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Bill

Bill

LC 3495

Allow autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate with restrictions in Montana

2025 Regular Session

Bill permits autonomous trucks and cars to operate in Montana under regulatory restrictions, balancing industry innovation against liability, job displacement, and public safety concerns.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 3495

Legislative bill overview

LC 3495 proposes to permit autonomous trucks and automobiles to operate on Montana roads under specified restrictions and regulatory conditions. The bill would establish a legal framework allowing self-driving vehicles to be deployed commercially and privately, subject to safety standards and operational limitations to be defined in statute or administrative rules.

Why is this important

Autonomous vehicle regulation affects Montana's transportation infrastructure, liability frameworks, and economic competitiveness in the emerging autonomous technology sector. Decisions made now will shape whether Montana attracts autonomous vehicle companies, how jobs in trucking and transportation evolve, and what safety standards protect the public.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and insurance questions: Who bears responsibility for accidents involving autonomous vehicles—manufacturers, operators, or vehicle owners—remains legally ambiguous and could affect insurance costs and litigation standards
  • Labor impact: Autonomous trucking directly threatens employment for professional truck drivers, a significant workforce in rural Montana, raising concerns about economic displacement
  • Safety and testing standards: Disagreement likely exists over what "restrictions" sufficiently ensure public safety versus what overly burdens industry development, particularly regarding testing on public roads
  • Rural vs. urban implementation: Montana's sparse road networks and weather conditions differ from testing environments elsewhere, creating uncertainty about autonomous vehicle reliability in actual operating conditions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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