BISMARCK – The North Dakota State House passed Tuesday a bill to add any property or animals damaged by a vehicle to the hit and run laws.
Current law creates a class B misdemeanor for individuals who damage a vehicle and do not immediately notify the operator of the vehicle and give the operator or owner their name, address, and auto insurance information.
Senate Bill 2285 adds damage to any fixed object or domesticated animal on public or private property. The bill carrier, Sen. Dean Rummel, R-Dis. 17, Dickinson, explained the bill further.
“Currently if someone crashes into your fence, your shed, or your house, and they fail to give notice of the crash, oftentimes to avoid being arrested for a DUI or other things, if they are found later, they may be fined just $50 since the damage caused by the crash was only to their vehicle,” said Rummel.
The bill passed by a vote of 47-0 and will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
