Montana · Handbook chapter 8 · 4 min read
Chapter 8: Parking and insurance
Montana parking rules: distance from the curb, parallel parking, parking on hills, curb colors and no-parking distances, plus mandatory liability insurance, minimum limits and penalties for driving uninsured.
Why this chapter matters
A parked car is still your responsibility, and Montana's no-parking list is packed with distances. Insurance rules carry real fines and suspensions, so both topics are worth learning well.
Parking safely
- Park where you are out of the travel lane and visible from both directions.
- Set the parking brake, and leave the car in park (automatic) or in gear (manual).
- Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb or shoulder.
- At night on a roadway or shoulder, show lights visible for 500 feet, with headlights dimmed if on.
- Check for traffic, cyclists and pedestrians before opening the door; get out on the curb side if you can.
- Never leave the keys in a parked car, and lock it.
Parallel parking
Signal, pull alongside the car in front of the space at least two feet away with your rear bumpers lined up, back slowly while turning sharply right until you are at about 45 degrees, then turn left as your front clears the other car, and straighten up in the space.
Parking on a hill
| Situation | Turn your front wheels |
|---|---|
| Downhill, with a curb | Toward the curb |
| Uphill, with a curb | Away from the curb |
| No curb | Away from the street, toward the edge |
Curb colors
- White: stop only to pick up or drop off passengers.
- Yellow: stop only to load or unload, and stay with the car.
- Red: no stopping, standing or parking at all.
Do not park
| Place | Distance |
|---|---|
| Fire hydrant | within 15 feet |
| Crosswalk or sidewalk at an intersection | within 20 feet |
| Traffic signal, stop sign or yield sign | within 30 feet |
| Railroad crossing | within 50 feet |
| Fire station driveway, same side | within 20 feet |
| Fire station driveway, other side | within 75 feet |
Also never park in an intersection, on a bridge or in a tunnel, on railroad tracks, on the wrong side of the street, double-parked, blocking a driveway or curb ramp, or in a disability space without a permit.
Insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory (motorcycles excepted), and proof of it must be in the vehicle at all times. Show it, with your license and registration, if stopped or after a crash.
| Minimum coverage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Injury or death of two persons | $50,000 |
| Damage to others' property | $10,000 |
Penalties for driving uninsured
- First offense: a fine of $250 to $500, up to 10 days in jail, or both, and 5 points on your record.
- Second or later: a fine of at least $350, up to 10 days in jail, or both, and plates and registration suspended for 90 days (180 days for a third or later offense).
- If a court finds you responsible for crash damages and you do not pay within 60 days, your license and registration are suspended until you pay or 6 years pass.
Montana's online insurance verification system (MTIVS) lets police, courts and the MVD confirm coverage in real time.
Frequently asked questions
How far from the curb can I park?
No more than 18 inches.
Which way do I turn my wheels parking uphill?
Away from the curb if there is one. With no curb, turn them away from the street.
How close can I park to a fire hydrant?
No closer than 15 feet.
What insurance do I need in Montana?
At least $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two people and $10,000 for property damage.
What happens if I drive without insurance?
A first offense brings a $250 to $500 fine, possible jail of up to 10 days, and 5 points on your record.
Based on the Montana Driver Manual (Motor Vehicle Division).