HB 97 allows trucks to travel in coordinated groups (called "platoons") using technology to maintain closer, synchronized spacing on Montana highways. It requires all drivers operating in a platoon - both the lead vehicle and anyone who can take control - to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). The Department of Transportation can restrict platooning during dangerous road conditions and must consult stakeholders before creating safety rules. The law applies to trucking companies and drivers on public highways and takes effect July 1, 2025.
The bill text was updated to reflect the official enrolled version, changing the header from 'HB0097' to 'HB 97'. Additionally, a specific fee provision was modified to clarify that a $75 fee applies to permits for trailers exceeding 53 feet but not exceeding 57 feet in length, replacing a previous reference to size specifications in other sections.
Scope change
The scope of applicability remains focused on vehicle permit fees, but the specific length threshold for the fee was clarified from a general reference to a specific range of 53 to 57 feet.
REQUIREMENT
Clarified the length threshold for the $75 fee from a general reference to specific sections (61-10-101 through 61-10-104) to an explicit range of 53 to 57 feet.
TECHNICAL
Updated the bill header formatting to change 'HB0097' to 'HB 97' and updated the legislature year reference.
HB0097_3(21).pdf→HB0097_X(16).pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was significantly rewritten to clarify its purpose and remove confusing formatting errors found in the previous version. The core policy changes include defining 'platooning' as electronically coordinated autonomous vehicle travel, mandating a safety study by the Department of Transportation before rules are adopted, and requiring commercial driver's licenses for anyone controlling a platoon. Additionally, the bill amends special permit fees and rules regarding oversized vehicle combinations.
Scope change
The bill's scope was clarified to focus on the definition of platooning and the requirement for a safety study before implementation, while the amendment to MCA 61-10-124 was restructured to better organize special permit fees and vehicle length exceptions.
DEFINITION
Added a specific definition for 'platooning' as operating partially or fully autonomous motor vehicles at electronically coordinated speeds with closer following distances.
REQUIREMENT
Added a mandatory requirement for the Department of Transportation to complete a feasibility study on platooning safety, including terrain and weather analysis, before adopting any rules.
Added a requirement that the driver of the lead vehicle and any person in a position to take control of a platooned vehicle must hold a commercial driver's license.
FISCAL
Modified special permit fees and vehicle length limits in the amendment to MCA 61-10-124, including new fees for nondivisible loads and specific length exceptions for mobile homes and hay.
TECHNICAL
Removed redundant and conflicting text regarding the bill's title and section numbering that appeared in the previous draft.
HB0097_X(15).pdf→HB0097_3(21).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 97 to HB 97.3 and its title was expanded to explicitly include 'trucks' and 'definitions.' The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new section requiring that both the driver of the lead vehicle and any person positioned to take control of a platooned vehicle must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). The bill also reorganized the structure of the definitions section and updated the rulemaking authority section to include 'drivers' as a required stakeholder group.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly cover 'trucks' in the title and definitions, and the applicability of the CDL requirement was broadened to include any person in a position to take control of a platooned vehicle, not just the lead driver.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new requirement that any person in a position to take control of a platooned vehicle must hold a commercial driver's license.
Added 'drivers' to the list of required stakeholders for the department's rulemaking process.
DEFINITION
Added 'trucks' to the bill title and expanded the definition section to explicitly define 'platoon' and 'platooning'.
TECHNICAL
Reorganized the bill structure by splitting the definitions and rulemaking sections into distinct new sections and updating section numbering.
HB0097_X(8).pdf→HB0097_X(9).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated to remove the specific mention of 'trucks' and 'vehicles' in the title for better clarity, while adding a new provision that allows special permits for longer truck combinations, including triple-trailer setups. The fee structure for these special permits was adjusted, and the rules for issuing permits for oversized semitrailers were expanded to include specific length thresholds.
Scope change
The bill now explicitly authorizes special permits for truck-trailer-trailer and truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer-trailer combinations, expanding the types of vehicles that can legally operate under these permits.
ELIGIBILITY
Added eligibility for special permits for truck-trailer-trailer and truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer-trailer combinations.
FISCAL
Updated fee amounts for trip permits ($10) and term permits ($125) for oversized combinations.
DEFINITION
Clarified the title by removing redundant words like 'vehicles' and 'trucks' to improve readability.
REQUIREMENT
Specified length requirements for semitrailers (exceeding 53 feet but not exceeding 57 feet) for term permit issuance.
HB0097_X(4).pdf→HB0097_X(5).pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill includes a minor formatting adjustment to the title, adding a space between 'LICENSE;' and 'PROVIDING' for better readability. No substantive policy changes, scope adjustments, funding amounts, or eligibility criteria were identified in the provided text.
TECHNICAL
Added a space after the semicolon in the bill title for improved formatting.
