Ticket Fines and Penalties in Montana

Montana Traffic Ticket Fines and Costs

Ticket fines are relatively uniform across the state. All law enforcement agencies adhere to the Montana Supreme Court Bond Schedule, which sets recommended fines for each traffic violation, along with minimum and maximum amounts. The total fine amount should be listed on your citation. Direct any fine amount questions to the court listed on your MT traffic ticket.

Surcharges

Most traffic violations have an automatic $35 surcharge factored into the total fine amount. Surcharges are used to pay for designated state and county programs.

Auto Insurance Increase

In addition to paying the traffic ticket fines, you may also have to pay higher car insurance rates. You can counter an increase by comparing car insurance rates online, shopping for a coverage package that best meets your budget.

Montana Traffic Ticket Penalties

Penalties are uniform throughout the state. This means a first time DUI offense in Bozeman, comes with the same amount of points and the same suspension length, as it would in Whitefish. Variables do come into play when license types (Permit, CDL, etc.) and driving records are considered.

Montana Point System

Every traffic violation conviction comes with points, ranging from one to 15. The move severe the violation, the higher the point total. If you total 30 or more points within a three-year period, you'll be classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender and the Driver Control Bureau will revoke your MT driver's license for three years.

Montana Driver's License Suspension, Revocation and Cancellation

Depending on the circumstances, your driver's license will either be suspended, revoked or cancelled. These are defined as:

Suspended License―Your driving privileges are temporarily withdrawn for a specified period of time. Suspendible traffic violations include:

• ―DUI

• ―Three reckless driving convictions within a 12-month period

• ―Refusing an alcohol test

Revoked License―Your Montana driver's license has been terminated. It cannot be renewed or restored. After the revocation period ends, you must reapply for new driver's license, provided you meet all requirements. Revokable traffic offenses include:

• ―Fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death

• ―Negligent vehicle assault involving a vehicle

• ―Accumulating 30 or more points on your driving record within a three-year period

Cancelled License―Your MT driver's license is annulled and terminated due to the state's belief that you're not entitled to own a license. Reasons for a cancelled license may include:

• ―Providing false information on a driver's license application

• ―Removal of parental consent

• ―Having a cancelled or revoked driver's license in another state

For a longer list of violations and penalties, consult Montana's Driver's License Manual.

Penalties for Drivers Younger Than 18

In addition to the penalties described above, you may also you lose your driving privileges for violating any restrictions associated with your permit or license.

Penalties for MT Commercial Drivers

You must notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic violation. This applies to all vehicles, including your own car.

CDL penalties carry heavy consequences. In addition to fines, penalties can also jeopardize your livelihood. To better understand this, consult the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCFA) list of violations and penalties.