US News
Montana remains sole U.S. state without a statewide ban on texting while driving
Legislative proposals continue to face resistance over enforcement concerns and personal liberty arguments.
The short version
- Montana is the only state in the U.S. without a statewide prohibition against texting while driving after Missouri enacted its ban in 2023.
- While 15 local jurisdictions in Montana have enacted municipal cell phone bans, state lawmakers have proposed legislation to block local restrictions.
- Opponents of a statewide ban argue that such laws infringe on personal freedom and could cause drivers to conceal phones lower in vehicles while driving.
Key facts
- Montana is the only state without a statewide law banning texting while driving, following Missouri's enactment of a ban in 2023.[Jalopnik]
- Fifteen local jurisdictions within Montana have established municipal restrictions on using cellphones while driving.[Jalopnik]
- Montana State Senator Jeremy Trebas has sought to stop municipalities from enforcing local cellphone bans.[Jalopnik]
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 3,208 fatalities attributable to distracted driving in 2024.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Montana state lawmakers will eventually pass a statewide ban or enact legislation overriding municipal regulations remains unresolved.[Jalopnik]