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Drinking & Driving Laws
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Drunk Driving Laws in Montana

DUI Laws in Montana

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Montana Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties

1st Montana DUI Offense

First Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – 24 Hours to 6 Months
Jail – 48 Hours to 12 Months (Passenger under 16 in Vehicle)

Fine - $300-$1,000
Fine - $600-$2,000 (Passenger under 16 in Vehicle)

License Suspension – 6 Months
Ignition Interlock Device / Probationary License Possible

Complete Chemical Dependency Education Course or Treatment

2nd Montana DUI Offense

Second Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – 7 Days to 6 Months
Jail – 14 Days to 12 Months (Passenger under 16 in Vehicle)

Fine - $600-$1,000
Fine - $1,200-$2,000 (Passenger under 16 in Vehicle)

License Suspension – 1 Year
Probationary License – Possible After 45 Days if,
Driver Pays for Ignition Interlock Device Lease, Installation and Maintenance
or Vehicle May be Seized and Subjected to Forfeiture

Complete Chemical Dependency Education Course or Treatment

3rd Montana DUI Offense

Third Drunk Driving Conviction

Jail – 30 Days to 1 Year
Jail – 60 Days to 12 Months (Passenger under 16 in Vehicle)

Fine - $1,000-$5,000
Fine - $2,000-$10,000 (Passenger under 16 in Vehicle)

License Suspension – 1 Year
Probationary License – Possible After 45 Days if,
Driver Pays for Ignition Interlock Device Lease, Installation and Maintenance
Or Vehicle May be Seized and Subjected to Forfeiture

Complete Chemical Dependency Education Course or Treatment

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Drinking and Driving Laws in Montana

The State of Montana prohibits driving with a .08 percentage or above, blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The .08 measurement is the standard used across the United States for the "impaired" driver. The State of Montana has lower BAC limits for minors and drivers of commercial vehicles. In addition to the .08 BAC law, Montana also considers a .04 percent a DUI if that fact is considered with other competent evidence.

How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Montana?

It is difficult to determine if a person has reached the .08 legal limit. There are many factors that contribute to a BAC score, including sex, weight, genetics and the amount of time that has passed between drinks. There are BAC calculators and charts that can help you determine your individual BAC score, however these devices should be used as reference tools only and should never be used to determine if an individual will be able to drive safely.

The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Montana has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Montana, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.

The first time you are convicted of a drunk driving offense in the State of Montana you will serve a minimum of 1 day up to 6 months in jail. You will also be fined from $300-$1,000. If there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, you will serve a minimum of 2 days in jail or up to 12 months, and receive a fine from $600-$2,000. Your drivers license will also be suspended for 6 months.

The second time you are arrested for drunk driving in Montana you will be fined from $600-$1,000. You will also be ordered to serve a minimum of 7 days in jail up to 6 months. If there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, you will serve a minimum of 14 days, or up to 12 months in jail and receive a fine from $1,200-$2,000. Some of the imprisonment may be suspended if the person completes a chemical dependence treatment program. The court may order you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense during your probationary period. Your drivers license will be suspended for 1 year and your vehicle may be forfeited on the second or subsequent DUI.

For your 3rd drunk driving conviction in the State of Montana you will be ordered to serve a minimum of 30 days in jail or up to 1 year.

You will also be fined from $1,000-$5,000. If there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the arrest, you will serve a minimum of 60 days, or up to 12 months in jail and receive a fine from $2,000-$10,000.

The court may order you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle at your own expense during your probationary period. Your drivers license will be suspended for at least 1 year your vehicle may be forfeited on the second or subsequent DUI.

Note: A 4th drunk driving conviction in the State of Montana is a felony, the convicted driver could receive up to 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

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Drunk Driving Laws in Montana

State of Montana BAC Laws:

All drivers with a BAC of .04 or higher. ( Potential DUI-Depending on Circumstance)
All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Under 21 with a BAC of .0 or higher.
Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.

The Implied Consent Law in Montana

If you drive in the State of Montana the implied consent law says all drivers agree to give their consent to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if they are suspected of driving under the influence. If you refuse to submit to such a test your drivers license will be suspended for 6 months on the first refusal. Subsequent refusals will result in a 1 year drivers license suspension with the possibility of a court ordered ignition interlock device installation on your vehicle, at your own expense.

State of Montana Website - More DUI Information

Other Montana Information on this Website

Montana Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements