Montana Is the Last Best Place for This Dangerous Activity

Montana is still the only state in the Union that doesn't have a specific law banning cell phone usage while driving
With the legislature currently meeting, a renewed grassroots effort is trying to have a new law drafted and passed in 2025

Updated 2-25-25

Texting and driving are a major concern on our highways and even our streets. The Great Falls Police Department reminded the citizens recently that it is illegal within the city limits. You can see the social media post here.

As Montana is the last state to enact a law to tackle the problem, that may be nearing an end. A new push for a law has finally made it to a first reading in the Senate. Senate Bill 359 would require hands free operation of your phone on Montana roads and highways. See the full story below 👇 on this now bill, and texting and driving laws in Montana.

Renewed Efforts for Texting and Driving Ban in Montana

Montana is the last state that has yet to pass a texting and driving law specific to cellular phone usage on roadways. Although bills have been presented in the past, officials have cited they aren't effective and infringe on people's rights.

Read the Full Story on Texting/Driving in Montana Below - 👇

There is now a renewed effort for a ban on texting and driving as the Montana Legislature meets in Helena during their 90-day session.

Canva

Senator Sara Novak (D - SD#36) is currently drafting a new law for Montana that would make texting and driving illegal. The effort comes from the family of Chloe Worl, who was killed by a texting driver in 2021 near Dillon, MT.

Montana Family Hoping Their Efforts Will Save Other Families from Tragedy

In a passionate statement on social media, the Worl family stated that:

We are hoping to get hands free legislation passed which would allow the use of cell phones in vehicles but would require the use of them to be hands free. The bill is in a draft format, but Senator Novak anticipates a senate bill number will be assigned very soon.

For me personally, I see this driving happening almost daily on our roads. Even though it is illegal in the city limits of Great Falls. I can't imagine what the open road is like at times.

I hope the current legislature appeals to the statistics and the pleas from families that have been affected. We'll keep you updated on the progress of this draft as the legislature continues in Helena.

Montana Is the Last Best Place for This Dangerous Activity

Montana does not like to be told what to do. Nor do the people that reside within the borders of it. Independent, strong-willed and many other adjectives can all be used to describe the population under the Big Sky. It's one of the reasons we are the last best place.

In this case however, Montana may want to step up and fix this, so we aren't the lone last holdout when it comes to being safe on the roadways.

One of the Deadliest Activities Concerning Distracted Driving

Stats don't lie. Distracted driving is deadly, and one of the worst offenses is trying to use your cell phone while doing so. According to the Montana Department of Transportation, there were over 3,100 deaths related to distracted driving. Not great statistics, are they?