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Bozeman, MT Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Street limit
One hour for any commercial vehicle
Exception
Lawful, continuous loading or unloading
Definition
Vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily to transport property
Angle-parking streets
Over 84 inches wide or 20 feet long needs a permit
Fine
$20.00 to $300.00
Long-term cap
72 consecutive hours without a valid permit

Summary

In the City of Bozeman, Montana, no one can park a commercial vehicle on any street for longer than one hour, except while lawfully and continuously loading or unloading. The code defines a commercial vehicle as one designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

It is unlawful to park any commercial vehicle upon any street for a period of time longer than one hour; provided, however, that when lawfully and continuously loading or unloading, such commercial vehicles may remain parked for such time as is necessary to complete such loading or unloading. Such parking shall be subject to all other and more restrictive provisions of this chapter prohibiting or limiting the stopping, standing or parking of vehicles in specified places or at specified times.

Full Breakdown

Section 36.04.210 of the Bozeman Municipal Code makes it unlawful to park any commercial vehicle upon any street for longer than one hour. The exception covers a commercial vehicle that is lawfully and continuously loading or unloading, which can stay parked for as long as it takes to finish. Section 36.01.020.A.3 defines a commercial vehicle as every vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. The rule applies to any street in the city and draws no line between commercial and residential blocks, so a work truck at the curb in front of a house is measured against the same one-hour limit. The parking is also subject to all other and more restrictive provisions of chapter 36.

Related sections tighten the limits. Section 36.04.240 bars parking a vehicle wider than 84 inches or longer than 20 feet including load, or any vehicle carrying or used for carrying livestock, on a street where angle parking is designated, unless the driver holds a special permit from the director of transportation and engineering. Section 36.04.220 limits a tank truck or tank trailer carrying gasoline, butane, fuel oil or other highly flammable liquid to 30 minutes on a street, alley, park or other public place, with an exception for delivery. Section 36.04.230 bars parking on a street or public parking lot for the principal purpose of displaying a vehicle for sale, displaying advertising, or washing, greasing or repairing it, other than emergency repairs. Section 36.04.260.E caps any vehicle at 72 consecutive hours on a street, alley or highway without a valid permit, and section 36.04.280.C limits stops in marked loading zones to 30 minutes unless the director sets another period.

Violations & Fines

Section 36.04.210 sits in the parking article, so section 36.04.380.A.7 applies: a fine of not less than $20.00 or more than $300.00. The registered owner is liable for the citation under sections 36.04.320 and 36.04.380.C. Nonpayment within seven days adds a $20.00 administrative charge, six or more unpaid violations let the city immobilize a vehicle with a $150.00 fee, and towing follows under the circumstances in section 36.04.380.I.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my work truck on a Bozeman residential street overnight?
Not for more than one hour if it is a commercial vehicle. Section 36.04.210 makes it unlawful to park any commercial vehicle upon any street longer than one hour, with an exception only for lawful, continuous loading or unloading. The section names no residential exception. A commercial vehicle means one designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property under section 36.01.020.A.3.
How much is the fine for overtime commercial vehicle parking in Bozeman?
Section 36.04.380.A.7 sets the penalty for parking in violation of sections of the parking article not separately listed at not less than $20.00 or more than $300.00. Failing to pay within seven days adds a $20.00 administrative charge under subsection B, and the registered owner at the time of the violation is liable for all fines, fees and penalties.
Do large trucks need a permit to park on Bozeman streets?
On streets where angle parking is designated, section 36.04.240 bars any vehicle wider than 84 inches or longer than 20 feet, including load, and any vehicle used for carrying livestock, unless the driver holds a special permit from the director of transportation and engineering. The section applies to angle-parking streets only, so the one-hour rule in section 36.04.210 governs other streets.
What counts as loading or unloading under the one-hour rule?
Section 36.04.210 lets a commercial vehicle stay parked as long as needed while lawfully and continuously loading or unloading. Other rules still apply: marked loading zones cap stops at 30 minutes unless the director sets another period (section 36.04.280.C), and in the main business district vehicles moving merchandise and materials must use an accessible rear entrance at pickup and delivery points (section 36.04.290.A).

Sources & Official References

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