Can You Drive a Car You Just Bought Without Plates in Montana?

If you've recently purchased a vehicle and are wondering whether you can drive it without plates in Montana, there are some things that you need to know.

The Montana Code Annotated under section 61-3-301 outlines the requirements for registration and license plate display on motor vehicles operated on public highways in the state.

Registration and License Plate Display Requirement

According to Montana law, no, you may not drive a car you just bought without license plates.

You also cannot drive a trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or travel trailer on public highways unless the vehicle is properly registered and has the corresponding license plates popped onto the vehicle.

The law says that the license plate must be securely fastened to prevent it from swinging and should not be obstructed from plain view.

Display Guidelines for Different Vehicle Types

Motor Vehicles: Most motor vehicles are required to have one license plate displayed horizontally on the front and one license plate displayed horizontally on the rear.

Motorcycles and Trailers: Motorcycles, quadricycles, trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers, and travel trailers may have a single license plate displayed on the rear, which can be either horizontal or vertical if space limitations exist.

Custom Vehicles and Street Rods: Custom vehicles and street rods registered under specific provisions may display a single license plate attached to the rear exterior of the vehicle.

Waiver for Front License Plate: If a vehicle's body construction does not allow for the display of a front license plate, a waiver can be requested from the highway patrol upon payment of an inspection fee.

Special Plate Requirement: Low-speed electric vehicles or golf carts operated by individuals with a low-speed restricted driver's license must have special license plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle.

Additional Restrictions and Prohibitions

It is illegal to display license plates assigned to one vehicle on another unless legally transferred.

Repainting old license plates to make them look like new ones or inverting/reversing plates is absolutely not allowed.

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License plates must be readable in the correct orientation, either left to right or top to bottom.