Under 39-06-42, what is the penalty for driving while license is suspended or revoked?

Under North Dakota law, driving while your license is suspended or revoked carries specific penalties that escalate with each subsequent offense. For the first, second, and third offenses occurring within a five-year period, the law typically categorizes these violations as a Class B misdemeanor.

A Class B misdemeanor is a lesser charge compared to Class A misdemeanors or felonies, meaning that while it is still a serious offense, it generally carries lighter penalties such as fines or possibly short jail time. The stipulation that this applies to the first three offenses within a five-year timeframe underscores the state's focus on penalizing repeat offenders more severely, while still maintaining a structured approach to handling initial infractions.

The distinction between different classes of misdemeanors and felonies is critical in understanding how law enforcement and the judicial system address issues of driving privileges. In this case, the law is designed to encourage compliance with license requirements and improve public safety on the roads.