×

North Dakota Lawmakers Could Change Official Name Of North Dakota Highway Patrol In Upcoming Legislative Session

By Alex Carmenaty Oct 14, 2026 | 7:45 AM

(KNOX) – North Dakota lawmakers could change the official name of the North Dakota Highway Patrol in the upcoming legislative session that starts in January. 

The law enforcement agency has used different titles for more than 50 years. 

The Patrol’s uniforms, vehicle markings, and branding have not always matched. The agency wants to be recognized with a consistent name going forward. 

It is officially recognized as the Highway Patrol in the century code, but a bill will be sent to the legislature to change it to State Patrol. The Patrol has been referred to as both. 

A lot of the patrol vehicles have the words “State Patrol” on them. The bill that lawmakers will make a decision on in January is still being drafted

FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!