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Senate committee advances bill to remove mandatory signaling requirement for roundabouts
Summary
The Senate Transportation Committee gave a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 2371, which would remove the statutory requirement that drivers use turn signals to position themselves while entering or circulating in roundabouts. Lawmakers heard testimony from the bill sponsor, motorists and the DOT before voting.
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jason Clemens on Thursday opened a hearing on Senate Bill 2371, which would remove language requiring drivers to use their turn signals to position themselves while entering or circulating in roundabouts.
Sponsor Jerry Klein, a senator from District 14, told the committee he had heard from constituents who find the signaling rule confusing and said the state has issued only two citations for the signaling offense since the law took effect. "What this bill suggests — it's pretty simple — there's just on line 16 and line 17 there's a word crossed out on each line. So what I'm asking here or what the bill suggests is that you should not have to put on your blinker to try to get in your position on the roundabout," Klein said.
Why it matters: Roundabouts have become more common in North Dakota; supporters argue that removing the signal requirement would reduce minor enforcement encounters while opponents worry it could make lane-changing and exit intentions less predictable for other drivers and vulnerable road users.
Committee discussion and evidence: Several senators described personal experience navigating multi-lane roundabouts and differing local driving patterns. Vice Chair Corey and Senator Paulson asked whether multi-lane roundabouts should be treated differently; Klein and others said most roundabouts in the state are two-lane and that only a limited number of multi-lane designs exist. Kevin Herman of Beulah testified in opposition, saying he rides a motorcycle and “I always look ahead and I'm hoping that somebody is signaling to know when I enter there,” and that not signaling can make it harder for motorcyclists and truck drivers to know others’ intentions.
The Department of Transportation did not take a position for or against the statutory change but presented safety data. DOT deputy director Matt Linneman told the committee the agency analyzed crash trends at roundabout locations on the state highway system and found that total crashes at those locations fell from about 173 in the five years before installation to 129 in the period after construction; more importantly, injury and fatal crashes decreased by roughly 59 percent after roundabouts were put in. "The roundabout itself as a feature is obviously very, very much a safety benefit for the traveling public," Linneman said.
Outcome: After discussion, Senator Klein moved a do-pass recommendation on Senate Bill 2371; the committee approved the motion by recorded voice/roll call. Chairman Clemens and Vice Chair Corey voted aye; the motion passed and Senator Cory consented to carry the bill.
What’s next: The bill will be carried by Senator Cory to the next committee or floor action.
