Montana driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Montana asks, answered in two or three sentences from Montana’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Under Montana law, you must carry your license and show it when an officer asks, so you can get a ticket. It's a $60 fine you can pay without going to court. If you show your license that was valid at the time in court or at the officer's office, you can't be convicted.
Sources: Mont. Code Ann. § 61-5-116 · MONTANA SUPREME COURT RECOMMENDED BOND SCHEDULE (JANUARY 2024) · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Most Montana cities have their own laws against texting or talking on a cell phone while you drive.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual p. 49 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
You'll have to go to court, and the court sets the fine. A first offense brings 20 to 60 hours of community service. A second offense suspends your license for 6 months.
Sources: MONTANA SUPREME COURT RECOMMENDED BOND SCHEDULE (JANUARY 2024) · Montana driver’s manual p. 8 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
For the first 6 months, you can carry only 1 passenger under 18 who isn't family, unless a licensed adult is supervising. Montana law then allows up to 3 for the next 6 months.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual p. 8 · Mont. Code Ann. § 61-5-133 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're under 18, you hold your learner permit for at least 6 months plus 1 day before moving on to your first license.
Sources: Montana Motor Vehicle Division — Drivers Under 18 – MT Motor Vehicle Division · Montana driver’s manual p. 8 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance, and it must be in effect in the car you're driving (motorcycles are the exception). The minimum covers $25,000 for injury or death of one person in any one accident.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual p. 47 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
The parent who signed your permit form is financially responsible for damage from your driving. Montana law says this doesn't apply if an insurance policy covers you. If a court finds you owe damages and you don't pay within 60 days, your license and registration are suspended automatically.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual pp. 2, 47 · Mont. Code Ann. § 61-5-108 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
Don't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual p. 46 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
Your manual says to avoid using a phone while the vehicle moves, and even hands-free talking distracts you. Most Montana cities also have their own laws against texting and talking while driving.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual pp. 49, 51 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Montana law, speeding in a school zone is a misdemeanor. The fine is at least double the normal speeding fine.
Sources: Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-726 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
On a permit, you may drive only with the supervising adult in the seat beside you. If you're caught alone, you can get a ticket for breaking your permit's restrictions. It's an $85 fine, and you can pay it without going to court.
Sources: Montana driver’s manual p. 2 · MONTANA SUPREME COURT RECOMMENDED BOND SCHEDULE (JANUARY 2024) · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Montana driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Montana’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question