BILLINGS, Mont. - The Billings Police Department released a video along with a reminder about important changes to Montana's fleeing or eluding law.
Effective October 2025, the updates to Statute 61-8-316 of the Montana Code Annotated include a reclassification of the offense and the creation of a new category called "aggravated fleeing."
The updated law states that a person operating a motor vehicle commits the offense if they fail to stop when signaled by a uniformed peace officer. This includes increasing speed beyond 10 miles per hour over the limit, turning off vehicle lights, or otherwise attempting to evade law enforcement.
Under the revised law, a person convicted of fleeing from a peace officer can face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. However, if the offense is classified as aggravated fleeing, it is considered a felony. This can result in imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Aggravated fleeing includes actions such as prior convictions for fleeing, reckless driving behavior, causing property damage exceeding $5,000, or leaving the state during the act.
If the fleeing results in serious bodily injury or death, the offender is guilty of a felony and can face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.