Montana enacts new driving law, updates license plates

A new driving law took effect on March 17 in Montana, changing the design of license plates to prevent confusion. This change follows a mix-up where drivers received parking tickets for vehicles they did not own due to misread license plates. The previous system used a distinctive bullhead separator, which caused issues with license plate readers in other states. The new plates will use alpha characters to ensure each plate is unique, but it will take years for all drivers to receive the updated plates. Drivers are reminded to remove their plates when selling or disposing of vehicles to avoid future ticket errors. The DMV has noted that failure to do so can lead to mistaken charges for former owners.