Montana defines distracted driving as texting, talking on the phone, and anything else that takes your concentration away from the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the State of Montana, yet there are no statewide laws banning cell phone usage, including texting. Certain cities across the state have put into place their own bans and laws on distracted driving.
Cities and their laws on cell phones and texting
Billings: Drivers in Billings are not allowed to use handheld phones or text
Bozeman: Drivers in Bozeman are not allowed to text or use handheld phones
Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge: Drivers in Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge are not allowed to use handheld cell phones
Columbia Falls: Drivers in Columbia Falls are not allowed to text or use handheld phones
Hamilton: Drivers in Hamilton are not allowed to use handheld devices
Helena: Drivers, including bicyclists, in Helena are not allowed to use handheld phones
Great Falls: Drivers in Great Falls are not allowed to text or use handheld phones
Missoula: Drivers, including bicyclists, in Missoula are not allowed to text
Whitefish: Drivers in Whitefish are not allowed to use handheld phones or text
In cities where there is a ban on using handheld cell phones and texting, there may be fines attached. For example, in Bozeman, drivers may be fined up to $100 if they are caught texting and driving. Regardless of if a specific city has a ban on using your cellphone while driving, distracted driving is never the safe option.