HB0097_3(20).pdf→HB0097_X.pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was reorganized to prioritize a mandatory safety study on truck platooning before rules can be adopted, replacing the previous version's immediate allowance of the technology. It also refined the definitions of 'platooning' and updated special permit fees and vehicle dimension limits to align with current statutory language.
Scope change
The bill's scope shifted from immediately allowing platooning to requiring a completed feasibility study first; the rest of the bill focuses on administrative updates to vehicle permits and definitions.
TIMELINE
Added a requirement for the Department of Transportation to complete a safety study on platooning before any rules can be adopted, whereas the previous version allowed platooning immediately.
REQUIREMENT
Expanded the list of stakeholders the department must consult during the rulemaking process to include ranchers, tribal governments, and local governments.
DEFINITION
Added a specific definition for 'platooning' to clarify that it involves electronically coordinated speeds and closer following distances than is reasonable without technology.
Updated the definition of 'platoon' to refer to a series of vehicles that are actively platooning.
TECHNICAL
Revised the text amending Section 61-10-124 to correct formatting and align fee structures and vehicle dimension limits with existing Montana Code Annotated provisions.
HB0097_3(19).pdf→HB0097_3(20).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered to HB 97.3 and its title was clarified to explicitly include 'defining platooning' and 'providing definitions.' The most significant substantive change is the addition of a new section requiring the Department of Transportation to complete a feasibility study on the safety of truck platooning in Montana, considering local terrain and weather. A new definition for 'platooning' was added to clarify the technology, and a new section was inserted to mandate that drivers leading a platoon must hold a commercial driver's license.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a mandatory safety study and formal definitions for platooning, which were not explicitly detailed in the previous version.
REQUIREMENT
Added a requirement for the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on the safety of platooning in Montana, considering terrain, weather, and communication networks.
Added a requirement that the person conducting the lead vehicle in a platoon must hold a commercial driver's license.
DEFINITION
Added a new definition for 'platooning' to clarify that it involves autonomous vehicles traveling at electronically coordinated speeds in a unified manner.
TECHNICAL
The bill was renumbered from HB 97 to HB 97.3, and the title was updated to include 'defining platooning' and 'providing definitions'.
HB0097_3(18).pdf→HB0097_3(19).pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to remove a mandatory feasibility study on platooning safety, allowing the Department of Transportation to immediately adopt rules and standards for autonomous truck platooning. The text was also updated to correct formatting errors, remove redundant definitions, and streamline the language regarding special permits and vehicle dimensions.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from a study-and-decide approach to an immediate regulatory framework, enabling platooning operations without waiting for a safety study to be completed.
TIMELINE
Deleted the requirement for the Department of Transportation to complete a feasibility study on platooning safety before implementing rules.
REQUIREMENT
Added a specific mandate that the Department must engage a broad range of stakeholders (including law enforcement, trucking industry, and tribal governments) before proposing any platooning rules.
DEFINITION
Reorganized and clarified definitions, removing redundant text and ensuring consistent terminology for 'platooning' and 'platoon'.
Deleted a standalone definition section for 'platooning' and 'platoon' that was later redefined in Section 1 to avoid redundancy.
TECHNICAL
Corrected formatting issues, such as removing extra line breaks and fixing section numbering inconsistencies between the House and Enrolled versions.
HB0097_3(12).pdf→HB0097_3(13).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was reorganized into a standard legislative format with numbered sections and corrected capitalization. Substantive changes include expanding the definition of 'platooning' to explicitly include trailers, clarifying that any person capable of taking control of a vehicle in a platoon needs a commercial driver's license, and adding new safety requirements for special permits such as speed, stability, and operational procedures.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on regulating autonomous vehicle platooning, but the applicability of the commercial driver's license requirement was broadened to include any person in a position to take control of a vehicle, not just the lead vehicle operator.
DEFINITION
The definition of 'platooning' was updated to explicitly include 'trailers' alongside trucks and truck tractors.
ELIGIBILITY
The requirement for a commercial driver's license was expanded to apply to any person in a position to take control of a vehicle in a platoon, rather than just the person conducting the leading vehicle.
REQUIREMENT
New requirements were added to special permits, mandating specifications for required equipment, speed, stability, operational procedures, and insurance.
TECHNICAL
The bill text was restructured from unnumbered sections to a standard numbered format (Section 1, Section 2, etc.) and corrected inconsistent capitalization and punctuation.
HB0097_3(8).pdf→HB0097_3(9).pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill removes a clause that would have required the Department of Transportation to adopt rules limiting platooning during dangerous road conditions. This change eliminates a specific regulatory mandate, giving the department more flexibility in how it manages autonomous vehicle platooning without being forced to restrict operations during hazardous weather or traffic.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding platooning regulations has been narrowed by removing a mandatory requirement for the department to create specific safety restrictions.
