5 Reasons You Could Be Exempt from Wearing a Seatbelt in Montana

It wasn't until this summer when I had shoulder surgery that I ever thought about not wearing my seat belt. What can I say? I'm a rule follower and I assume it's one of those things that most people just do. But when I was wearing that sling and gingerly trying to weave my seatbelt under my arm and into the buckle, I did loathe wearing it.

Turns out, I maybe could have gotten a temporary exemption.

Montana's Seatbelt Exemptions 

Montana roads can be dangerous, not only because of inclement weather, but many roads are steep or they don't have paving. PSA: please wear a seat belt because it is required by law and because when worn correctly, it's safer.

However, there are five situations where a Montanan could be exempt from wearing a seatbelt. These come from the Montana Seat Belt Use Act:

Exemption: you could have a doctor's note

Exemption: all the other seatbelts are taken

Exemption: you're driving a motorcycle or something like it

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Exemption: the vehicle is "special mobile equipment"

Exemption: you have a job that requires frequent stops

If you do need to make frequent stops for your job, you can apply for an exception for your business. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division does have a form where you can apply.

For further information or to read the full language of the Montana Seat Belt Use Act, you follow this link.