All Roll Calls
Yes: 227 • No: 64
MontanaSB 47169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate
Generally revise vehicular traffic laws related to pedestrian crossings
Sponsored By: Dave Fern (Democrat)
Became Law
Traffic Regulations
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Crosswalk and flashing-beacon rules for drivers
Drivers must yield to people in marked and unmarked crosswalks when signals are not in place or not working. You cannot pass a vehicle stopped for a person at a crosswalk. You must not drive through a group of school children or past a school crossing guard holding a stop sign. When a pedestrian‑activated beacon flashes and a person is present, you must stop and stay stopped until the person finishes crossing, then proceed with caution. You may continue if you reached the intersection before the beacon turned on or you cannot stop safely, and you may turn right if the person is on the far half and not in danger. The law defines pedestrian‑activated devices (including rapid‑flashing beacons and in‑roadway lights) and uses the state’s existing vehicle definition.
Stronger penalties for endangering pedestrians
The law creates the offense of endangering pedestrians for violating crosswalk right‑of‑way rules. Fines are $25–$100 for a first conviction, $50–$200 for a second within 1 year, and $100–$500 for a third or later within 1 year. When a pedestrian‑activated beacon is on, the offense is a misdemeanor with higher fines; the statute’s first‑violation amount is inconsistent in the text, and repeat violations are $150–$250. If your vehicle damages a pedestrian‑activated device, you must pay to repair or replace it. If you do not pay fines, the court can use civil contempt to collect; if the court finds you cannot pay, it may order community service. The court may also add court costs.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Dave Fern
Democrat • Senate
Cosponsors
Julie Darling
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 80 • No: 17
Senate vote • 4/14/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 79 • No: 17
Senate vote • 3/21/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 34 • No: 16
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 34 • No: 14
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/13/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/8/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
5/1/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/1/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/17/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/15/2025Senate3rd Reading Concurred
4/15/2025House2nd Reading Concurred
4/14/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred
4/8/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred
4/7/2025HouseHearing
3/25/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Signed
3/24/2025SenateFirst Reading
3/24/2025HouseReferred to Committee
3/24/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Received
3/24/2025SenateTransmitted to House
3/21/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed
3/21/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Passed
3/20/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
3/20/2025SenateRevised Fiscal Note Requested
3/18/2025SenateHearing
3/12/2025SenateRereferred to Committee
3/6/2025Senate2nd Reading Passed
3/6/2025SenateFiscal Note Printed
3/4/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/16/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
3/1/2025
Introduced
2/25/2025