REQUIREMENT
Deletion of a provision requiring the department of transportation to adopt rules limiting platooning in actual or predicted dangerous road conditions.
HB0097_3(4).pdf→HB0097_3(5).pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill updated definitions for 'platooning' to explicitly include trailers alongside trucks and truck tractors, expanding the scope of vehicles eligible for the program. It also corrected a grammatical error in the stakeholder consultation requirement and adjusted the formatting of section headers and page numbering.
Scope change
The bill now explicitly includes trailers in the definition of vehicles that can participate in platooning operations, whereas previous versions only mentioned trucks and truck tractors.
DEFINITION
The definition of 'Platooning' was expanded to include trailers, trucks, and truck tractors, broadening the types of vehicles allowed in the program.
Minor formatting adjustments were made to the spacing and punctuation within the definitions section.
REQUIREMENT
A grammatical error in the stakeholder consultation requirement was fixed by removing the redundant word 'engage'.
TECHNICAL
Page numbering and header formatting were adjusted to align with the new version of the document.
HB0097_2(16).pdf→HB0097_3.pdf·4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 97.2 to HB 97.3 and significantly restructured to prioritize a mandatory safety feasibility study before any platooning rules are adopted. The text was cleaned up to remove redundant definitions and clarify that the Department of Transportation must consult with stakeholders like trucking companies and law enforcement before proposing regulations. This change ensures that platooning technology is proven safe for Montana's specific terrain and weather conditions before it is legally permitted on public highways.
Scope change
The bill's scope shifted from immediately allowing platooning to requiring a formal feasibility study and rulemaking process first. It now explicitly mandates a study covering terrain, weather, and communication networks before operations can begin.
TIMELINE
Added a mandatory requirement for the Department of Transportation to complete a feasibility study on platooning safety before any rules can be adopted.
DEFINITION
Consolidated and clarified the definition of 'platooning' to ensure it is consistently understood as operating autonomous vehicles at closer distances than humanly possible.
REQUIREMENT
Expanded the list of required stakeholders for consultation to include ranchers, tribal governments, and pedestrians, ensuring a broader range of public input.
TECHNICAL
Removed redundant definitions and corrected formatting errors in the bill text to improve clarity and readability.
HB0097_1(7).pdf→HB0097_2(12).pdf·8 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 97.1 to HB 0097.2 and expanded its scope to include 'vehicles' alongside trucks. It added a new section requiring special permits for platoon operations, which must include public liability insurance. The bill also amended an existing section regarding special permit fees and vehicle size limits.
Scope change
The bill's scope was broadened to explicitly cover 'vehicles' in addition to trucks, and a new requirement for special permits with insurance coverage was introduced for platoon operations.
DEFINITION
The definition of 'Platooning' was updated to include 'vehicles' in addition to trucks, trailers, and truck tractors.
The definition of 'Public highways' was changed to state that it has the 'SAME meaning AS' provided in the existing statute, rather than just referring to the statute.
REQUIREMENT
A new section requires applicants to obtain a special permit to operate a platoon, which must include public liability property damage insurance.
The requirement for persons in a position to take control of a platoon to have a commercial driver's license was rephrased to include 'A person' for clarity.
The rulemaking authority section was modified to require the department to adopt 'STANDARDS FOR THE SAFETY OF OPERATIONS OF PLATOONS'.
The department's obligation to consult stakeholders was changed from 'shall consult' to 'shall ENGAGE stakeholders'.
A new section was added to amend existing MCA 61-10-124, updating fees and vehicle dimension limits for special permits.
TIMELINE
The effective date was changed from July 1, 2025 to a 'DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE'.
HB0097_2(11).pdf→HB0097_1(7).pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from HB 97.2 to HB 97.1 and underwent significant text cleanup to remove duplicate lines and conflicting amendments. The core policy regarding truck platooning, including definitions, CDL requirements, and rulemaking authority, remains substantively unchanged despite the formatting corrections.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was changed from HB0097.2 to HB 97.1, likely reflecting a version update or renumbering.
Removed duplicate and conflicting text lines that appeared in the previous version, resulting in a cleaner, single-column layout.
Corrected inconsistent capitalization and punctuation in the bill title and section headers to standardize the document.
Adjusted the codification instruction to clarify that Sections 1 through 3 are intended to be codified as part of Title 61.
Simplified the effective date section to a single, clear statement that the act becomes effective July 1, 2025.
HB0097_2(5).pdf→HB0097_2(6).pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill includes a minor capitalization correction in the section header, changing 'section' to 'SECTION' for consistency. This is a technical formatting change and does not alter any substantive policy, eligibility criteria, or legal requirements.
TECHNICAL
Corrected capitalization in the section title from 'section' to 'SECTION'.
