North Dakota Laws & Penalties

North Dakota's underage drinking laws are clear. Individuals younger than 21 years of age (minors) cannot manufacture, purchase, consume or possess alcoholic beverages.
As a parent, you cannot give alcohol to your child or their friends under the age of 21 under any circumstances.
Any person who knowingly gives alcohol to individuals under 21 is guilty of a Class A Misdemeanor. Even in your home. Even if you have parental permission for another child.
It is illegal to provide alcohol to your own child/children who are under the age of 21.
Parents cannot knowingly allow a person under 21, other than their own child, to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcohol.

Simple Facts...

It is illegal to provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21.
It is illegal to host or allow minors drinking parties in your home.
It is unhealthy and unacceptable for anyone under age 21 to drink.
It is unsafe and illegal for anyone to drink and drive.

Penalties...

Parents can be prosecuted for providing alcohol to minors/hosting alcoholic parties for individuals under age 21. Penalties may include:
- Class A Misdemeanor
- $2,000.00 in fines
- 365 days in jail

North Dakota Century Code Links and Information Regarding Alcohol Use Laws

Title 5.1: Alcoholic Beverages - http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t05c01.pdf

Title 5.2: Retail Licensing - http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t05c02.pdf

Parents LEAD Program Office, PO Box 527, Dickinson, ND 58602-0527

Telephone: 701-225-4677 Fax: 701-225-8162 Web Site: www.ParentsLEAD.org

This Web site is disseminated under the sponsorship of the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Office of Traffic Safety in the interest of information exchange. The state of North Dakota assumes no liability for the contents or use thereof.

Information Sources: 2005 North Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey; Dr. Paul Griffin Jones; Health Alliance on Alcohol; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation; Phoenix House; Sociology Department of State University of New York, Professor David J. Hanson, Ph.D.; Students Against Destructive Decisions; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; US Department of Health & Human Services; Washington State Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse; collegedrinkingprevention.gov; connectingwithkids.com and ourdrink.com.