Traffic Ticket FAQ in Montana

What do I do once I get ticketed?

You must respond to the court listed on your citation before the posted appearance date expires with either a "guilty" or "not guilty" plea.

Will my ticket affect my car insurance rates?

The Justice Court does not report traffic tickets to auto insurance companies. However, insurance companies have access to your driving record. And depending on your provider's policies, a traffic ticket conviction may be grounds for a rate increase.

Will I get points for a traffic ticket?

All traffic ticket convictions add points to your driving record. Depending on the infraction, the state will assign between one and 15 points to your record. The more severe the infraction, the higher the point total.

Is there anyway I can have points removed from my driving record?

No. Montana does not offer this option.

How long will points remain on my driving record?

Points will stay on your driving record for three years.

How many points am I allowed on my driving record before I lose my MT driver's license?

The state will revoke your Montana driver's license for three years if you accumulate 30 points or more within a three-year period.

What happens if I don't respond to my citation?

Your MT driver's license will be suspended and the court may even issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Whom do I call with questions regarding my traffic ticket fines?

Call your presiding court. The exact court will be listed on your citation.

Can I arrange for a payment plan to pay my traffic ticket fine?

At the discretion of the judge. In some instances a judge may even offer the option of community service.

What happens if I can't make my court date?

Call the presiding court as soon as possible. Most courts will accommodate this request with enough advanced notice. You can also inquire about having a traffic ticket attorney stand in court for you.

Why is it important to regularly check my driving record?

It's in your best interest to check your driving record for accuracy, verifying that the point total is correct. This is especially important after receiving a traffic ticket. Any erroneously added points could cause your driver's license to be suspended, and/or cause a spike in your car insurance rates.

What are the advantages of hiring a traffic attorney?

A traffic lawyer's advice can greatly aid your case when fighting a traffic ticket. Legal counsel might improve your chances of having your charges reduced, or even dismissed, which could, depending on your driving situation, spare you from having your MT driver's license suspended or revoked.