Transportation (Autonomous Vehicles)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 19, 2024

LC 179: Provide for the use of autonomous vehicles

This bill, known as the Montana Autonomous Vehicle Act, permits the operation of both partially and fully autonomous vehicles on state public highways. It establishes clear definitions for different levels of vehicle automation, from Level 1 systems that assist with braking or steering to Level 4 and 5 systems that can operate without human intervention. The legislation allows partially autonomous vehicles to be used immediately while requiring fully autonomous vehicles to comply with rules set by the Department of Transportation. Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone operating a partially autonomous vehicle from the driver's seat must hold a valid driver's license for that vehicle class.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits autonomous vehicle operation, advancing technology adoption and establishing regulatory frameworks for emerging transportation technology.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill permits autonomous vehicle operation on state highways, enhancing transportation infrastructure and modernizing vehicle regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 665: Joint resolution to study public transportation

This Montana joint resolution directs the Legislative Council to conduct an interim study on improving passenger transportation and public transit services across the state. The study will examine options for enhancing rail, air, bus, and public transit systems, with a specific focus on underserved communities like the Hi-Line region and the potential need for a dedicated passenger transportation commission. Additionally, the resolution requires the study to review laws related to autonomous vehicles and determine if updates are needed for safety and licensing. All findings and recommendations must be completed by September 15, 2026, and reported to the next legislature.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs study to improve public transportation and examine options for enhancing rail, air, bus, and transit systems, indicating intent to strengthen transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Public Transit Transportation Funding

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 172: Allow for platooning vehicles

This bill allows trucks and other heavy vehicles to operate in platoons on Montana highways, where they travel closely together using electronic coordination to maintain speed and distance. It requires anyone driving the lead vehicle or positioned to take control of a platoon vehicle to hold a commercial driver's license. The Montana Department of Transportation will have authority to create rules that can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions, though it may exempt vehicles proven safe in those conditions. The law also mandates that the department consult with various stakeholders, including trucking companies, law enforcement, and local governments, before establishing these rules. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables platooning technology for heavy vehicles, advancing automated driving systems and electronic coordination on highways.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables platooning technology to improve highway efficiency and reduce congestion, advancing transportation infrastructure and modernizing vehicle regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing Freight

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 1344: Joint resolution on automated vehicles

This Montana joint resolution urges the federal government to establish safety standards for automated vehicles that ensure safe operation in all weather and road conditions. The bill specifically requests that federal regulations require these vehicles to function safely in snow, ice, mountain passes, and open range roads common in Montana. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to federal lawmakers and transportation officials to advocate for these safety requirements. The measure does not change state laws but serves as a formal request for federal action on vehicle automation safety.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill advocates for enhanced safety standards for automated vehicles in Montana's specific road conditions, strengthening transportation safety regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Roads & Highways

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died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 3495: Allow autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate with restrictions in Montana

Bill LC 3495, titled "Allow autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate with restrictions in Montana," proposed to permit self-driving vehicles on Montana roads under specific safety conditions. It would have directly affected drivers, trucking companies, and state transportation regulators by establishing a legal framework for autonomous vehicle operation. However, the bill died in the legislative process in May 2025 after being assigned a drafter in December 2024, meaning it never became law. Montana's existing regulations on autonomous vehicles remained unchanged as a result.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly permits autonomous vehicle operation under safety conditions, directly enabling tech adoption in transportation and listed under Information Technology subjects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill permits autonomous vehicles on Montana roads under safety conditions, enabling new transportation technology and enhancing safety standards within transportation infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing Freight

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signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 67: Provide for the use of autonomous vehicles

Senate Bill 67, titled the "Montana Automated Driving Systems Act," allows vehicles equipped with automated driving systems to be used on the public highways of Montana. The bill defines various levels of these systems, from Level 1 (driver assistance) to Level 5 (full automation). It permits Level 1, 2, and 3 automated driving systems without additional restrictions. However, Level 4 and 5 systems are allowed subject to limitations established by the Department of Transportation through rulemaking, which is also granted by the bill. This legislation creates a framework for the use and regulation of autonomous vehicles in the state.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnables autonomous vehicle use on highways, defining system levels to advance transportation technology and safety standards per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing Electric Vehicles

passed both · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SJ 16: Joint resolution on automated vehicles

Senate Joint Resolution 16 is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the federal government to establish safety standards for automated vehicles. It specifically calls on the U.S. Congress and the federal Department of Transportation to adopt laws and rules ensuring these vehicles can operate safely in all weather conditions, including snow and ice, and all road conditions, such as mountain passes and open range areas. The resolution highlights Montana's unique challenges, such as a high rate of animal-related car crashes, as a particular concern for automated driving systems.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationUrges federal safety standards for automated vehicles in all weather/road conditions, enhancing transportation safety as per bill's explicit call for operational safety rules.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

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