Montana DUI Laws. Here Is What Happens

Drinking and driving in Montana is what I would personally consider out of control. It's seen weekly on the jail roster that there are numerous arrests for DUI's, most of which are caused by alcohol.

With ride share companies such as Lyft and Uber available, it's hard to understand why people are still getting intoxicated and getting in their vehicle. How people with numerous DUI's are still allowed a license is beyond me.

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Montana State Legislature lists the penalties for the 1st-3rd convictions as the following:

for a first violation, by imprisonment for not less than 24 consecutive hours or more than 6 months and by a fine of not less than $600 or more than $1,000, except that if one or more passengers under 16 years of age...cont. reading here.

for a second violation, by imprisonment for not less than 7 days or more than 1 year and by a fine of not less than $1,200 or more than $2,000, except that if one or more passengers under 16 years of age...cont. reading here.

for a third violation, by imprisonment for not less than 30 days or more than 1 year and by a fine of not less than $2,500 or more than $5,000, except that if one or more passengers under 16 years of age...cont. reading here. 

If you are charged with a 4th DUI, your now going to face a felony offense and could receive a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. They could also have a fine of $5,000-$10,000 fine. Read more here.

What are the insurance effects of a DUI in Montana? 

Insurance rates skyrocket

According to MarketWatch, Montana drivers could see a 45% increase, jumping from $197 per month to around $286 per month for fully insured vehicles. If you have limited liability, that increase could jump from $43 per month to $63 per month, a 46% increase.

Not only do your insurance rates increase, but the costs of the attorney and court fees are high as well. You could end up losing your job, your family, and respect from those around you.

Forbes released information for 2024 that stated Montana is the worst state in the nation for drunk driving. Specifically stating that there were, 8.57 drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes for every 100,000 licensed drivers, and 7.14 people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver for every 100,000 state residents.

Putting others lives in danger due to one's lack of intelligence is mind blowing.

So what does Montana need to do to get off this incredibly disappointing list, which puts us at the top in the nation?

cc: Forbes, MarketWatch, Montana State Legislature