MontanaSB 42869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise county speed limits

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

State sets speeds on highways

The Montana Highway Commission sets special speed limits on state highways and other commission‑designated highways, including in cities and towns. These limits follow state rules and apply statewide for consistency.

Misdemeanor penalties for speed violations

Breaking a posted altered speed limit is a misdemeanor. Standard altered limits are punished under the general traffic misdemeanor law. Altered limits in school zones use the school‑zone penalty law.

Local speed changes in urban areas

Local officials can lower or raise speeds in urban districts after a traffic study. Any nighttime increase cannot go above 65 miles per hour. They can also set safe speeds on arterial streets. A changed limit only applies when the new signs are posted.

New rules for county and rural roads

Outside urban areas, local officials can lower speeds after a study, but not below 25 miles per hour on paved or unpaved roads. On county roads, commissioners can set the outside‑urban and school‑zone limits without a traffic study. On unpaved roads, the same posted speed applies to all vehicle types.

School zones: lower speeds and clear signs

Local governments can lower school‑zone speeds to as low as 15 miles per hour and set times of day after a traffic study. They must consult the school district. If a school zone includes a state highway, they must also consult the state DOT and the commission. When a school‑zone speed is lowered, signs must mark the zone, show the new speed and penalty, and mark the end.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Willis Curdy
Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

Neil Duram
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 85

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 72 • No: 27

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 78 • No: 22

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 32 • No: 18