Montana ignition interlock & DUI requirements
Montana does not mandate an ignition interlock for every first DUI: a court may order one, or it is required to obtain a restricted license during the suspension.
Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Montana, cited to the statute and Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division.
- IID on first offense
- Court's discretion
- Minimum IID period (first)
- Not fixed by statute
- SR-22 filing
- Not required
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- At the court's discretion
- Minimum period
- Not fixed by statute
What the source says (2)
- First offense
“the court may, regardless of disposition and if a probationary license is recommended by the court, require the person to comply with the conditions listed in subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b).”
- Minimum period
“upon receiving a report of a person's conviction or forfeiture of bail or collateral not vacated for a first offense of violating 61-8-1002, the department shall suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of the person for a period of 6 months;”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $200
- Restricted-license fee
- $200.00
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (3)
- State reinstatement fee
“a driver's license that has been suspended or revoked under 61-5-205 or 61-8-1016 must remain suspended or revoked until the driver has paid to the department a fee of $200 in addition to any other fines, forfeitures, and penalties assessed”
- reinstatementFee_mvd
“If you have a Montana driver license, you are eligible to pay your reinstatement fees using our online services .”
- Restricted-license fee
“restrict the person to driving only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device during the probationary period and require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing, installing, and maintaining the device”
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Available in some first-offense cases · Probationary Driver License
- Hearing-request deadline
- 30 days from the notice
- Driving after a DUI in Montana: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in Montana
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (2)
- Restricted license
“the court may, regardless of disposition and if a probationary license is recommended by the court, require the person to comply with the conditions listed in subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b).”
- Hearing-request deadline
“Within 30 days after notice of the right to a hearing has been given by a peace officer, a person may file a petition to challenge the license suspension or revocation in the district court in the county where the arrest was made.”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the Montana licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| RoadGuard Interlocklisted by the agency as “Road Guard Interlock”listed by the agency as “Draeger, Inc.” | RoadGuard Interlock website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What Montana law requires
Montana's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | Montana rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | At the court's discretion |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | Not fixed by statute; if ordered, during the probationary-license period within the 6-month first-offense suspension |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | During the probationary period, if the court recommends a probationary license (1-year suspension; no probationary license until 45 days are served for a second offense or 90 days for a third or subsequent); otherwise the court must order 24/7 sobriety program participation or vehicle forfeiture |
Under Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010(1), for a first DUI conviction the court 'may,' if it recommends a probationary license, require the person either to participate in the 24/7 sobriety and drug monitoring program (or a court-approved testing program) or to drive only a vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device during the probationary period. The Motor Vehicle Division's page states a driver convicted of DUI or a 0.08 BAC 'may be restricted' to an interlock-equipped vehicle. There is no BAC-based mandatory interlock for first offenders in the statute.
What the source says (5)
- IID on first offense
“the court may, regardless of disposition and if a probationary license is recommended by the court, require the person to comply with the conditions listed in subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b).”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
“upon receiving a report of a person's conviction or forfeiture of bail or collateral not vacated for a first offense of violating 61-8-1002, the department shall suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of the person for a period of 6 months;”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“the department shall suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of the person for a period of 1 year and may not issue a probationary license during the period of suspension unless the person completes at least 45 days of the 1-year suspension”
- Ignition interlock statute
“restrict the person to driving only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device during the probationary period and require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing, installing, and maintaining the device”
- IID on first offense
“(1) For a person convicted of a first offense of driving under the influence, including 61-8-1002, an offense that meets the definition of aggravated driving under the influence in 61-8-1001, or a similar offense under the laws of another state, in addition to the punishments listed in 61-8-1007”
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Montana does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | No |
|---|---|
| Filing period | Not applicable |
Recorded as false under the statutory-enumeration rule (no MVD page addresses SR-22 after DUI). Mont. Code Ann. § 61-6-131 is the section of Title 61, ch. 6, part 1 that makes proof of financial responsibility (a certificate of insurance under §§ 61-6-133/-134, i.e., an SR-22-type filing) a condition of getting a license back, and it applies only (1) when the department REVOKES a license and (2) to a probationary license for a person whose license is revoked; §§ 61-6-122/-123 add suspensions for nonpayment of judgments, and § 61-6-132 states proof is required only 'when required under this part'. A misdemeanor DUI conviction produces a SUSPENSION, not a revocation: § 61-5-205(2)(a) directs the department to suspend for a conviction under § 61-8-1002, and § 61-5-208(2)(b) sets the periods (6 months first offense; 1 year second or subsequent). The MVD Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstatements page (as published on 2026-08-28) contains no mention of SR-22, financial responsibility, certificate of insurance, or proof of insurance for driver-license reinstatement, and an MVD site search for 'SR-22' returns 0 results. Caveat: a felony (fourth or subsequent) DUI is a revocation under § 61-5-205(1)(b) — the MVD revocation table lists 'Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used (including 4th offense DUI/BAC violations)' — so § 61-6-131 would require a certificate of insurance before such a license is restored; § 61-6-142(1)(a) lets the department waive the proof requirement after 3 years without a qualifying conviction.
