N.D. Cent. Code § 49-03.1-06: Franchise not to be exercised without certificate

No public utility henceforth shall exercise any right or privilege under any franchise or certificate hereafter granted, or under any franchise or certificate heretofore granted, the exercise of which has been suspended or discontinued for more than one year, without first obtaining from the commission a certificate that public convenience and necessity require the exercise of such right or privilege.