Billings's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Billings, Montana, there are 7 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.

Skateboarding Rules

Billings bans skateboarding on sidewalks and public property in a defined downtown business district and fines reckless riding elsewhere up to $300.

Key details: Business district ban: 32nd St to 24th St, 6th Ave N to 1st Ave S. Max fine: $300 per offense. Reckless riding banned citywide: speed, jumping, waxing surfaces. Minor citations: mailed to parent/guardian.

Misdemeanor, fine up to $300 per offense; skateboard may be seized as evidence; parents notified for riders under 16.

Compared to other cities, Billings takes a harder line on skateboarding rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Public Alcohol Use

Billings bans drinking or carrying open alcoholic beverage containers anywhere in city limits, streets, parks, vehicles, under Sec. 3-202, unless a special event permit has been issued by the city administrator.

Key details: Fine: Up to $500. Jail: Up to 6 months. Coverage: Citywide, incl. vehicles. Exception: Special event permit only. Governing section: Sec. 3-202.

Public drinking or public display of open alcohol containers in Billings is a misdemeanor: fine up to $500, up to 6 months in jail, or both, under the Code's general penalty section, Sec. 1-110.

This is one of the stricter rules in Billings's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Public Urination

Billings makes it unlawful to urinate or defecate in any street, alley, or public place unless you're using a facility built for that purpose.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 18-103. Covered locations: Any street, alley, or public place. Exception: Facility provided for that purpose. Max penalty: $500 fine and/or 6 months jail.

Misdemeanor: fine up to $500, up to 6 months jail, or both; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Public Marijuana Use

Smoking, consuming, or using marijuana openly in any public place is a misdemeanor under Billings' marijuana ordinance, with narrow carve-outs only for private residential property.

Key details: Public use: Misdemeanor, Sec. 7-2001(b). Civil fine (smoking): Up to $50, Sec. 7-2013(b)(3). Safe harbor: Private residential property only. Public place includes: Parks, sidewalks, parking lots, vehicles. Age limit: 21+ even where lawful.

Smoking or consuming marijuana openly in a public place: misdemeanor under Sec. 7-2001(b); Sec. 7-2013(b)(3) sets a civil fine up to $50 for public smoking specifically.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Billings actively enforces its public marijuana use requirements.

Loitering Rules

Billings makes it a misdemeanor to loiter or prowl in a manner that alarms others about safety, with a chance to explain yourself before arrest.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 18-701. Penalty: Up to $500 fine, 6 months jail. Officer must offer: Chance to explain before arrest. Related offense: Prostitution loitering, Sec. 18-702.

Misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110: fine up to $500, up to 6 months jail, or both; each day can count as a separate offense.

Aggressive Panhandling

Billings bans aggressive solicitation citywide and restricts commercial solicitation near ATMs, bus stops, and vehicles.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 18-1001. Passive sign-holding: Exempt from ban. Nighttime solicitation: Banned after sunset. Max penalty: $500 fine, 6 months jail. Buffer zones: 20 ft from ATMs, bus stops.

Misdemeanor: fine up to $500, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.

This is one of the stricter rules in Billings's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Jaywalking

Billings Code Sec. 24-802 bars any pedestrian from crossing a roadway other than in a crosswalk in the business district. The rule is one sentence long and applies downtown only. The city administrator designates and maintains the crosswalks under Sec. 24-801, and a violation is a misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110(a), punishable by a fine of up to $500.00, up to six months in jail, or both.

Key details: Governing section: Billings Code Sec. 24-802 (Chapter 24, Article 24-800). Where it applies: Roadway crossings in the business district. Offense class: Misdemeanor under Sec. 1-110(a). Maximum fine: $500.00 per offense. Maximum jail term: Six months, or both fine and jail.

A violation of Sec. 24-802 falls under Sec. 1-110(a): a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both. Sec. 1-110(b) adds that the city can abate any condition violating the Code. The civil penalty in Sec. 1-110(c), set by section 18-1304, reaches only offenses specifically designated as municipal infractions, and the text of Sec. 24-802 carries no such designation. A person who skips the court date on a traffic citation commits a separate misdemeanor under Sec. 24-1002.

The Bottom Line

Billings is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Billings, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Billings's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.