MontanaProposal would limit how Montana drivers use electronic devices
The failed proposal would limit how Montana drivers use electronic devices on the road and set fines and traffic points for violations.
What it does
Drivers could not hold certain devices or read, write, or watch messages and videos while driving. Hands-free navigation and voice controls would be allowed, along with specified emergency and work uses.
A first violation could bring a $75 to $149 fine; a second or later violation could bring a $150 to $250 fine. Distracted driving would count as three traffic points.
An officer stopping a driver over a suspected device violation could not take or inspect the driver's phone or similar device unless another law allows it.
Argument forLimiting device use could reduce screen distractions for drivers and may help prevent crashes.
Argument againstDrivers could face fines for holding devices or reading messages, even when they are not distracted in a way that causes a crash.
More detail
A driver could not hold certain devices or use them to read, write, or watch messages and videos while driving. The rule would cover people operating motor vehicles on Montana streets or highways. The limits would not apply while a vehicle is stopped, standing, or parked. Hands-free voice communication and navigation are allowed. Exceptions also cover certain emergency, law enforcement, work radio, and emergency reporting uses.
A driver who violated the device rules could receive a fine, and the violation would count as three traffic points. The fines and points would apply to a person who violated the proposed device rules while operating a motor vehicle. The fine would be $75 to $149 for a first violation and $150 to $250 for a second or later violation. For convictions from one event, only the points for the conviction with the highest point value would count.
An officer who stopped a vehicle for a suspected violation could not take or inspect the driver's device unless another law allows it. It would apply when a peace officer stopped a motor vehicle over an alleged violation of the proposed device rule. The restriction would apply to a portable wireless communication device in the driver's possession.
Where do you stand?
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 23(S) Died in ProcessDied
- Apr 17(H) Take from Committee; Place on 2nd Reading - (H) JudiciaryMinor
- Vote recorded Take from JUH to Second Reading - DeMarois. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 10(H) Take from Committee; Place on 2nd Reading - (H) JudiciaryMinor
- Vote recorded Take from JUH to second reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 8(H) Tabled in Committee - (H) JudiciaryMinor
- Vote recorded to_table. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 17(H) Hearing - (H) Judiciary
- Mar 4(H) 1st Reading
- Mar 4(H) Referred to Committee - (H) JudiciaryMinor
- Mar 4(S) Fiscal Note Printed
- Mar 3(S) Transmitted to House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 3(S) 3rd Reading
- Mar 3(S) Fiscal Note Unsigned
- Mar 3(S) Fiscal Note ReceivedMinor
- Mar 3(S) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Mar 1(S) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 1(S) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Feb 27(S) Committee Report - (S) Highways and Transportation
- Vote recorded do_pass_as_amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 27(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Highways and Transportation
- Feb 26(S) Hearing - (S) Highways and Transportation
- Feb 21(S) Fiscal Note Requested
- Feb 21(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Highways and TransportationMinor
- Feb 19(S) 1st Reading
- Feb 18(S) Introduced
- Feb 17(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Feb 17(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
- Feb 17(LC) Draft in Assembly
- Feb 17(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
- Feb 16(LC) Draft in Input/Proofing
- Feb 13(LC) Draft in Edit
- Feb 13(LC) Draft in Legal Review
- 2024
- Dec 14(LC) Drafter AssignedIntroduced
TransportationPublic Safety