Driving Without Insurance in Montana

Driving without insurance, or failing to carry or show proof, is punishable by a fine of $250 to $500 for a first conviction, $350 for a second, and $500 and/or up to 10 days in jail for a third or later conviction. On a second or later conviction, the court orders surrender of the vehicle's registration receipt and license plates and the registration is suspended until proof of insurance is provided (a restricted registration may be issued after 90 days, or 180 days for a third or later conviction). On a fourth or later conviction, the driver's license is surrendered and suspended until proof of insurance is provided.

Each owner or driver must carry in the vehicle either an insurance card issued by the insurer or an electronic device that can display the insurer's electronic proof of insurance, and show it on demand to a judge, peace officer, highway patrol officer, or Motor Vehicle Division inspector. Montana also uses the Montana Insurance Verification System (MTIVS), which checks registration records against insurer data so officers can confirm coverage electronically during traffic stops.