Montana’s Need for Speed: Quick History of Speed Limit Laws

Montanans have always embraced a "let me do what I want" attitude. It's part of the state's rugged, independent spirit and a big reason why so many people are drawn here. They want space, freedom, and the ability to live life on their own terms.

One of the most debated freedoms in Montana's history has been speed limits. For years, the state was known for its open roads and lack of strict regulations—earning it a reputation as one of the last frontiers for the lead foot drivers.

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In fact, Montana was one of the final states to impose specific speed limit laws, with only Nevada holding out just as long. But how did we go from limitless highways to modern speed restrictions? Let's take a look at the history behind Montana's back-and-forth speed limit regulations.

1974: President Richard Nixon - The Party Pooper

Before 1974, Montana had no daytime speed limit, allowing drivers to enjoy a kind of unrestricted freedom similar to the autobahn. This all changed when President Nixon signed the Emergency Energy Highway Conservation Act, which put a 55-mph speed limit on the whole country. If states did not comply, he threatened to take away funding for highways.

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In true Montana spirit, the state accepted the new speed limit regulations but only fined violators $5 for "an unnecessary waste of a natural resource." This was Montana's way of telling the federal government to "go pound sand."

1995: "Reasonable and Prudent Manner"

After 21 years of strict highway regulation, congress overturned the federal 55 mph speed limit and gave Montana one rule to follow. As long as motorists drive ". . . at a rate of speed no greater than is reasonable and prudent," then they are good to go!

1998: The new law was "Not So Reasonable."

The 1995 new ruling didn't stick around long and was changed by the Montana Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutionally vague.

1999: Let's Change it AGAIN

The Montana Legislature set the first posted daytime speed limit since 1995 to 75mph.

2015: The Final Chapter

After years of back-and-forth debates and regulatory twists and turns, Montana finally settled on a new standard—raising the interstate speed limit to 80 mph for both day and night.

Credit: MTstandard , caranddriver