Central ND News

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has given the green light to a petition format aimed at introducing a statutory measure concerning vehicle window tinting. Proponents of this initiative have until February 24, 2026, to gather signatures and submit them for review.

The proposed measure seeks to amend North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-39. It would allow individuals to choose any level of light transmittance for their vehicle's windshield and front and rear windows. Additionally, it permits any color or transparent design on these windows.

According to the Office of the Secretary of State, proponents were informed on February 24, 2025, about their obligations: they have one year to circulate petitions and must collect at least 15,582 valid signatures from North Dakota constituents. This number is necessary for the measure to be considered sufficient for placement on the ballot.

If signatures are submitted by midnight on February 9, 2026, the measure will appear on the June 9, 2026 primary election ballot. If submitted after that date but before midnight on February 24, 2026, it will be placed on the November general election ballot in the same year.

To successfully place a statutory initiative on the ballot in North Dakota, a Sponsoring Committee must present petitions with valid signatures from qualified electors amounting to at least two percent of the state's resident population. This population figure is based on federal census data effective at submission time.