Montana DVIR and vehicle inspection rules

Last reviewed November 12, 2026.

This page summarizes what we could verify from official sources about how Montana applies driver vehicle inspection and related vehicle-inspection rules. It is not a complete reprint of Montana law.

Interstate operations

If you operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce to, from, or through Montana, the federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) apply, including 49 CFR Part 396 and the DVIR rules in § 396.11 and § 396.13. State rules do not replace those federal interstate requirements. Start with What a DVIR is and who must complete one.

State agency

For Montana-specific questions, including how the rules apply to operations that stay entirely inside Montana, contact Montana Department of Transportation.

What official sources say about state adoption

As of the date this page was reviewed, we did not independently verify a current official Montana statute or administrative-rule section adopting 49 CFR Part 396 from an official text we could quote here.

Intrastate operations and variations

Confirm current Montana adoption of Part 396, including any intrastate weight threshold or DVIR exception, with the Montana Department of Transportation and by reading the current official Administrative Rules of Montana on motor carrier safety.

What we could not independently verify from official sources in this review:

Current official Montana adoption of 49 CFR Part 396, including any intrastate threshold or DVIR-specific exception.

Please confirm those points with the state agency linked on this page before relying on them.

Related federal guides

Sources

Montana Department of Transportation

Need a printable form? DVIR.io offers free FMCSA-aligned PDF templates, including post-trip, pre-trip, bus and motorcoach, and intermodal reports.

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This page is general information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not advice on any specific DVIR or vehicle-inspection requirement. Rules can change, and how they apply depends on your operation, your vehicles, and your location. Get advice in your own area on your specific state and federal requirements. If you have a question for DVIR.io, use the contact form.