CASS COUNTY, N.D. – Now that spring is here, and temperatures are rising, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office wishes to educate the public on the cost associated with damaging rural roadways. The damage sustained to the roadway not only creates an inconvenience for our rural residents, but it could prove deadly by causing a crash. Also, any damage sustained could jeopardize the integrity of the roadway being utilized as flood protection.

Throughout the spring and summer, Cass County Deputies will respond to many complaints of damaged roadways. Through the course of their investigation, deputies often determine the sole reason for the vehicles being on these roadways is recreational. The penalty associated with the offense is a Class B Misdemeanor (N.D.C.C. 24-12-01 – Injuries to Highways) along with a request for restitution payable to the entity who is responsible for maintaining the surface.

Sheriff Jesse Jahner said, “As we approach these spring-like temperatures, the frost leaves the roadways, and we start experiencing spring showers, and our gravel roads become very vulnerable to damage due to recreational mudding-type activities. This activity has become extremely costly to our townships and, most importantly, makes these roadways dangerous to the motoring public due to damage to the surface and roadway ruts and tracks. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who are purposely causing this type of damage. We encourage our citizens to assist our office in reporting this type of activity if witnessed. For those thinking of conducting recreational mudding, we would remind you that if you purposely tear up a roadway, you could be charged criminally, and it could be costly.”