In Montana, a traffic ticket (assuming you don’t successfully fight the ticket in traffic court) usually leads to a fine and demerit points being assessed to the motorist’s driving record. Accumulating too many points within a certain period of time can lead to license suspension.
Below you’ll find the fines and points for some common traffic violations in Montana. But the specific penalties for a traffic ticket can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
What Are the Fines & Points for Montana Speeding Tickets?
Penalties for speeding in Montana depend on the driver's speed in relation to the speed limit.
Montana's Maximum and Basic Speed Limits
Montana has maximum speed limits and a basic speeding law. If you exceed a maximum limit you can get a speed ticket. But even if you don’t drive faster than the posted limit, you can still be cited for speeding under the basic speed law if you’re driving faster than is “reasonable and prudent” under the circumstances. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-303 (2025).)
Montana's Speeding Violation Penalties
|
Type of Violation |
Fine |
Points |
|
Basic speed law |
$10 to $100 |
2 |
|
1 to 10 miles per hour over limit |
$20 or $40 |
3 |
|
11 to 20 miles per hour over limit |
$70 |
3 |
|
21 to 30 miles per hour over limit |
$120 |
3 |
|
31 or more miles per hour over the limit |
$200 |
3 |
Generally, the fines are at least doubled for speeding violations that occur in construction or school zones. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-725 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Montana?
The penalties for stop sign and red light violations in Montana depend on the number of prior convictions.
Montana's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before reaching the nearest of a limit line, entering the crosswalk, or entering the intersection itself. Montana law permits rights turns on red so long as there’s no sign at the intersection indicating otherwise. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-207 (2024); Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-344 (2024).)
Penalties for Running a Stop Sign or Red Light in Montana
|
Type of Violation |
Fine |
Points |
|
First violation within a year |
$10 to $100 |
2 |
|
Second violation within a year |
$25 to $200 |
2 |
|
Third violation within a year |
$50 to $500 |
2 |
Generally, the fines are at least doubled for stop sign and red light violations that occur in construction or school zones. (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-711 (2025).)
What Are Montana’s Distracted Driving Penalties?
Montana is the only state with no restrictions on cell phone use and text messaging while driving.