MontanaHB 4369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise motor vehicle traffic regulation laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger school bus safety and penalties

When a bus stops with flashing red lights, drivers must stop about 30 feet away, may not pass on the right, and must wait until the red lights stop. When a bus flashes amber lights, slow to a safe speed and be ready to stop. Bus drivers must turn on amber lights about 150 feet before stops in cities and about 500 feet elsewhere; red lights only when stopped. If a stop requires a child to cross, the bus must have an extended stop arm at least 54 inches long and 36 inches high with extra red lights, and each such stop needs school board approval. Buses must show “SCHOOL BUS” signs with letters at least 8 inches tall and must cover markings when not in school use. A board may ban light use at a school site when no street crossing; red lights are not used when the bus and children are off the roadway or paved shoulder. Penalties for failing to stop escalate: first offense $500–$1,000 or 50–100 hours of service; second $1,000–$2,000 or 100–200 hours; third or later $3,000–$5,000 or at least 30 days in jail, or both. Contacting the bus, its extended arm, or a child within 30 feet is treated the same. Anyone who sees a violation can file a written report with details, and an officer must update the reporter within 30 days.

Accessible parking: rights and upkeep

Agencies must use the federal ADA parking design rules from February 10, 2021 for spaces built after September 30, 1985 on public ways. If a permit or plate is displayed, the named person may park in an accessible space while entering or exiting. No one may stop or park in the striped access aisles, ever. You may not use an accessible space without a displayed permit tied to the person entering or exiting; brief loading of a person with a disability is allowed. Cities and counties may waive time limits for vehicles with permits, except where parking is banned, only special vehicles may park, or hours are restricted. Owners must keep these spaces clear of snow and other blockages; officers give a warning and time to fix it before a citation.

Continuous car insurance now required

Owners of vehicles registered and operated in Montana must keep liability insurance in force at or above the state minimum, or hold an approved self‑insurance certificate. It is illegal to drive on public roads without valid liability insurance unless you are self‑insured or the vehicle is exempt. An insurer and policyholder may exclude a named family member from a policy.

Clearer bike and e-bike road rules

You may ride a bicycle on the road or on the paved shoulder. On a paved shoulder, two riders may ride side by side. If you ride slower than traffic, use the right‑hand lane or paved shoulder when it gives a reasonable safety margin. You may use other lanes to pass, turn left, or avoid hazards. Bicyclists usually ride single file, with exceptions like paths, passing, paved shoulders, or multi‑lane one‑way roads where two abreast does not block traffic. The law defines a paved shoulder and says the roadway includes the paved shoulder. An e‑bike is a two‑wheel bike whose motor can move a 170‑pound rider no faster than 20 mph on flat pavement.

Yield and stop for emergency vehicles

When a police or emergency vehicle uses lights or a siren, you must yield. Pull as far right as you safely can, including onto a paved shoulder, outside intersections. Stop and wait until it passes. Breaking this rule can bring penalties.

Simpler farm crossings of roads

When moving farm or natural resource products, a direct crossing of a public road that is clearly marked with warning signs or devices is not treated as normal road operation. You must still stop before entering and fix any damage as the agency requires.

New rules to remove abandoned cars

Officers may take a vehicle that is abandoned 48 hours or more on a public highway, or 5 days or more on a city street, public property, or private property. Tribal police may act with an agreement. Game wardens may act on state‑managed land. A private landowner on ways open to the public may remove an abandoned vehicle after 5 days by calling law enforcement when the 5‑day period starts and following the same rules as police. If an agency hires someone to remove and store an abandoned vehicle, the agency pays no more than the removal charge set by the environmental department. The agency may get reimbursed from the recycling and disposal program or let the contractor claim payment directly.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Denise Baum
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 40

House vote • 2/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 30 • No: 19

House 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