Page updated 2026-10-27.
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Key Montana DMV rules and numbers
These are key rules and numbers from the Montana handbook, a few per topic so they fit on one printed page. We favor rules that state a specific number. Every fact below comes from our free Montana DMV practice test question bank, which has 500 questions across 9 topics, checked against the Montana handbook (last verified 2026-09-07).
Speed limits
- The manual describes a narrow passing exception on a two-lane road: a vehicle may exceed the speed limit by 10 mph to overtake another vehicle and return safely to the right lane. (Handbook, p. 38)
- Montana law lets school zone speed limits be set as low as 15 mph, and local authorities decide the posted speed and how many blocks around a school the zone covers. (Handbook, p. 29)
- A driver in a Montana funeral procession may not exceed 55 mph on a highway where the speed limit is 55 mph or more, so a 65 mph posting does not let the procession travel at 65. (Handbook, p. 42)
- The manual gives rough speed cuts for slippery roads: reduce speed about 10 mph on a wet road, cut it in half on packed snow, and slow to a crawl on ice. (Handbook, p. 60)
- Under the manual's stated conditions, a 30 mph stop can take about 200 feet, nearly half a city block. (Handbook, p. 63)
Right of way
- When meeting or passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, a driver must stop at least 30 feet away and wait until the red lights turn off. (Handbook, p. 40)
- Montana allows turning around on a roadway only where the driver has 500 feet of unobstructed view in both directions, almost two average city blocks, and no vehicles are approaching. (Handbook, p. 39)
- Drivers approaching from either direction must halt at least 30 feet away and remain stopped until the red lights switch off. (Handbook, p. 40)
- Traffic already circulating in the roundabout has the right of way, so an entering driver must yield before joining. (Handbook, p. 32)
- At a four-way stop, the driver who reaches the intersection first gets to go first after making a complete stop. (Handbook, p. 40)
Alcohol and DUI
- The BAC limit for a driver under 21 in Montana is 0.02. (Handbook, p. 72)
- Montana treats a BAC of 0.08% or more as enough for an arrest for driving with that alcohol concentration. (Handbook, p. 72)
- One alcoholic drink is 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor, one shot glass, straight or with a mixer; 12 ounces of commercial beer; or a 5 ounce glass of wine. (Handbook, p. 71)
- In Montana, 50 percent of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related, and over 2,100 injuries are the result of a drinking or drunk driver; nationally over 23,000 deaths occur yearly as a direct result of a drinking or drunk driver. (Handbook, p. 72)
- Current statistics show that law enforcement officials are able to make contact with 37 percent of those suspected of driving under the influence, and of those contacted, 71 percent are arrested for drunk driving. (Handbook, p. 72)
Signals and markings
- Montana describes roundabouts as low speed circular intersections and directs drivers to travel at 15 mph or less. (Handbook, p. 32)
- When signals, gates, stop signs, or watchmen warn of a train, drivers must stop as close as practicable but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. (Handbook, p. 33)
- When a railroad crossing requires a stop, Montana says to stop as close as practicable but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. (Handbook, p. 33)
- Lane signs state the occupancy a vehicle must carry and the days and hours when that demand applies, like an HOV 3 rule needing three people aboard. (Handbook, p. 35)
- Roadway lines and symbols divide lanes, show when passing or changing lanes may be allowed, identify turn lanes, define pedestrian walkways, and mark where a driver must stop for a sign or signal. (Handbook, p. 34)
Parking
- A vehicle parked on a roadway must be within 18 inches, or 1.5 feet, of the curb or shoulder. (Handbook, p. 44)
- Montana prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, so firefighters can reach it without a car in the way. (Handbook, p. 46)
- Montana bars parking within 30 feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign, because a parked car there can hide the sign from approaching drivers. (Handbook, p. 46)
- Parking is prohibited within 50 feet of a railroad crossing in Montana. (Handbook, p. 46)
- Montana prohibits parking within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, or within 75 feet of the driveway when parking on the opposite side. (Handbook, p. 46)
Safe driving
- Montana’s manual calls for a proper turn signal 300 feet before turning on rural roads. (Handbook, p. 37)
- A teenager's highest lifetime crash risk is in the first months of solo driving and the first 1,000 miles, which is why Montana's first-year restricted license limits night driving and passengers. (Handbook, p. 8)
- Montana requires headlights when insufficient light makes people or vehicles invisible at a distance of 500 feet. (Handbook, p. 55)
- The manual says that when heavy rain, a snowstorm, or thick fog limits visibility to about 200 feet, a driver cannot safely travel faster than 30 mph. (Handbook, p. 63)
- In a 30 mph crash, a 100 pound adult becomes a 3,000 pound force against the child, which is why the manual warns that holding a child while riding could crush the child during a crash. (Handbook, p. 20)
Road signs
- When a train's approach is indicated by warning signals, gates, a stop sign, or a watchman, Montana requires a stop as close as practicable but at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. (Handbook, p. 33)
- The STOP sign is identified by its eight-sided shape, which makes it recognizable even when visibility is poor. (Handbook, p. 23)
- Regulatory signs generally use a rectangular format with black words or symbols on a white background, and drivers must obey the rules they present. (Handbook, p. 24)
- Yellow diamond signs are warning devices for dangerous conditions ahead, so the driver should approach with great caution. (Handbook, p. 25)
- School speed limit signs identify a posted speed or a reduced speed authorized by the local authority. (Handbook, p. 29)
Laws and paperwork
- Without an approved traffic education course, the applicant must be at least 16 for a learner license. (Handbook, p. 2)
- A driver younger than 18 must hold the learner license for at least six consecutive months before applying for the first-year restricted license. (Handbook, p. 8)
- The first-year restricted license bars teenage driving between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., subject to limited exceptions such as emergencies, school, church, work, and certain parent-authorized purposes. (Handbook, p. 8)
- For the first six months, the teen may carry only one unrelated passenger younger than 18 unless a licensed adult driver supervises. (Handbook, p. 8)
- High beam headlights must illuminate persons or vehicles for 350 feet, while low beam headlights must reach 100 feet. (Handbook, p. 14)
Emergencies
- As an alternative to the flares or lanterns otherwise required, three emergency reflective triangles conforming to USDOT Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 125 may be carried. (Handbook, p. 17)
- The manual sets a 10 day deadline to file the accident report after a reportable crash, such as one where someone is injured or killed. (Handbook, p. 80)
- A quick turn demands a firm two handed grip at about 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock, or 8 and 4 in newer vehicles with steering wheel airbags. (Handbook, p. 78)
- When the right wheels leave the pavement, take your foot off the accelerator and steer parallel to the road. (Handbook, p. 78)
- When possible, Montana advises moving into a lane farther away from a stationary emergency or police vehicle displaying emergency signals. (Handbook, p. 80)
Want the reasoning behind these rules? Study the handbook, chapter by chapter, in 15 short lessons quoted from the Montana manual.
Signs
Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.
Keep studying
This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Montana DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Montana DMV facts and fees before test day.