MontanaHB 9969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise laws related to motor vehicle laws for clarity and consistency

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

42 provisions identified: 15 benefits, 11 costs, 16 mixed.

Crime victim pay limited for car crashes

Victims’ compensation no longer covers injuries or deaths that arise from owning, maintaining, or using a motor vehicle. It still applies if the harm happened during a purposeful Title 45 crime or if victim services finds the driver was under the influence. Many car‑related claims are now excluded.

CDL suspension after repeated violations

A commercial driver’s license is suspended for 60 days after a second serious traffic conviction in separate incidents within 3 years. It is suspended for 120 days after a third or later conviction in 3 years. Serious violations include 15+ mph over the limit, reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, certain fatal‑crash offenses, driving a CMV without required CDL or endorsements, and texting while driving a CMV.

Nonresident title firms need $250K bond

Nonresident businesses seeking Montana vehicle titles must follow department rules and pay set fees. They must also post a penalty bond of at least $250,000 payable to the motor vehicle division, to guard against fraud. The department may add voluntary security interests to titles.

Ban on fake or unsafe airbags

The law bans knowingly importing, making, selling, or installing counterfeit or nonworking airbags and parts that do not meet the federal airbag safety standard as of February 12, 2023. It also bans devices that hide airbag problems and bans selling a vehicle known to have those parts. Violators face penalties under state law.

Limited license if NDR‑ineligible

If the national driver register shows you as ineligible, you may ask a district court for a restricted permit. You must have lived in Montana for 5 years, have certified driving records showing 5 years since the most recent withdrawal, have no convictions in the past 5 years, and no pending traffic or alcohol/drug charges. You must certify good‑faith efforts to fix the issue and pay any pending fees or fines. If the court agrees, the department may issue a paper permit for essential driving within Montana.

Name a beneficiary on your car title

You can add a beneficiary to a vehicle or vessel title so it passes outside probate. The designation is perfected when filed with the title application and signed. After proof of death and ID, the beneficiary can get a replacement title. Any existing lienholder rights stay in place.

Farm drivers can skip CDL nearby

The department can make deals with adjacent states. When an agreement is in place, drivers hauling farm goods, machinery, or supplies within 150 miles of a farm may operate without a commercial driver’s license. This applies only to trips defined as not commercial motor vehicle use.

Liability shield for tow companies

A compliant tow company using emergency signals at a crash or hazard is not liable for harm caused by a motorist who breaks the “move over/slow down” rule. This protection does not cover willful misconduct, bad faith, or gross negligence.

No registration fees on dealer inventory

Licensed dealers do not pay the listed registration fees on vehicles or vessels that are part of their inventory. The exemption only covers inventory units.

Stronger warranty pay for auto dealers

Franchisors must pay for warranty parts at least the wholesale cost plus a 30% handling charge and freight. If a franchisor supplies parts free or cheap, it must still pay the dealer the dealer’s cost (if any) and the dealer’s retail markup on the highest applicable wholesale value. Franchisors must approve or deny claims within 30 days and pay within 30 days after approval. They cannot deny for minor clerical errors and usually cannot audit a paid claim after 12 months.

Emergency size and weight waivers

The Governor can waive size and weight limits by executive order during emergencies. The transportation director or another agency head must request it. The order can set where, when, and which vehicles may use the waiver.

Obey directions from incident responders

Public safety workers include firefighters, EMS, search and rescue, and civilian crash investigators. You must obey their lawful directions at incident scenes. This helps keep people safe and traffic under control.

CDL traffic convictions stay on record

Courts cannot defer or hide a traffic conviction (not parking) for someone who held or needed a commercial driver’s license when it happened. The conviction stays on the CDL driving record. This can affect jobs and insurance.

Fees to register your car or RV

You pay an annual fee based on age for light vehicles: $217 (0–4 years), $87 (5–10), and $28 (11+). If MSRP is over $150,000 and the car is 10 years old or less, add $825. Motorhomes pay $282.50 (<2 years), $224.25 (2–<5), $132.50 (5–<8), and $97.50 (8+); at 11+ years you may permanently register for $237.50; add $800 if MSRP is over $300,000 and 10 years or newer. Plates cost $12 to issue; add $16 to keep a pre‑2010 number. A $9 parks/trails fee applies to each light vehicle unless you opt out, and you may choose to add $5 per light vehicle. The law directs where these dollars go, including the parks accounts and the motor vehicle administration account.

Stronger DUI rules and faster actions

Courts must take all licenses when a conviction requires revocation and send the record to the transportation department within 5 days. The law defines aggravated DUI, including when BAC is 0.16 or higher, or with certain prior suspensions or interlock orders. If a case began as a DUI charge, courts must take certain registry ID cards after conviction and send them to revenue within 5 days. Courts may recommend a restricted probationary license tied to completing ordered treatment.

