BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has approved the format of a petition to initiate a statutory measure on the ballot related to vehicle window tinting. Proponents now have until February 24, 2026, one year after notice of approval, to collect signatures and submit them to the Office of the Secretary of State for review.
The proposed statutory initiative title is as follows:
The initiated measure would amend North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-39 to allow motor vehicle window tint light transmittance to be at any level an individual chooses it to be for the windshield, as well as front and rear windows. It also would allow for any color or transparent design to be applied to any of the windows.
The Office of the Secretary of State informed proponents on February 24, 2025, that they have:
- One year to circulate petitions and collect signatures from constituents in North Dakota (N.D.C.C. § 16.1-01-09(7); and
- To submit no fewer than 15,582 valid signatures in order to be deemed sufficient to be placed on the ballot.
- If signatures are submitted before midnight on February 9, 2026, the measure will be placed on the ballot for the June 9, 2026, primary election.
- If signatures are submitted after February 9, 2026, and before midnight on February 24, 2026, the measure will be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot.
To place a statutory initiative on the ballot, a Sponsoring Committee must submit petitions containing the valid signatures of qualified North Dakota electors equal to at least 2% of the resident population of North Dakota. The state’s population is determined by the federal census in effect and certified at the time the petitions are submitted.
Documents:
News Release PDF - Howe Approves Petition Format for Statutory Measure Relating to Vehicle Window Tinting