How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Montana
If you got a speeding ticket in Montana, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Montana speeding fines under MCA 61-8-724: 1-10 mph over = $20; 11-20 mph over = $70; 21-30 mph over = $120; more than 30 mph over = $200.
How to fight a speeding ticket in Montana, step by step
Decide how to plead
Montana has no statewide traffic diversion program, but certain courts allow drivers to enroll in an authorized Montana driver improvement course to qualify for ticket dismissal. This is court-by-court and NOT guaranteed.
Check Montana's dismissal & mitigation options
Montana has no statewide traffic diversion program, but certain courts allow drivers to enroll in an authorized Montana driver improvement course to qualify for ticket dismissal. This is court-by-court and NOT guaranteed.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your speeding citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Montana speeding fines under MCA 61-8-724: 1-10 mph over = $20; 11-20 mph over = $70; 21-30 mph over = $120; more than 30 mph over = $200.
Show up prepared
Montana speeding fines under MCA 61-8-724: 1-10 mph over = $20; 11-20 mph over = $70; 21-30 mph over = $120; more than 30 mph over = $200. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
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Start my free court prep →Montana Speeding ticket — frequently asked questions
What is the statute for speeding in Montana?
MCA 61-8-303 governs speed limits in Montana. Standard limits: 80 mph on interstate highways; 70 mph on two-lane highways; 35 mph in urban districts; 15 mph in school zones when children are present. Exceeding the posted speed limit is a traffic infraction. Montana was the last state to reinstate speed limits on open roads after an earlier no-numerical-limit period; current fixed speed limits apply statewide.
What are the fines for a speeding ticket in Montana?
Montana speeding fines under MCA 61-8-724: 1-10 mph over = $20; 11-20 mph over = $70; 21-30 mph over = $120; more than 30 mph over = $200. Fines in road work zones and school zones are at least DOUBLED and the driver may also be guilty of a misdemeanor (not just an infraction). Court costs and surcharges are added to base fines. Verify with the court on your citation or at courts.mt.gov.
Does Montana have a points system for speeding tickets?
Yes. Montana uses a demerit point system under MCA 61-11-203. Speeding points: 2 points for speeding 10 mph or less over the limit; 3 points for speeding more than 10 mph over the limit. Points remain on the driving record for 36 months from the conviction date. Suspension thresholds: 6 points within 2 years = shorter suspension or mandatory driver's education; 15 points within 3 years = license suspension; 30 or more points within 3 years = 3-year revocation (habitual offender).
Can a speeding ticket be dismissed in Montana?
Montana has no statewide traffic diversion program, but certain courts allow drivers to enroll in an authorized Montana driver improvement course to qualify for ticket dismissal. This is court-by-court and NOT guaranteed. Contact the court on your citation BEFORE your appearance date to ask whether this option is available. The standard alternative is to plead not guilty and contest at a hearing — if the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed. Defensive driving courses do NOT reduce points under state law, but a court-granted dismissal avoids the conviction entirely.
Can a speeding ticket affect my license in Montana?
Yes. 2 points for speeding ≤10 mph over; 3 points for >10 mph over. Work/school zone violations can be misdemeanors with doubled fines. Suspension thresholds: 6 points in 2 years (shorter suspension or mandatory driver education); 15 points in 3 years (suspension); 30 points in 3 years (3-year revocation). Points stay on record 36 months.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.