Vehicle lifts in North Dakota: plates, snow and hitch carriers

Carrying a scooter or power chair on the back of a car in North Dakota raises two practical questions at once. Will the rear plate still be legal with a platform hanging off the hitch, and what happens to the plate, the lights and the mobility device after a drive through blowing snow?

The state's vehicle code answers more of this than most people expect. It sets a minimum plate height, demands that plates be kept clear of ice and snow, and spells out what the taillamps and plate lamp must do. Here is the language, followed by lifts that suit the conditions.

North Dakota's plate and lamp rules

North Dakota's code expects a plate at each end of most vehicles. Under section 39-04-11 of the Century Code, a vehicle needs "two number plates, bearing the distinctive number conspicuously displayed, horizontally and in an upright position, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle, each securely fastened." The same section sets a floor for mounting height: "The bottom of each number plate must be at a height of not less than twelve inches [30.48 centimeters] above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands."

Visibility is written in plain terms. Each plate "must be mounted in a visible manner that clearly displays the distinctive number assigned to the vehicle and the name of the state on the plate." Then comes a line that reads as if it were drafted with a North Dakota January in mind: "As far as is reasonably possible, the plates must at all times be kept free and clear of mud, ice, or snow so as to be clearly visible."

Lighting is in chapter 39-21. Section 39-21-04 requires taillamps that "emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet [304.8 meters] to the rear," mounted "at a height of not more than seventy-two inches [182.88 centimeters] nor less than fifteen inches [38.1 centimeters]." It also requires a white light that will "illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet [15.24 meters] to the rear."

Section 39-21-13 covers loads that stick out: when a load "extends to the rear four feet [121.92 centimeters] or more beyond the bed or body of the vehicle," a red light or lantern is required at night and a red flag at other times. Measure how far your loaded carrier reaches past the bumper before assuming this does not apply.

We did not find a North Dakota statute that names wheelchair or scooter carriers specifically. Questions about a particular setup belong with the North Dakota Department of Transportation or your local law enforcement agency.

Snow, wind and a device riding outside

NOAA's climate summary for North Dakota says winter storms "can be accompanied by exceptionally severe conditions, including heavy snows, high winds, and low wind chill temperatures," and that the state's yearly blizzard probability is among the highest in the nation. During the winter of 1996 to 1997, multiple storms brought seasonal snowfall of more than 100 inches to parts of the state.

That has two consequences. A platform carrier puts your scooter out in road spray and snow, and it can collect slush that hides the plate the statute says to keep clear. An inside hoist keeps the device in the cargo area. Neither choice is wrong, but in this climate it is worth deciding on purpose.

Lifts for North Dakota drivers

• Bruno VSL-6900 Curb-Sider: an inside hoist rated up to 400 lbs that lifts, rotates and stores the device, and Bruno notes this style keeps it out of the weather unless installed in a pickup bed. The power telescoping head adds reach over bumpers.
• Harmar AL425 2-Axis Hoist: mounts in the cargo area of vans, SUVs and trucks with power lifting and rotation, a 400 lb capacity, and 30 in of required headroom. Mounting inside leaves the backup camera usable.
• Harmar AL100HD: a hitch platform for heavier scooters up to 400 lb that needs a Class III or higher hitch. A license plate mount comes in the box and a plate riser is an option, both useful for the plate rules above.
• Harmar AL435T Tailgater: a 3-axis truck hoist whose offset arm reaches 43 in to the curb or over a 24 in tailgate, lifting up to 400 lb into the bed.

Hitch rating, tongue weight and the device's size decide what fits, so check those before choosing a model.

Help in North Dakota

North Dakota Assistive is the state's assistive technology program. The AT3 Center credits it with lending and demonstrating devices, passing on reused equipment and running a financial loan program, and its own site names an Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program. We looked for a North Dakota vocational rehabilitation page describing help with vehicle modifications and could not find one, so ask the state's vocational rehabilitation office directly if work is part of the picture.

Ordering and delivery to North Dakota

We ship to your state. Installation isn't available here yet; email us and we'll help you find a local installer. Orders go to the lower 48 states and DC; shipping is free over $500 and $15 under $500, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, though some brands differ. Details are on our North Dakota shipping page, and the vehicle lift fit check helps narrow the choice.

Questions about vehicle lifts in North Dakota

Can a hitch lift cover my rear plate in North Dakota?

Section 39-04-11 requires each plate to be mounted so it clearly displays the number and state name, with its bottom at least twelve inches above the ground. A carrier that blocks the rear plate works against that. Many hitch lifts include a license plate mount, and some offer a riser, which moves the plate onto the lift where it can be seen.

Do I have to clear snow off my plate?

Yes, as far as is reasonably possible. Section 39-04-11 says plates "must at all times be kept free and clear of mud, ice, or snow so as to be clearly visible." With a platform lift on the hitch, check the plate and the plate lamp after driving in snow or slush, since a loaded carrier can catch spray.

What lights does my car need with a lift on the back?

Section 39-21-04 requires red taillamps visible from 1,000 feet, mounted between 15 and 72 inches high, and a white lamp that makes the rear plate legible from 50 feet. If a load extends four feet or more past the vehicle body, section 39-21-13 adds a red light at night or a red flag by day.

Should I choose an inside hoist or an outside platform?

An outside platform keeps seats and cargo space open but leaves the device exposed. An inside hoist stores it in the vehicle, out of the weather, at the cost of cargo room. NOAA describes heavy snow and high winds in North Dakota winters, so weigh how much road spray your scooter or chair can take.

Browse the vehicle lift collection, run the fit check, or use the full assessment to match a lift with your vehicle and device. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-04, section 39-04-11 (display of number plates)
• North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-21, sections 39-21-04 (taillamps) and 39-21-13 (projecting load)
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: North Dakota (2022)
• AT3 Center: state assistive technology programs
• North Dakota Assistive
• Bruno VSL-6900 Curb-Sider product page
• Harmar AL425 product page
• Harmar AL100HD product page
• Harmar AL435T Tailgater product page