Montana DUI Laws: First-Offense Penalties Explained

Let's start with a quick disclaimer.

Don't drink and drive.

I mean, what are we doing here? Ubers and Lyfts are available for $20-$25. That's the cost of two drinks. You might as well bite the bullet and get a ride home — or simply walk home from the bar.

Or you could end up like this guy, who made national news for trying to pay off his DUI while he was drunk.

I was emailed a study from DiscoverCars.com that analyzed how strict countries are when it comes to first-time DUI offenders. The study analyzed how each state penalizes first-time DUI offenders as well.

So how does Montana compare to the strictest states?

Highest Fines for first-time offenders by state

1. Oregon. The maximum fine can go up to $6,250 and even 48 hours of jail time.

T2. Washington. Fines can go up to $5,000, plus a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail.

T2. Massachusetts. Same fee as Washington, but the jail sentence can span up to 30 months.

T2. Indiana. Same fee as Washington and Massachusetts, with jail time and a license suspension.

5. Texas. Drunk driving fines in Texas start at $2,000 and can reach $4,000, plus up to a year in jail.

How does Montana compare to the strictest states?

First-time DUI offenders in Montana will face "up to 6 months in jail, fines of $600-$1000, 90-day license suspension, required evaluation/treatment, and possible 24/7 Sobriety monitoring," per Judnich Law.