How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Montana DUI Conviction

 

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Montana, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked for a period of time. In order to get it reinstated, there are steps you need to take. Knowing them earlier on can help you to get your driver’s license back quickly when the time comes. It can also be helpful to get legal advice from a Montana DUI attorney.

 

Steps to Getting Your Montana Driver’s License Reinstated

 

After your suspension period ends, you will have to meet the specific requirements for your situation, which may include completion of court imposed treatment programs; serving any required jail time; providing proof of financial responsibility for three years; surrendering your old driver's license; passing driving exams; and installing an ignition interlock device. You must also register with an alcohol treatment program, and there will be a $200 license reinstatement fee.

 

If you provide proof of completing a department-approved driver rehabilitation program, you can receive a 50% discount on your driver’s license reinstatement fee. All fees are paid to the county treasurer’s office from the county where you were convicted. You can pay with cash and checks. Some locations also accept credit card payments.

 

Probationary Driver’s License Eligibility

 

In order to drive to and from work, you may be eligible for a probationary driver’s license. Submit an Application for Restricted Probationary License to find out, or contact a DUI lawyer. If you are accepted, you will only be allowed to drive to and from your job, your school, chemical dependency programs, and businesses related to maintaining your home. If you drive otherwise, you will lose the probationary driver’s license and returned to your suspended or revoked status. You can learn more about on the Probationary Driver License Information form.

 

Proof of Financial Responsibility: SR-22 Insurance Forms

 

In order to get your driver’s license back, you will need to provide proof of financial responsibility for three years. So how do you go about doing this? You just need to adjust your auto insurance policy to ensure you are meeting the minimums required by Montana. You can call your car insurance provider to find out how to do this. Then you will need to ask them to file an SR-22 form electronically with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.

 

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements

 

If you are required to have an ignition interlock device on your car as a condition of driver’s license reinstatement or a probationary driver’s license, you will be responsible for the cost of installation and maintenance. There is a list of approved vendors on the DOJ website. The device works by requiring you to pass a breathalyzer test before the engine will start. It will also do “rolling” tests while you are driving. If you fail one of these, the device will sound an alarm, giving you time to pull off and turn the car off safely. Any test failures or attempts to tamper with the device will be recorded by the device and can affect your ability to get your driver’s license reinstated when the time comes and can also incur additional penalties.

 

Learn More about Your Driver’s License Reinstatement

 

Every case is a little different, so you may have additional questions about the process. You can learn more on the Montana Department of Justice website, or by contacting the Motor Vehicle Division:

Motor Vehicle Division
Department of Justice
Scott Hart Building, Second Floor
303 North Roberts
P.O. Box 201430
Helena, MT 59620-1430
MVD Customer Service Center
Phone: (406) 444-3933
E-mail: mvd@mt.gov
 

For advice specific to your case, you may want to contact a Montana DUI lawyer who understands the process in and out and can help you to navigate the system. Driver’s license reinstatement is not automatic, and it can be a more complicated process if you have multiple DUIs or a case involving a fatality.