Anyone driving on Montana's roads and highways is required to own a certified driver's license. But this does not mean, obviously, that you must own a Montana license. Only if you are a Big Sky resident are you required to carry a license issued by the state. Active military members stationed in Montana and out-of-state college students are the lone exceptions to this rule.

Top Miscellaneous License Stuff

• Do not loan your license to a friend or family member so they can purchase booze. If you get nabbed, your license will be immediately suspended from one month to one year.

• Do not alter the information printed on your license. Getting caught means a mandatory license suspension of up to a year.

• New residents have 120 days to apply for a Montana driver's license, or 30 days for a commercial one.

• Operator's of motorcycles and motor-scooters must carry a motorcycle endorsement, whereas moped drivers must possess a regular driver's license.

Top Safety Tips

Buckle your seatbelt―even if you're just buzzing around the block to buy a bag of Doritos. Studies show that most accidents occur at speeds of less than 40 mph and within 25 miles of home. Being strapped to your car seat can mean the difference between life and death. And besides, wearing a seatbelt is now mandatory in Montana.

Drive accordingly. Mountain driving means winding roads, wandering mountain goats and leaping mule deer, huffing bicyclists, distracted tourists, and rapidly changing weather conditions that quite often defy the logic of the season. Hence, driving defensively is a permanent must while in the high country.

The valley roads, especially in spring and fall, are often glutted with slowly moving farm vehicles and migrating cattle that clop down the middle of the pavement with haughty looks of road-entitlement. Excercising caution, especially while passing a dairy cow, is a must.

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