Is it illegal to text and drive in Montana?

Just because it isn’t illegal, doesn’t mean you should text and drive

By Product Expert | Posted in Tips on Friday, June 22nd, 2018 at 5:54 pm

A stock photo of a person using a smartphone while driving.

Is it illegal to text and drive in Montana?

Being able to carry a phone, music player, videos and the entire internet in your pocket with a smartphone is nothing short of incredible. We love our smartphones. The product experts at Billion Auto Group appear to have their phones surgically attached to their hands. However, we put them away when we get behind the wheel. As technology continues to advance, it’s important to reevaluate some of our habits while driving. One of the most common questions our friends and family ask us is, ‘Is it illegal to text and drive in Montana?’ That depends on where you are. While there is no state-mandated ban, several cities have passed ordinances – including our hometown of Bozeman. Let’s take a look at what that means.

The City of Bozeman passed an ordinance in 2012 that basically outlaws using the phone, texting, email or anything involving an electronic device. If a driver is caught breaking the law, they can be subject to a $100 fine. This could end up being more expensive if you’re in a construction zone or caught speeding. It’s also important to point out that new drivers who have a graduated driver’s license may face additional sanctions.

Can I use a hands-free device in Montana?

While the act of holding your smartphone to use it is out of bounds in Bozeman, as well as Great Falls, Billings, Butte and Helena, there is still a way to stay in touch. Drivers in Montana are allowed to use a Bluetooth headset, provided they are able to answer and end a call by hitting only one button.

Billion Auto Group carries several of today’s most popular vehicles from most of the top automakers operating in the United States. Almost all of them offer infotainment systems that will allow users of Android- and Apple-based smartphones to use their phones without ever having to touch them once they get inside the vehicle. In addition to being able to initiate and end calls, drivers may also be able to have their texts and emails read to them by the infotainment system and read to them through the stereo system.