HB0097_2(4).pdf→HB0097_2(5).pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill amends regulations for special permits, introducing a new section on platoon permits and updating fee structures and vehicle size limits. It establishes specific fees for trip and term permits, sets maximum dimensions for overwidth, overlength, and overheight vehicles, and clarifies exceptions for certain logging and truck combinations.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope to include specific rules for platoon permits and refines the criteria for issuing special permits for oversized vehicles and combinations.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new section authorizing the Department of Transportation to issue special permits for platoons, requiring public liability insurance for carriers.
Mandated that special permits must specify highway routing and operational conditions such as speed, stability, and required equipment.
FISCAL
Updated fee schedules, setting a $10 fee for trip permits and $75 for term permits exceeding standard size limits, with specific fees of $125 for certain long-term or oversized combinations.
ELIGIBILITY
Defined strict size limits for blanket permits (15 feet width, 95 feet length, 14 feet height) and restricted Rocky Mountain doubles to a maximum of 81 feet in combined trailer length.
Clarified that vehicle combinations exceeding two trailers or units are generally prohibited unless authorized under specific subsections.
HB0097_2(3).pdf→HB0097_2(4).pdf·3 edits
MINOR
The bill text was updated to include specific language requiring the Department of Transportation to adopt rules and standards for the safety of platooning operations during dangerous road conditions. The document also clarifies the consultation process with stakeholders and adjusts the numbering of subsections regarding permit exemptions.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding platooning safety rules was expanded to explicitly mandate the adoption of standards, whereas previous versions were less specific about the required regulatory output.
REQUIREMENT
Added explicit language requiring the department to adopt rules and standards for platooning safety during dangerous conditions.
Reordered and modified the section on stakeholder consultation, changing the numbering from (2) to (3) while retaining the requirement to engage stakeholders.
TECHNICAL
Adjusted the numbering of subsections within the special permits fee section to correct a sequence error.
HB0097_1(6).pdf→HB0097_2.pdf·5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to modernize terminology by replacing 'truck' with 'truck vehicles' and reordering the definitions section for clarity. New provisions were added to create a special permit system for platoon operations and to require specific safety standards in departmental rules. The effective date was changed from July 1, 2025, to a delayed date, and the bill now explicitly amends an existing Montana Code section regarding special permits.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a formal permitting process and specific safety rulemaking requirements for platoon operations, while the applicability of the effective date was modified.
DEFINITION
The term 'truck' in the title and definitions was updated to 'truck vehicles' to ensure broader and more precise applicability.
REQUIREMENT
New requirements mandate that the Department of Transportation must adopt specific safety standards for platoon operations and engage stakeholders before proposing rules.
ELIGIBILITY
A new section establishes a special permit process allowing carriers to operate platoons upon application and demonstration of good cause.
TIMELINE
The effective date was changed from July 1, 2025, to a delayed effective date.
ENFORCEMENT
The bill now explicitly amends Section 61-10-124 of the Montana Code to integrate platoon permits into the existing special permit fee and regulation framework.
LC0172.pdf→HB0097_1.pdf·1 edit
MINOR
The bill has been renumbered from LC 0172 to HB 97.1, indicating it has moved from a committee-level legislative code to a formal House Bill. The document header and footer have been updated to reflect this new status, while the substantive text of the bill remains unchanged.
TECHNICAL
The bill number was changed from LC 0172 to HB 97.1, and the document title was updated to 'Authorized Print Version - HB 97'.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 17, 2025 · House Feb 6, 2025
How they voted
29–20
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 50
Mar 17, 2025
D
Democratic18
14 Yea3 Nay1
77% Yea
R
Republican32
15 Yea17 Nay
53% Nay
Your representatives
Vote distribution
All YeaAll NayMixedNo data
98–1
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 100
Feb 6, 2025
D
Democratic42
42 Yea
100% Yea
R
Republican58
56 Yea1 Nay1
96% Yea
Your representatives
Vote distribution
All YeaAll NayMixedNo data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
48
Key actions
9
Committee
6
Apr 3, 2025
Became-Law
Chapter Number Assigned
legislature
Apr 3, 2025
Signed into law
(H) Signed by Governor
lower
Mar 25, 2025
Executive-Receipt
(H) Transmitted to Governor
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Mar 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Other
(H) Returned from Enrolling
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (29-20-1)
senate
Mar 17, 2025
Other
(H) Sent to Enrolling
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Reading-3
(S) 3rd Reading
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Reading-3
(S) Scheduled for 3rd Reading
upper
Mar 15, 2025
Reading-2
(S) 2nd Reading
upper
Mar 15, 2025
Reading-2
(S) Scheduled for 2nd Reading
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) Highways and Transportation
upper
Feb 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Highways and Transportation
upper
Feb 15, 2025
Other
(S) Hearing - (S) Highways and Transportation
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Highways and Transportation
