Quick Answer
In Montana, any adult 18 or older who is not legally prohibited from owning a firearm can carry a loaded handgun in their motor vehicle without a license. The passage of HB 102 eliminated the "outside city limits" rules, meaning permitless vehicle carry is now legal statewide.
The Expansion of Permitless Carry (HB 102)
Prior to 2021, Montana had a complicated system where you could carry permitless outside of city limits, but needed a permit the moment you crossed into city or town boundaries.
Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-316
Statewide Exemption
HB 102 amended the concealed carry laws to specifically exempt anyone "eligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law." You no longer need to worry about crossing municipal lines with a loaded handgun in your glovebox.
Local Preemption
No Local Vehicle Bans
Under Mont. Code Ann. § 45-8-351, local governments cannot pass ordinances preventing the carrying of unpermitted concealed weapons in vehicles. The state law applies uniformly in Bozeman, Missoula, and Billings alike.
The National Park & Trailhead Trap
Federal law (54 U.S.C. § 100702) allows you to carry a firearm in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. However, it is a federal crime to bring a firearm into a federal facility—which includes park visitor centers, gift shops, and government-managed bathrooms. Because you frequently have to disarm to use these facilities, your vehicle becomes the primary storage location for your firearm.
Montana Trailhead & Park Lockboxes
Trailhead break-ins are incredibly common in Montana. If you are entering a federal building where firearms are prohibited, locking your gun in a flimsy glovebox is practically giving it away. Secure your firearm legally and practically with an ONNAIS tethered vehicle safe.
ONNAIS Alloy SE
A modern smart-safe with USB-C charging, 4-way access, and a heavy-duty steel cable to tether directly to your truck seat frame.
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ONNAIS Iron Pro
Solid steel construction and an anti-pry lid ensure your firearm stays secure while your vehicle is parked at a remote trailhead.
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ONNAIS Iron SE
Delivers premium biometric security, keypad backup, and a heavy-duty tethering cable at a highly accessible price point.
Check PriceDuty to Inform Law Enforcement
Montana is a "No Duty to Inform" state. There is no law requiring you to proactively volunteer that you have a loaded firearm in the vehicle when you are pulled over for a traffic stop. However, if a police officer explicitly asks if there are weapons in the vehicle, lying can lead to secondary obstruction charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can out-of-state visitors carry a loaded gun in their car in Montana?
Yes. Montana's permitless vehicle carry laws apply to non-residents as well. Any visitor who is 18 or older and legally eligible to possess a firearm can carry a loaded handgun in their vehicle while traveling through the state.