North Dakota Plastic Straws Regulatory Status

North Dakota does not regulate single-use plastic straws at the state level. There is no statewide ban, on-request requirement, or preemption preventing local action. Cities and counties may adopt their own straw policies under home rule, including bans, on-request distribution rules, or material standards. Most North Dakota communities have not adopted formal straw regulations, leaving distribution practices up to individual restaurants and retailers. Federal Americans with Disabilities Act considerations apply when local governments craft straw rules to ensure access for people who need flexible plastic straws.

No state penalties exist for plastic straw use. Enforcement is entirely local where ordinances are adopted, typically through municipal civil fines starting around 100 dollars per violation. Restaurants generally face progressive enforcement starting with warnings before financial penalties under any future local rules.