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Montana Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Permitted: Montana has no statewide handheld or texting ban for adult drivers — only local ordinances apply.

PermittedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Montana has no statewide handheld or texting ban for adult drivers — only local ordinances apply. SB 359 failed in 2025, and the Montana Department of Transportation confirms there is no statewide law.

Official source: mca.legmt.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Montana

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IdahoRestricted
Idaho bans handheld use of a mobile electronic device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead (Idaho Code 49-1401A).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legislature.idaho.gov · Full Idaho rule →
North DakotaConditional
North Dakota bans texting for all drivers — you can't compose, read, or send an electronic message while driving. Holding the phone to talk is still allowed, but drivers under 18 may not use any device (N.D.C.C. 39-08-23; minors: 39-08-24).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
South DakotaConditional
South Dakota bans texting, data use, and video on a mobile device while driving, but holding the phone for a voice call is allowed (SDCL 32-26-47.1).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WyomingConditional
Wyoming bans texting only: you can't write, send, or read a text-based message while driving. Handheld calls and voice use are allowed (Wyo. Stat. 31-5-237).
Verified Jul 22, 2026 · Source: wyoleg.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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