In Montana, drivers can complete a defensive driving course to improve driver knowledge and safety. With this course, you may be able to have your traffic ticket dismissed, or you may qualify to earn a discount on your auto insurance premiums.
Defensive Driving Courses in Montana
In some Montana traffic courts, you may be able to complete a defensive driving program to have your traffic ticket dismissed. Doing so will allow you to avoid having points and the violation added to your record and will likely help you avoid an increase in auto insurance rates.
Montana Defensive Driving Course Eligibility
Montana does not have statewide standards for traffic ticket dismissal with defensive driving. Permission to dismiss tickets with defensive driving is granted on a case by case basis and determined by the court or the individual judge. You will need to contact the court to determine eligibility, but you can expect to need to meet these eligibility requirements at a minimum:
- driver must have a valid Montana driver’s license
- driver must not be a habitual offender
- drivers may not seek defensive driving dismissal for major traffic offenses
Montana Traffic Ticket Dismissal with Defensive Driving
As Montana grants defensive driving traffic ticket dismissal on a case by case basis, you’ll need to contact the court for permission to complete the course. If you’re granted permission, you will be given a set of instructions and requirements that you’ll need to meet. This typically includes approved course providers, a deadline for completing the course, and how you can inform the court that you’ve completed the course.
It’s essential that you pay attention to and carefully follow the directions given to you by the court, as failure to meet the requirements may mean that you’re not able to have your traffic ticket dismissed successfully. In that case, you may be required to pay the ticket fine and have the points and violation added to your record — which may result in higher insurance rates.
Defensive Driving Courses Available in Montana
Montana’s defensive driving courses will teach you how to be a more responsible driver, and ultimately, be safer on the road. The course focuses on improving driver skills, helping you avoid trouble on the road, including traffic tickets and accidents.
Defensive driving courses in Montana will take between four to eight hours to complete. You may be required to take the course in person in a classroom or take the course online. Many providers will allow you to take your course in multiple sessions, particularly if you’re taking the course online, where you can log in and log out as needed.
The curriculum will vary depending on the school you attend, but you can expect to learn about the following topics in your Montana defensive driving course:
- driver attitudes and responsibilities
- dealing with difficult driving environments
- maintaining control as a driver
- major traffic problems including injury, economic loss, and death
- alcohol’s influence on driver performance and safety
- strategies for defensive driving
- dealing with driving emergencies
- using your vehicle’s safety features
- collision avoidance techniques
- defensive driving strategies
- current Montana traffic laws and regulations
Defensive Driving for Car Insurance Discounts in Montana
If you’re interested in improving your safety as a driver, you can take a defensive driving class in Montana at any time. It’s a great way to improve your skills and learn how you can be a better, safer driver. In addition to improving your skills, you may also be eligible to earn a discount on your auto insurance premium for completing a defensive driving course.
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Montana Defensive Driving Insurance Discounts
Montana drivers may be eligible to earn an auto insurance discount with a completed defensive driving course. The discount usually ranges from 5% to 20% off liability premiums, with most drivers earning about 10% off.
Montana Defensive Driving Insurance Discount Eligibility
Under Montana law, auto insurance carriers are required to offer a premium discount to drivers who are 55 years of age or older who have completed a defensive driving course. Other drivers may be eligible, but this select group is guaranteed a discount — all you have to do is take the course. If you’re not quite 55 but still interested in the discount, contact your insurance company to determine if they can give you a discount. Don’t worry if the answer is no: you can always shop around for a better rate and possibly even find an insurance company that’s willing to offer you a discount. Most will offer you free insurance quotes if you’re not a customer yet.
Insurance Defensive Driving Courses Available in Montana
Montana’s insurance discount defensive driving course will teach you essential skills for being a safe driver. The course is designed to improve your driving knowledge and skills to be better prepared to avoid accidents and traffic tickets.
Your actual curriculum will vary depending on the defensive driving school you attend, but you can expect to learn about the following topics in your Montana defensive driving course:
- avoiding aggressive drivers and road rage
- dealing with difficult driving situations such as heavy traffic, inclement weather, construction, and accidents
- the dangers of drinking and driving
- safe driving habits
- the dangers of texting while driving and other distractions
- using your vehicle’s safety features
- predicting driver actions
- managing emergencies on the road
- proper technique for yielding the right of way, passing, and following distance
- updated Montana traffic laws and regulations
Enroll in a Montana Defensive Driving Course
Dismiss a traffic ticket, become a safer driver, and earn a discount on your auto insurance with a defensive driving course in Montana. View our directory to find a state qualified defensive driving school that can help you today.