North Dakota Toll Roads Complete Guide: Toll-Free State 2025
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North Dakota Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Toll-Free State - No tolls anywhere
Coverage: All highways, bridges, and roads completely toll-free
Currency: N/A - No tolls charged
Technology: None required - No transponders or electronic systems
Operators: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)
Do I Need a Toll Pass for North Dakota? 2025 Update
No, you don't need any toll pass, transponder, or electronic tag to drive in North Dakota - the entire state is completely toll-free. North Dakota has never implemented toll roads and currently has no plans to do so.
Key Reality: North Dakota is one of only 12 US states with zero toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. You can drive anywhere in the state without worrying about tolls, transponders, or electronic payment systems.
2025 Update: North Dakota continues to maintain its toll-free status with no proposed toll roads or congestion pricing. The state funds transportation through traditional gas taxes and federal highway funds.
North Dakota Highway System: Completely Toll-Free
North Dakota operates a comprehensive highway system entirely without tolls, making it one of the most driver-friendly states in the country for travel costs.
Major Toll-Free Highways (2025)
| Highway | Route | Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate 94 (I-94) | Fargo to Montana border | 352 miles | $0.00 |
| Interstate 29 (I-29) | South Dakota to Canadian border | 215 miles | $0.00 |
| US Highway 2 (US-2) | Montana to Minnesota border | 580 miles | $0.00 |
| US Highway 83 (US-83) | South Dakota to Canadian border | 340 miles | $0.00 |
| All State Highways | Statewide network | 8,500+ miles | $0.00 |
Toll-Free Benefits in North Dakota
Travel Advantages:
- No need for transponders, E-ZPass, or other electronic toll devices
- No cash required for toll payments
- No risk of missed toll violations or penalties
- Simplified route planning without toll cost considerations
- Lower overall travel costs compared to toll states
Transportation Funding in North Dakota
North Dakota funds its transportation infrastructure through traditional methods without resorting to tolls:
Funding Sources:
- State gasoline and diesel fuel taxes
- Federal highway funding allocation
- Vehicle registration fees
- Commercial vehicle permits and fees
- Oil and gas extraction tax revenues
To calculate fuel costs for travel through North Dakota, use TollGuru's trip calculator which includes gas expenses but no toll costs.
Recent Transportation Developments (2025)
Infrastructure Updates:
- Chateau Road Reconstruction project in progress (completion expected June 2026)
- Long-range transportation plan update underway with public input opportunities
- Continued focus on rest area improvements and safety enhancements
- No toll road proposals or congestion pricing discussions
Historical Context:
- 2017: Brief discussion of toll roads during funding shortfall debate
- Legislators ultimately rejected toll road proposals
- State continues to maintain toll-free status through traditional funding methods
Travel Planning for North Dakota
Cost Considerations:
- Zero toll costs for all routes within North Dakota
- Only expenses: fuel, lodging, and meals
- Significant savings compared to toll states
- No need to budget for transponder fees or toll violations
Route Planning Benefits:
- Choose routes based on distance, scenery, or convenience - not toll costs
- No need to research toll payment methods or transponder requirements
- Simplified navigation without toll avoidance considerations
- Reliable travel budgeting without variable toll expenses
Interstate Travel:
- I-94 provides toll-free east-west travel across the state
- I-29 offers toll-free north-south corridor
- Connection to toll-free neighboring states (South Dakota, Montana)
- Direct access to Canadian border crossings
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any toll roads in North Dakota?
No, North Dakota has zero toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. The entire state transportation system is toll-free and funded through traditional gas taxes and federal highway funding.
Do I need an E-ZPass or other transponder for North Dakota?
No, you don't need any transponder, E-ZPass, or electronic toll device to drive in North Dakota. However, you may need one for travel through neighboring states that do have tolls.
Are there plans for toll roads in North Dakota?
No, North Dakota currently has no plans to implement toll roads. While toll roads were briefly discussed during budget debates in 2017, legislators rejected the idea and continue to fund transportation through traditional methods.
What about bridges and tunnels in North Dakota?
All bridges and tunnels in North Dakota are toll-free. This includes major river crossings, interstate overpasses, and any other transportation infrastructure in the state.
How does North Dakota pay for road maintenance without tolls?
North Dakota funds road maintenance through state gasoline and diesel taxes, federal highway funding, vehicle registration fees, and revenue from the state's oil and gas industry.
North Dakota vs. Neighboring States
| State/Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Toll-free | $0.00 | All roads toll-free |
| South Dakota | Toll-free | $0.00 | All roads toll-free |
| Montana | Toll-free | $0.00 | All roads toll-free |
| Minnesota | Limited tolls | $1.00-3.00 | 2 toll bridges only |
| Canada | Provincial systems | Varies by province | Ontario has extensive tolls |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- US Toll Roads - Complete guide to toll roads in other US states
- Canada Toll Roads - Information for travel across the northern border
- Toll-Free States - Other states without toll roads
- Interstate Highways - Guide to toll-free interstate travel
Travel Planning:
- North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT): Road conditions and construction updates
- 511 North Dakota: Real-time traffic and weather information
- TollGuru Trip Calculator: Fuel cost estimates for North Dakota travel
Official Resources:
- North Dakota Department of Transportation: (701) 328-2500
- Travel North Dakota: Tourist information and route planning
- 511 Travel Info: Road conditions and construction updates
