Minors in Possession (MIP) Law

The current MIP Law, SB 362 was passed by the 2003 Montana Legislature. According to that law

A person under 21 years of age commits the offense of possession of an intoxicating substance if the person knowingly consumes or has in the person’s possession an intoxicating substance.
A person does not commit the offense if the person consumes or gains possession of the beverage because it was lawfully supplied to the person under 16-6-305 (parent, doctor, or religious) or when in the course of employment it is necessary to possess alcoholic beverages.

Under 18

$100-$300 fine
20 hours community service (plus fees)
Substance abuse education course with parents (plus cost of completion of the MIP course)
Driver’s license confiscated for up to 30 days

$200-$600 fine
40 hours community service (plus fees)
Substance abuse education course with parents (plus cost of completion of the MIP course)
Driver’s license confiscated for up to 6 months
Complete chemical dependency assessment and complete treatment if recommended (plus the cost of an assessment)

$300-$900 fine
60 hours community service (plus fees)
ACT course, which includes an assessment and possible treatment if recommended (plus cost of course)
Driver’s license confiscated for up to 6 months
Possible jail for up to 6 months

$200-$600 fine
40 hours community service (plus fees)
Substance abuse education (plus cost)
Attend a Victim Impact Panel (plus fees)
Driver’s license confiscated for up to 6 months
Complete chemical dependency assessment and complete treatment if
recommended (plus the cost of an assessment)

$300-$900 fine
60 hours community service (plus fees)
ACT course, which includes an assessment and possible treatment if recommended (plus costs)
Driver’s license confiscated for up to 6 months
Possible jail for up to 6 months