Billings's Relaxed Approach to Mobility & Curb Rules: What's Allowed

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Billings, Montana, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bike Lane Rules

Billings has a growing network of bike lanes, shared-use trails along the Yellowstone River, and Heritage Trail connections. Bicyclists must follow vehicle code rules under MCA Title 61 with limited city overlays.

Key details: Major path: Heritage Trail. Stop-as-yield: Not adopted. Helmet law: None. Sidewalk riding: Outside downtown only.

Bicyclists who run signals, ride against traffic, or fail to yield on shared paths can be cited under state vehicle rules with fines comparable to motor vehicle infractions.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Billings gives residents more flexibility on bike lane rules.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Billings has piloted shared electric scooter operators but does not run a permanent program. MET Transit operates the city bus system serving downtown, the Heights, and major employment centers like the West End.

Key details: Permanent shared scooter: None. Transit operator: MET Transit. Paratransit: ADA service. Dedicated ordinance: Not adopted.

Scooter riders violating traffic rules face standard citations. Operators running without a city agreement could be told to remove devices, though Billings has not pursued strong enforcement.

Billings is more permissive than most cities when it comes to shared e-scooter rules. That said, there are still limits.

Curb Management

Billings designates loading zones, time-limited parking, and accessible spaces in the downtown core through Public Works and the Parking Authority. Most residential streets have unrestricted curb parking.

Key details: Active management: Mostly downtown. Residential permits: Limited. Snow route bans: During plowing. Enforcer: Billings Parking Division.

Parking in a marked loading zone, blocking a curb cut, or overstaying a time-limited stall draws a parking citation with fines that escalate if unpaid before the deadline.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Billings gives residents more flexibility on curb management.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Billings gives residents more room on mobility & curb rules. 3 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Billings's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.