Montana DUI Laws

In the state of Montana, drunk drivers claim the lives or roughly 100 individuals each year. Fortunately, this figure has decreased over the past 27 years. In the early 80s, it was not uncommon for Montana to record more than 170 fatal alcohol-related car crashes each year. While the state of Montana has seen a significant decrease in fatalities, it wants to do everything it can to bring the state’s figure down to zero. For starters, the state of Montana has stricter laws for first time DUI offenses. It examines each case carefully before administering punishment. Depending on the circumstances, a first time DUI offender could end up spending 6 months in a county jail and he may end up paying $1,000 or more in fines. 

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Montana?

In the state of Montana, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of Montana what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Montana, if you get arrested for DUI, there is no set administrative license suspension period. It is up to a judge to decide whether or not you may apply for a temporary, restricted license during any given suspension period.

In the state of Montana, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?
 
A first offense carries a jail sentence up to 6 months and fines ranging from $300-$1,000. Your license may be suspended for up to 6 months, especially if you had a passenger under the age of 16 in the car at the time of arrest. Fines also double if a minor is present at the time of arrest.

You will go to jail for a minimum of 7 days for a second drunk driving conviction. But you could end up spending a maximum of 6 months in jail. Your driver’s license will be suspended for one year, you will have to pay $600-$1,000 in fines, and you may have to install an interlock device at your own expense. If you get caught driving under the influence with a minor, a second offense will cost $1,200-$2,000 and 2 weeks to 1 year in jail.