The first snow of the season catches a lot of drivers with summer habits still in place. Stopping distances grow, plows are out, and road reports matter more than the forecast on your phone. North Dakota’s winter driving guidance is built for exactly this stretch of the year.
Why the First Snow Feels Different
Early-season snow and ice often look light while still cutting traction. Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Drivers who haven’t adjusted yet tend to follow too closely and brake too late.
According to NDDOT’s Winter Driving page and its Winter Driving Safety tips, the safest approach is simple: know conditions before you leave, slow down for the road you actually have, and give snowplows room to work.
Know Before You Go
- Check road conditions on the ND Roads app, the ND Travel Map, or by calling 511. Conditions are reported daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, including holidays, and can change quickly.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
- Leave with a full fuel tank and a charged phone.
- Dress for the weather, in layers that stay dry.
- Never drive around a road closure. NDDOT says it is against the law to go past road-closure devices. Don’t use GPS to “find another way” onto roads that aren’t being cleared.
NDDOT distinguishes a Travel Alert from a No Travel Advisory. A No Travel Advisory means conditions are hazardous and you should not travel on the affected state, U.S., and interstate highways.
On the Road in Snow and Ice
From NDDOT’s winter safety guidance:
- Slow down and drive for conditions, not just the posted limit.
- Increase following distance. About 8 to 10 seconds is a good rule in winter.
- Don’t use cruise control on compacted snow or ice.
- Accelerate and brake gently. If you skid, steer into the skid and don’t overcorrect.
- With ABS, apply firm, steady brake pressure.
- Turn your lights on, especially in snow or blowing snow.
- Buckle everyone up, front and back.
Don’t Crowd the Plow
NDDOT says most snowplow crashes happen when another vehicle rear-ends a plow. Plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, and can throw a cloud of snow that blinds drivers behind them.
- Double your following distance behind a plow.
- Wait for the plow to pull over if you need to pass.
- Remember wing blades can extend far to the side and may be hard to see.
- The road behind an active plow is often the safer pavement.
If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of snow, run the engine only sparingly to stay warm, and call 911.
Build a Small Winter Kit
NDDOT’s winter resources also point drivers to a winter survival kit. At a minimum for early-season trips:
- Ice scraper and brush
- Blanket and warm layers
- Flashlight
- Phone charger
- Water and a small snack
You may not need it on a short town trip. You will be glad it’s there if a whiteout or a stall strands you between towns.
Points and the North Dakota Point Reduction Course
Winter is also when tickets for speed and other moving violations can add up. According to NDDOT, drivers can take an approved course to reduce points on their record.
Our North Dakota Defensive Driving Point Reduction Course is NDDOT-approved and 100% online. You get unlimited retakes and an instant certificate. Finish the course and email your certificate to NDDOT; NDDOT takes 3 points off once it receives it. You can do this once in any 12-month period, and no more than 9 points in 3 years. The reduction comes off points already on your record.
For more on how the points system works, see our North Dakota points guide.
The Bottom Line
First snow is a reset button. Check 511, slow down, leave more space, and treat every plow as a moving work zone. The trip can wait if a No Travel Advisory says the highways aren’t safe.
Have points on your North Dakota record? Start the North Dakota point reduction course.