Vehicle equipment rules updated

Cars made after 1968 must keep the seatbelt system required when built; cars made 1965–1967 must have front belts. Most vehicles need rear fenders or flaps that reach within 10 inches of the road if over 8,000 pounds, or 20 inches if 8,000 pounds or less. Most vehicles under 10,000 pounds need a front bumper and usually a rear bumper. Taillamps must meet visibility rules; custom and street‑rod vehicles may use a 1‑inch blue‑dot lamp. Low‑ and medium‑speed electric vehicles must have basic lights, mirrors, a compliant windshield and belts; medium‑speed EVs also need a roll bar, cage, or crush‑proof body.

How local car taxes are set

For local motor‑vehicle taxes on light vehicles, the state values your car at the start of registration. It multiplies the MSRP by an age‑based percentage. For age 17 and older, the value drops 10% per year from the age‑16 value. The taxable value never goes below $500.

Dealer plate fees and limits

Dealers pay $25 each year for every set of dealer plates. You get one set with your license. Extra sets depend on last year’s sales: 5% of the first 100 sales, 3% of the next 100, and 2% of sales over 200. Only the dealer, spouse, listed officers, or full‑time employees may use the plates, and not on motorcycles or for hire, lease, or rental. You must file an annual user report and report any reassignment within 15 days. Dealers who sell only motorcycles, power sports vehicles, or trailers cannot get dealer plates. Manufacturers pay $250 for the first set and $20 for each extra set; makers of personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and off‑highway vehicles are exempt.

New rules for commercial tow trucks

A tow truck is “commercial” if it tows for pay or if the business benefits from the tow. Commercial tow trucks must carry safety gear, including a 5‑pound fire extinguisher, warning lights/reflectors, signs, brooms and shovels, and a flashing lamp visible from 1,000 feet. They must also have an electrical extension cord at least as long as the combined vehicles and clean up glass and oil when practicable. If you meet the equipment rules, you may stop or park on a highway to help a disabled vehicle.

Rules and permits for big trucks

Vehicle width is capped at 102 inches, with listed exceptions for buses on wide paved roads, some farm moves, RV appurtenances, and DOT safety devices. Oversize permits cost $10 per trip or $75 per term; term/blanket permits are not allowed above 15 ft wide, 95 ft long, or 14 ft high. Five‑axle logging combinations may operate at 80,000 lbs with required weight and permit fees. Very long double‑trailer combinations need special permits ($200 term or $20 per trip), are generally limited to interstates or near interchanges, and each cargo unit is capped at 28.5 ft by 102 inches. Officers and DOT can weigh trucks, require scale stops within 2 miles, order unloading, or allow an excess‑weight permit if the overage is 10,000 lbs or less. Heavy trucks over 1 ton pay $22.75 per year.

Stronger tie‑down rules for log haulers

Log trucks and trailers must use tie‑downs whose total strength is at least 1.5 times the load weight. Pole trailers must have at least three wrappers as standard, use at least two wrappers on every load, and each wrapper or wrapper‑plus‑binder must have at least a 3,000‑pound working load limit. Placement rules apply to short logs and logs above stake tops.

Clearer taxes on short stays and rentals

The law updates key tax terms for lodging and rental vehicles. It defines what counts as “accommodations,” “base rental charge,” “sales price,” and “online hosting platform.” It clarifies which fees and charges are taxed for short-term stays and car rentals. One bracketed line in the definitions ends on June 30, 2027.

Default speed limits and passing rule

Interstates outside large urban areas have a default 80 mph limit. Interstates inside those areas are 65 mph. Other public highways are 70 mph by day and 65 mph at night. Urban districts are 25 mph. You may go up to 10 mph faster to pass on two‑lane roads in a marked passing zone.

Some old vehicle penalties repealed

The law removes three specific penalty sections on lighting, private firefighter vehicle use, and tire restrictions. Those penalties no longer apply.

Teens may ride OHVs with supervision

A youth age 12 to 15 may operate an off‑highway vehicle on a forest development road. They must carry a safety‑course certificate. A licensed person must be physically present. This applies only on roads designated for off‑highway use.

Temporary medical driving assessment permit

If you are 16 or older, a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse can request a temporary permit for your in‑car medical evaluation. A driver rehabilitation specialist must supervise all driving under the permit. The permit lasts up to 6 weeks and may be extended once for 6 more weeks. The law also defines who qualifies as a driver rehabilitation specialist.

Clear warranty period for new cars

Your new vehicle’s consumer warranty period ends after 2 years from delivery or at 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. This gives a clear time and mileage limit.

More places to use mobility devices

If you use a qualifying electric personal assistive mobility device, you may use sidewalks unless a posted sign bans them. You may also use bike paths and roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Follow any posted traffic‑control rules.

