MT HB97

Montana Department of Transportation must complete a feasibility study on truck platooning, examining terrain, weather extremes, and communication network effectiveness before allowing the practice

"Platooning" is defined as partially or fully autonomous trucks traveling on highways at electronically coordinated speeds at closer following distances than normally permitted

Platooning may only begin after the department adopts rules and standards, which requires stakeholder engagement with law enforcement, trucking industry, technology developers, tribal governments, and local governments

Special permits for platoon operations cost $200 for a term permit or $20 per trip, with gross vehicle weight fees required on each truck in the platoon

The department retains authority to enforce additional restrictions on platoon operations as deemed necessary