What the source says (4)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“61-6-131. When proof of financial responsibility required. (1) Whenever the department under any of the laws of this state revokes the license or privilege to drive of any person, the license must remain revoked and may not be restored until the person is otherwise eligible and files a certificate”
- SR-22 requirement
“(1) Whenever the department under any of the laws of this state revokes the license or privilege to drive of any person, the license must remain revoked and may not be restored until the person is otherwise eligible and files a certificate of insurance as provided in 61-6-133 or 61-6-134.”
- sr22Note_suspension
“(2) The department shall suspend an individual's driver's license or driving privilege if the department receives notice from a court or another licensing jurisdiction that the individual has been convicted of any of the following offenses: (a) a driving offense under 61-8-1002;”
- sr22Note_mvdsearch
“0 results found for: SR-22”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $200 | 2026-08-29 |
| License reinstatement fee after suspension/revocation under § 61-5-205 (includes DUI convictions) or § 61-8-1016 (implied-consent refusal) | $200 | 2026-08 |
| Ignition interlock device | The person must pay the reasonable cost of leasing, installing, and maintaining the device (§ 61-8-1010(2)(b)); no state fee cap found | 2026-08 |
What the source says (2)
- License reinstatement fee
“a driver's license that has been suspended or revoked under 61-5-205 or 61-8-1016 must remain suspended or revoked until the driver has paid to the department a fee of $200 in addition to any other fines, forfeitures, and penalties assessed”
- License reinstatement fee
“If you have a Montana driver license, you are eligible to pay your reinstatement fees using our online services .”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as Montana's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | Montana rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Not addressed on the official pages read Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010 restricts the person to driving only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device during the probationary period and does not mention motorcycles; the Motor Vehicle Division's Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstatements page (which carries the approved interlock vendor list) does not address motorcycles. |
| Employer-owned vehicle | Not addressed on the official pages read Neither Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010 nor the MVD Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstatements page provides an employer-vehicle exception. The MVD probationary driver license information sheet (form 30-1607) limits driving to essential purposes including work, but does not address vehicles without a device. |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Available ARM 23.3.954 (Low Breath Volume Medical Exemption) allows an individual, manufacturer, or vendor to ask the Motor Vehicle Division to lower the minimum breath sample for a restricted driver who has diminished lung capacity, established by documentation from the appropriate judicial authority or a medical professional; issuing the exemption is solely within the department's discretion. The rule lowers the breath-volume standard and does not waive the interlock requirement itself. What the source says“An individual, manufacturer, or vendor may request to lower the minimum breath sample because a restricted driver has diminished lung capacity.” |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Not addressed on the official pages read Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010(2)(b) requires the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing, installing, and maintaining the device; neither the statute nor the MVD Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstatements page mentions an indigent or reduced-fee program. What the source says“restrict the person to driving only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device during the probationary period and require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing, installing, and maintaining the device” |
| Probationary license driving limits | The MVD probationary driver license information sheet limits a probationary licensee to essential driving (work, school, household maintenance, chemical dependency treatment) and states that recreational driving and driving a commercial motor vehicle are not allowed. What the source says“Recreational driving is NOT allowed. Driving a commercial motor vehicle is NOT allowed.” |
