BISMARCK, N.D. – If you own a vehicle involved in a police pursuit, even if you’re not in it, you’re going to have to pay if a bill approved by the North Dakota legislature.
Under the legislation introduced by Republican State Representative Austen Schauer of West Fargo, law enforcement can ticket the owner of a fleeing vehicle $100 for a first offense and $500 for additional violations.
The measure has returned to the House.
The bill is in response to a rise in drivers who have fled police throughout the state.
Those opposed believe the law would violate constitutional rights while taking away the presumption of innocence of vehicle owners who would have to prove they weren’t a suspected driver during a police chase.
Current state law doesn’t allow authorities to recommend a fleeing charge unless they know who the driver is.
