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.

1^st Offense
• $100-$300 fine
• 20 hours community service (plus fees)
• Substance abuse education course with parents (plus cost of completion of MIP course)
• driver�s license confiscated for up to 30 days

2^nd Offense

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

3^rd Offense

• $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

- 18 and Over -

1^st Offense
• $100-$300 fine
• 20 hours community service (plus fees)
• Substance abuse education course (plus costs)
• Attend Impact Panel (plus fees)
• Driver�s license confiscated for up to 30 days

2^nd Offense

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

3^rd or Subsequent Offense

• $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

- Read the full MIP law -
- Return to the Adolescent Resource Center's MIP page-

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Web-work� 2004-14.