North Dakota Highway Patrol Prepares Name Change Proposal for Lawmakers

The North Dakota Highway Patrol is preparing to ask lawmakers to officially change its name to "North Dakota State Patrol." New legislation for this will soon be under review.

Why The Name Change?

According to KFYR TV, the ND Highway Patrol has operated under various names over the last 50 years. This has led to inconsistent branding on its uniforms and vehicles. Agency officials say that the new name will help to fix that issue and better reflect the work troopers do today. Over recent years, they've expanded their jurisdiction. In addition to highway patrol duties, they now respond to many other emergencies off highways.

North Dakota Highway Patrol Name Changes Over The Years

From 1935-1936, they were named the "State Highway Patrol" and were referred to as the "Highway Police." Then, in 1937, the name changed to the "Division of Highway Safety and Police Patrol." The name changed again in 1951 to "State Highway Patrol," then years later to what we call the agency today: "North Dakota Highway Patrol."

According to the State Historical Society, most of the changes reflected organizational shifts.

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New Name For NDHP To Be Proposed In 2027

The source says even though many of the patrol vehicles are already being branded with the new name, the bill is still being drafted. Lawmakers will consider it when the North Dakota Legislature reconvenes in January 2027. If approved, it would formally establish "State Patrol" as the agency's name.