Minimum Driving Age
- Learner’s License (Instruction Permit): Available at age 14½ if enrolled in an approved driver education program; otherwise at age 15.
- First-Year Restricted License: Eligible at age 16, or age 15 with driver education and at least 6 months of holding a permit.
- Full License: Granted at age 18, or after 1 year of holding a restricted license without traffic violations.
Learner’s Permit Rules
- Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian or a licensed driver age 18+ with permission from a parent.
- Driving Hours: Must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for permit holders and drivers under 18, including hands-free use.
License Types
- Learner’s License (Permit): For practice driving with supervision.
- First-Year Restricted License: Intermediate stage with some restrictions.
- Full License: Unrestricted license for drivers meeting all requirements.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating large or commercial vehicles.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Needed for legal motorcycle operation.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Montana, bring:
- Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or other approved ID.
- Proof of Montana Residency: Utility bills, lease, or school records.
- Proof of Social Security Number: SSN card, W-2, or tax form.
- Parental Consent: Required for applicants under 18.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Required for all occupants in the front seat, and all passengers under 16 regardless of seating position.
- Child Restraints:
- Under age 6 and under 60 lbs: Must be in an appropriate child safety seat.
- Over age 6 or 60+ lbs: Must use a seatbelt.
- Under age 6 and under 60 lbs: Must be in an appropriate child safety seat.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Statewide: No general ban on adult handheld cell phone use.
- Under 18: Banned from using any wireless communication devices.
- Texting While Driving: Not banned statewide, but some cities and counties have local bans.
DUI/DWI Laws
- Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for drivers age 21+; 0.02% for drivers under 21.
- First Offense:
- Jail: 24 hours to 6 months.
- Fine: $600–$1,000.
- License Suspension: 6 months.
- May require alcohol education or ignition interlock device.
- Jail: 24 hours to 6 months.
Speed Limits
- Interstate Highways:
- 80 mph for cars.
- 70 mph for trucks.
- 80 mph for cars.
- Highways (Non-Interstate): Typically 70 mph.
- Urban Areas: 25–35 mph depending on signage.
- School Zones: Generally 15–25 mph.
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
- Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety.
- First Offense Penalties:
- Fine: Up to $500.
- Jail: Up to 90 days.
- License Points: Violation adds points to the driver’s record, possibly leading to suspension.
- Fine: Up to $500.
Points System
Montana uses a points-based system:
- Accumulating 30+ points in 3 years leads to license revocation.
- Example Violations:
- DUI: 10 points
- Reckless Driving: 5 points
- Speeding: 2–3 points
- DUI: 10 points
Insurance Requirements
Drivers must carry minimum liability coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $20,000 per accident.
- Proof of insurance must be shown during traffic stops and at registration.
How Registration Works in Practice
Understanding Montana’s driving laws is one part of the equation—but how your vehicle is titled and registered plays an equally important role in staying compliant.
For many out-of-state owners, registration is structured through a Montana LLC, allowing vehicles to be titled and plated without requiring personal residency in the state.
If you want a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how this works—from setup to receiving your plates—read:
How to Register a Car in Montana Without Living There
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal: Every 8 years.
- Vision Test: Required at every renewal.
- Re-testing: May be required if there are medical concerns or unsafe driving history.
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This is not legal or financial advice. Please consult your CPA/Attorney for all legal and financial guidance. Ride Legal is a privately owned website and is not operated by any government agency.