as quickly as possible. People are people, and sometimes you

hear grumbling and complaining that the North Dakota Department of Transportation isn't doing everything it can, etc, ....and that is just plain wrong.

They put themselves out there in miserable conditions, to make us safe

Here is when North Dakotans MUST learn to be patient. One of the common questions is - "Is it legal to pass a snowplow out on the road?"  - according to dot.nd.gov

"Yes, it is legal to pass a snowplow; however, it is highly discouraged. Motorists should also be aware of the “Move over Law.” If you approach a snowplow or other NDDOT

maintenance vehicle with flashing lights that is stopped on the shoulder of a multi-lane road, you must move over to the lane that is not next to the snowplow or vehicle, if it is safe to change lane"

Here is a sad example of the dangers of a commercial vehicle and a snowplow

Think of these pictures next time you are behind the wheel.