Who does not pay these fees

If you qualify for a waiver under 61‑3‑460, you do not pay the registration fees covered here. Vehicles and vessels owned by the U.S. or by state or local governments are also exempt. Property that is tax‑exempt under 15‑6‑201(1)(a) is exempt, subject to 61‑3‑520.

Carry and show auto insurance

You must keep an approved insurance card in the vehicle or be able to show an electronic card. You must show it when asked by a judge or officer. You are not convicted if coverage is verified through the online system or you later show valid proof. Commercial or fleet status must be shown when it applies.

Fines for not using tire chains

If you fail to use required chains or traction devices, the fine is $250. If that failure causes a full lane closure in one or both directions, the fine is $750. It is a nonmoving violation.

Helmets required for riders under 18

Operators and passengers under 18 on motorcycles or quadricycles must wear approved headgear. Enclosed autocycles with fixed doors and a roof are exempt. Fines are $5 under one section. Under another, fines are $10 to $100 for a first conviction, $25 to $200 for a second within a year, and $50 to $500 for a third or later within a year.

After you buy, title and register

When you gain ownership of a listed vehicle or boat, you must apply for title and registration. You must pay the required fees. This duty starts when ownership transfers.

Extra $10 added at registration

An extra $10 is collected for each vehicle when you register it. This applies to light vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, heavy trucks, motor homes, motorcycles, quadricycles, and travel trailers. The money goes to the state account in 44‑1‑504.

Fees for boats, trailers, and off‑road rides

Trailers: one‑time $61.25 (<6,000 lbs) or $148.25 (6,000+), or $30/$60 annually if registered under 61‑3‑701. Travel trailers: $72 if under 16 feet; $152 if 16 feet or longer. Motorcycles/quadricycles: one‑time $53.25 (single‑use) or $114.50 (both); add a $16 safety fee, or register annually for $44 per use ($88 for both) plus a $7 safety fee; reduced one‑time fees apply with a summer trail pass. Off‑highway vehicles pay $61.25 one time, or $41.25 with a summer trail pass. Snowmobiles pay $60.50 one time, or $40.50 with a winter trail pass; rentals pay $40.50 in year 1 and $20 in year 2, then must permanently register. Boats (motorboats, sailboats, personal watercraft, motorized pontoons): $65.50 (<16 ft), $125.50 (16–<19 ft), or $295.50 (19+). Low‑speed electric vehicles and some golf carts pay a one‑time $25 and get a decal.

Collector car plates, fees, and decals

Collector vehicles that qualify pay a one‑time $5 fee if under 2,850 lbs, or $10 if 2,850 lbs or more. You may display original Montana plates or reproduction plates after applying, inspection, and paying required collector fees. A highway patrol officer inspects each plate and certifies it for $5. A collector reproduction plate application costs $50, split between state accounts. The department issues a validating decal you must attach.

How MSRP is set for fees

The law defines MSRP as the maker’s price when the model first went on sale. It uses only standard equipment and excludes optional add‑ons. If no MSRP exists, the department sets a value using state rules. These definitions guide how vehicle values and some fees are figured.

Vehicle temp permits and plate waivers

A standard temporary registration permit costs $19.50. It costs $24.50 for nonresidents or when issued using the state’s online system. A 90‑day permit costs $24.00. New owners have 40 days to apply for title and registration, but you may drive only if a temporary permit is displayed. If your car cannot take a front plate, you can request a waiver after a highway patrol inspection and a $25 fee.

Dealer e‑odometer forms, warranty limits

Sellers can complete odometer disclosures with electronic signatures. Dealers, auctions, and wholesalers must keep odometer records for at least 5 years. A franchisee may ask to set or raise warranty labor rates or parts markups only once every 12 months.

Boating safety and wildlife rules

Boating DUI cases use the same test and evidence rules as car DUIs, including alcohol and drug tests and refusals. You may not use a motorboat or sailboat to chase or take game until the motor is off or sails are furled and the boat has stopped; fines, possible jail, and license loss apply. The law also updates boat terms used for registration and decals.

Clearer terms in vehicle laws

The law updates and adds definitions used in motor‑vehicle rules. Examples include “declared weight,” “specially constructed vehicle,” and “transaction summary receipt.” These definitions guide titling, registration, and enforcement.

Updated definitions for vehicles and dealers

The law updates many terms used across vehicle and dealer rules. It clarifies highway safety program entities, adds personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and off‑highway vehicles as covered “motor vehicles” for some dealer rules, and defines forest development and special service roads. Dealer, distribution, and motorsports terms are also updated, including a fleet meaning 15 or more new motorsports vehicles.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Denise Baum
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 275 • No: 22

House vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 12

House vote • 3/15/2025