MontanaHB 4369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise motor vehicle traffic regulation laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger school bus safety and penalties

Drivers must stop about 30 feet from a school bus with red lights on and wait until the lights stop. Buses at crossing stops must use an extended stop arm at least 54 inches long and 36 inches high with extra red lights. If a bus loads or unloads off the roadway and kids stay off the road or paved shoulder, the red lights stay off. Anyone can file a written report of a violation, and police must investigate and respond within 30 days. Penalties are much higher: first offense $500–$1,000 or 50–100 hours of service; second $1,000–$2,000 or 100–200 hours; third $3,000–$5,000 and at least 30 days in jail. Contact with the bus, its extended arm, or a child within 30 feet triggers these penalties. Overtaking on the right can bring up to a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail.

Accessible parking standards and upkeep

Accessible parking built after September 30, 1985 must meet federal ADA rules in 28 CFR Part 36 as of February 10, 2021. Spaces must be kept clear of snow, pallets, carts, and other blockages. Officials may not ticket for an obstruction until they issue a warning and allow a reasonable time to clear it.

Clearer bicycle and e-bike rules

You may ride on the roadway or a paved shoulder. Riders can go two abreast on paved shoulders. If you are slower than traffic, use the right lane or a paved shoulder when it is safe, with clear exceptions for passing, turning, and hazards. The law defines a paved shoulder and what counts as an electrically assisted bicycle: two wheels and a motor that moves a 170-pound rider up to 20 mph on level pavement.

Rules for resource road crossings

When crossings are marked with warning signs or devices, driving directly across a public road to move natural resource products may be treated as not operating on the public road. The rule applies only to adequately marked crossings.

Clearer rules for emergency vehicles

When an emergency vehicle uses lights or a siren, you must yield. Pull parallel to the right edge or curb, including the paved shoulder, and stay out of intersections. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.

Where traffic rules apply, consistency

Traffic and parking rules apply on any highway, road, alley, lane, parking area, or other place commonly used for public travel, even if privately owned. Courts and agencies must read Montana traffic laws to match how other states read similar laws when possible.

Expanded removal of abandoned vehicles

Highway patrol, sheriffs, city police, tribal police (with agreements), and game wardens may take abandoned vehicles into custody after 48 hours on a public highway or 5 days on a city street, public land, or private property. Agencies can hire removal and storage and must pay up to the removal charge set by environmental rules; they can seek reimbursement or let the contractor claim payment directly. If your property is open to the public, you may remove an abandoned vehicle after calling law enforcement at the start of a 5-day wait and following the same rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Denise Baum
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 40

Senate vote • 2/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Senate vote • 2/21/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 30 • No: 20

House vote • 1/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 1/20/2025