From December 8, 1995 to May 28, 1999 Montana's daytime automobile speed limits were "reasonable and prudent", according to interpretation by Highway Patrol officers. Fines were increased and motorists were advised to drive carefully according to existing weather and road conditions. American speed enthusiasts were delighted and the state's Interstate highways got a reputation as the Montanabahn. Congress was not amused, and neither were many Montana residents. With a little help in potential Federal funding restrictions, speed limits were restored. Montana's maximum speed limit is now 75 MPH on the Interstates - check with Montana DOT for current speed limits, road condtions, etc.
| Daytime Speed Limit |
Nightime Speed Limit |
Change due to NHS Act |
|
| Trucks over 8000 lbs. Interstate All Other Roads |
65 MPH 60 MPH |
65 MPH 55 MPH |
No Change |
| All Other Vehicles (See
Exceptions) Interstate All Other Roads |
Basic Rule * Basic Rule * |
65 MPH 55 MPH |
Daytime Only |
| Exceptions: (All Roads Included) Triple Truck Combo House Trailers Construction Zones (All Vehicles Apply) |
55 MPH 50 MPH 35 MPH (or As Posted) |
55 MPH 50 MPH 35 MPH (or As Posted) |
No Change |
| Special Speed Zones and Urban Area Limits |
As Posted |
As Posted |
No Change |
* Speed enforcement for passenger vehicles and trucks under 8000 lbs. were governed by MCA 61-8-303(1) or the "Basic Rule". This Law states that vehicles shall be driven in a reasonable and prudent manner depending on the conditions at the time and place of operation. Conditions considered in enforcement include: traffic pattern, vehicle condition, and roadway and weather conditions.
Other 1995 speed limit information:
What was Reasonable and Prudent?
What were the Speed Related Traffic
Laws and their Fines?