If you've been driving for any time at all, chances are you probably know that sinking stomach feeling when you see a cop car behind you and the lights come on.  Of course, you safely pull over to the side of the road, and the whole time you're thinking was I speeding? Did I make I not use my blinker? Why am I being pulled over?

Then you have a hundred things going through your mind.  Where's the registration? Is my insurance card up to date? Do I have my license with me?

Just thinking about all of it is enough to give someone a panic attack.  However, we're not here to add to your anxiety, we're here to help make it go away by passing along some tips that will help you avoid getting a ticket while traveling across Montana.

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Whether it's during the winter season, or if you're road-tripping across the state during the summer, you certainly don't want to deal with being pulled over and having to deal with paying for a ticket, so we have some friendly tips. Here's a list of 5 Super Easy Things To Do To Avoid Getting A Ticket In Montana.

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#1 Make Sure You Don't Drive Like An Idiot

We all know that Montana is pretty liberal with the speed limit, and several of the highways and interstates allow for a higher rate of speed than most states, but make sure that you're not driving like a fool. Of course, people like to push the boundaries as much as possible, but I will pass along something one my law enforcement friends told me.  "9 you're fine, 10 you/re mine"

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#2 Make Sure Your License Plate Light Works

Must make and models have that little light over the license plate in the back of the vehicle.  You need to make sure that is up and running because if not, you could find yourself pulled over.

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#3 Make Sure Your License Plates Aren't Dirty

Driving around in Montana it's easy to get snow, mud, dirt, and whatever else all over your vehicle. Having said that, you want to make sure that your plates are clean and readable.

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#4 Make Sure That Little Sticker On Your Plates Is Up To Date

If the little sticker on your plates isn't up to date, well, that my friends is a really easy way to get a ticket. Now keep in mind, if your vehicle is of a certain age, here in Montana you can get a PERM sticker which means that you never have to update it as long as you own the car.

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#5 Make Sure You Don't Have An Attitude

Being a member of Law Enforcement is hard.  They're dealing with some of the worst of the worst, so if you do happen to get pulled over, whatever you do, be polite, do what they ask, and don't get an attitude. Things tend to go a lot better when you comply.

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So wherever you're going in the great state of Montana, drive safe, don't drink or text and drive, and wear your seatbelt, because they can get you for that one too.

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