Highway Code for Montana Drivers
When you drive in your home state, you probably know all the rules to follow on the roads. Although many traffic rules are based on common sense and proper observance of posted signs and signals, this does not mean that all rules are the same in all states. If you are planning to travel or move to Montana, you will need to know the traffic rules listed below, which may differ from those you are used to in your state.
Licenses and permits
New residents must transfer their rights to Montana within 60 days of living in the state.
Driver learners are eligible for a driver's license at age 15. Those who do not take a driving course must be 16 years old.
A driver training permit allows students taking a driving course to drive a car. Students must be accompanied by either a driving instructor or a licensed guardian or parent.
A driving instruction permit allows students to drive only under the supervision of a driving instructor as part of a government-approved driving training course.
A learner's license is available from the age of 15 and is only available to those who have completed a driver's education. This license must be used within six months prior to applying for a Montana license.
The state of Montana does not approve online driver training courses.
Headlamps
Headlights must emit yellow or white light. Tinted or colored headlights are not permitted unless the coating or tinting is part of the manufacturer's original equipment.
High beam headlights must be dimmed within 1,000 feet of the driver approaching the vehicle and within 500 feet of the vehicle approaching from behind.
Headlights must be used when visibility is less than 500 feet due to weather or environmental conditions such as mud or smoke.
Fundamental rules
Signaling - When making a turn or slowing down, drivers must use a turn signal, brake light, or appropriate hand signal at least 100 feet in advance. This should be increased to 300 feet in sunlight.
License plate lighting - Requires a license plate light that emits white light visible up to 50 feet behind the vehicle.
Muffler Silencers are required to prevent unusual or excessive noise.
Seat belts - Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts. Children under 60 pounds under the age of 6 must be in a child safety seat appropriate for their size and weight.
Fluorescent pink signs - Montana uses fluorescent pink as a background on signs indicating how to proceed with incidents. Drivers are required to follow directions.
Carousel - Drivers should never overtake another vehicle when driving on a roundabout, also known as a roundabout.
right of way - Pedestrians have right of way at all times, failure to yield may result in an accident or injury.
School buses - Drivers are not required to stop when the bus is loading or unloading children on an adjacent street where pedestrians are not allowed to cross the road or on a divided road. However, they must stop at any other time when the stop lever is off and the light is on.
funeral processions - Funeral processions have right-of-way unless they collide with emergency vehicles. Vehicles and pedestrians are required to give way to any funeral procession.
texting “Some cities in Montana have passed laws against texting, driving and talking on a cell phone, and driving. Check your local regulations to make sure you follow them.
Next — Drivers must leave a distance of four seconds or more between themselves and the vehicle they are following. This space should increase depending on weather, road and traffic conditions.
Animals - Drivers must give way to animals that are herded, driven or ridden. If the animal is moving in the same direction as the vehicle, drive slowly and leave enough space. Never honk the horn.
Accidents - Any traffic accident that results in injury or death must be reported to the police.
The above traffic rules, along with those that are common to all states, are important for you to know when visiting or moving to Montana. If you have any questions, you can refer to the Montana Driver's Handbook for more information.