| Device standard - deep lung breath sample | Department-approved devices must require a deep lung breath sample or use an equally accurate measure of blood alcohol concentration equivalence. What the source says“(d) require a deep lung breath sample or use an equally accurate measure of blood alcohol concentration equivalence;” |
| Standard breath-sample volume for a certified device (ARM 23.3.957) | A certified device must require a deep lung breath sample; the standard is met if the device accepts a minimum of 1.2 liters of breath, which is the baseline the medical exemption lowers. What the source says“This requirement is met if the IID allows a minimum of 1200 ml or 1.2 L of breath for an acceptable breath sample.” |
| Service within 150 miles of the driver's residence (ARM 23.3.984) | Each manufacturer must show a service plan under which a restricted driver can obtain installation and routine service within a 150-mile radius of the driver's residence, or request a waiver of that requirement due to hardship. The rule addresses service distance, not the driver's cost. What the source says“a service delivery plan under which any restricted driver may obtain installation and routine service of that manufacturer's IID within a one hundred fifty-mile radius of his or her place of residence or to request a waiver of this requirement due to hardship” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- Is an ignition interlock mandatory after a first DUI in Montana?
- No. Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010(1) provides that for a first DUI conviction the court may, if it recommends a probationary license, require participation in the 24/7 sobriety and drug monitoring program or restrict the person to driving only a vehicle with a functioning ignition interlock during the probationary period. The Motor Vehicle Division states such a driver 'may be restricted' to an interlock-equipped vehicle.
- What happens after a second DUI conviction in Montana?
- Mont. Code Ann. § 61-8-1010(2) requires the court to order 24/7 sobriety program participation or a court-approved testing program; or, if recommending a probationary license, restrict the person to an interlock-equipped vehicle during the probationary period at the person's cost; or order vehicle forfeiture. Under § 61-5-208(2)(b)(ii) the license is suspended for one year, with no probationary license until 45 days are served.
- How long is the license suspension for DUI in Montana?
- The Montana Motor Vehicle Division lists a 6-month suspension for a first DUI or 0.08 BAC conviction and a 1-year suspension for a second or subsequent conviction within 10 years; a first refusal of alcohol testing also brings a 6-month suspension. These periods are set in Mont. Code Ann. § 61-5-208.
- What is the Montana license reinstatement fee after a DUI suspension?
- Mont. Code Ann. § 61-2-107 provides that a license suspended or revoked under § 61-5-205 or § 61-8-1016 remains suspended until the driver pays the department a $200 fee, in addition to any fines or penalties; half funds county drinking and driving prevention programs. The Motor Vehicle Division accepts reinstatement fees online or by check or money order to its Records and Driver Control Bureau.
- Which ignition interlock vendors are approved in Montana?
- The Montana Motor Vehicle Division's Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstatements page lists the approved interlock vendors as Intoxalock; Smart Start, Inc.; #1 A LifeSafer of Montana–LifeSafer; Road Guard Interlock; and Draeger, Inc.
Sources
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-8-1010 (DUI; ignition interlock device; 24/7 sobriety program)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-5-208 (period of suspension; probationary license limits)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-5-205 (mandatory suspension upon DUI conviction)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-2-107 ($200 license reinstatement fee)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-6-131 (when proof of financial responsibility required)
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division - Suspensions, Revocations, and Reinstatements (suspension periods; approved interlock vendors; paying a reinstatement fee)
- Montana Department of Justice - Montana DUI Quick Reference Manual v1.1 (prosecutor reference; consistent with statute summaries)
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division - site search for 'SR-22' (no results)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-6-132 (alternate methods of giving proof)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-6-133 (certificate of insurance as proof)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-6-123 (suspension for nonpayment of judgments continues until proof given)
- Montana Code Annotated 2025 - § 61-6-142 (duration of proof)
Record history
- — Record verified against primary sources.