Montana FTA License Suspension: Clear Your Hold Fast
Montana requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Montana at a Glance
25/50/20
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Montana
Montana operates under a tort liability system and requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance. If you missed a court date for a traffic citation, Montana courts place a Failure-to-Appear hold on your license — you cannot reinstate until the court releases that hold. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division does not process reinstatements while an active FTA hold exists.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Filing
What Drivers Pay in Montana
$184–$378/mo
Typical monthly rate in Montana, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since court clearance — Montana insurers may offer standard rates immediately after reinstatement if the FTA was for a minor infraction with no SR-22 requirement.
- Clean record before FTA — if the FTA was your only violation in 3 years, many carriers quote near-standard rates once your license is reinstated.
- SR-22 duration — if your underlying citation requires SR-22, Montana typically mandates 3 years of continuous filing, and any lapse restarts the clock.
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Probationary Driver License (Restricted Probationary)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clear a Failure-to-Appear hold on my Montana license?
You must appear in the court that issued the FTA hold — either the original hearing date if still pending, or a walk-in appearance if the case was closed with a warrant. The court clerk will confirm whether a bench warrant exists. Once you resolve the underlying citation and pay all court fees, the court sends an FTA release to Montana Motor Vehicle Division, typically within 3–5 business days. You cannot reinstate your license until that release is received.
Will I need SR-22 insurance after clearing a Montana FTA suspension?
Only if the underlying citation that triggered your FTA requires SR-22 filing. If you missed court for a speeding or parking ticket, SR-22 is not required. If you missed court for an uninsured-driving ticket, reckless driving, or DUI, Montana will require SR-22 for 3 years from your reinstatement date. The FTA itself does not trigger SR-22 — the original violation does.
Can I get insurance before clearing my Montana FTA hold?
Yes — you can buy a policy while your license is suspended, and many carriers recommend doing so before your court appearance. Montana Motor Vehicle Division requires proof of insurance to process reinstatement, and having an active policy ready speeds up the restoration process once the court releases the FTA hold. Most carriers will write a policy effective the day you provide proof of court clearance.
Can I drive in Montana while my FTA case is pending?
No — once Montana Motor Vehicle Division receives the FTA hold from the court, your driving privilege is suspended immediately. You cannot legally drive until the court releases the hold and you complete reinstatement. Montana does not offer hardship or restricted licenses for FTA suspensions. If you drive during the suspension period, you risk a driving-under-suspension charge and possible arrest if a warrant exists.
Coverage Types
Post-FTA Reinstatement Insurance
Coverage you need immediately after clearing an FTA hold. Some carriers write policies effective the same day as court clearance if you provide proof of the FTA release.
SR-22 Insurance After FTA
Required if your missed-court citation was for uninsured driving, reckless driving, or DUI. Your insurer files the SR-22 certificate electronically with Montana MVD.
Minimum Liability Compliance
Montana's 25/50/25 minimum meets legal requirements but provides limited protection. Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others.
Non-Standard Auto After Suspension
Specialist carriers that write policies for drivers with FTA suspensions, especially when combined with other violations or lapses.
Standard Auto Coverage Post-Reinstatement
If your FTA was for a minor citation with no SR-22 requirement, many standard carriers will quote you near-regular rates once your license is reinstated.