Bill > SB428

This bill modifies Montana state law regarding how local authorities and county commissioners can establish and change speed limits on roadways. The legislation allows local authorities to adjust speed limits based on engineering and traffic investigations, with specific provisions for urban districts, rural roads, and school zones. Key changes include permitting local authorities to increase urban district speed limits up to 65 miles per hour at night, decrease speed limits to as low as 25 miles per hour on unpaved roads, and reduce speed limits in school zones or near senior citizen centers to no less than 15 miles per hour. County commissioners can now set certain speed limits on county roads without requiring a comprehensive traffic investigation. The bill also mandates that speed limit changes must be accompanied by appropriate signage, and requires local authorities to consult with school district officials when establishing or modifying school zone speed limits. Additionally, the legislation stipulates that speed limits on unpaved roads must be consistent for all types of motor vehicles. Violations of these speed limits are classified as misdemeanor offenses with specified penalties, emphasizing the importance of adhering to locally established speed restrictions.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0135