I am from Montana.....

[janette]

Originally posted by hrh_disney_queen
Who cares about the gas! You can go 90 m/p/h on the expressway, and be passed by a cop who won't even look over at you....They now have a speed limit, it's 80, but they used to have a speed limit that said something like "prudent for conditions.."???I know that's not it, what was it mtblujeans??

I think it was basically that if a cop deemed that you were speeding, you got a $5 fine that you could pay directly to the cop. Is any of this true, mtblujeans?

One thing I really love about MT-NO SALES TAX!!

I was born & grew up in NE Montana, still visit Montana at least once a year but close to Yellowstone. Got back on Sunday from our trip this year Would love to spend the entire summer there but can't handle the winter.

The "safe & prudent" speed limit was in force until the federal mandated 55 mph speed limit of the 70's. Then Montana went to a 55 mph speed limit but it was considered an "energy violation" not a "traffic violation". The fine was $5 and you could pay the Highway patrol. Probably the only people driving 55 there were from out of state.

A few years back when the federal mandated 55 mph speed limit was repealed Montana went back to the "safe & prudent" speed limit. Unfortunately they found that it was hard to enforce and too many people were abusing it so there is now at least a 75mph speed limit on most of the roads.

One of the reasons for the speed limits is that the state is so sparsely populated. When going to my home town there is one 180 mile stretch with no towns at all. People there travel pretty long distances all the time, it's not unsual to go 300 miles to shop. My mom sold Tupperware and would put 100K miles on a car in one year.

The no-sales tax is great

 

[catsrule]

I don't like coffee.

 

[katerkat]

Originally posted by hrh_disney_queen
Who cares about the gas!

We couldn't figure out which one we needed to buy! 85.5 just sounds weird!

Loved the speed limit (or lack thereof), though my car barely makes it over 70 mph anyway.

 

[mtblujeans]

Originally posted by FreshTressa
I live in Washington now, I was just born in Browning and lived in columbia falls until I was in about 4th grade.

Oh, Pooh, I was hoping you were still around here. Do you get back here often? We have been here for a little more than 17 years and BOY have things changed!

 

[mtblujeans]

Originally posted by noodles
Hi mtblujeans My mom lives in Rollins. Not sure where your at, but we spend most of the summer on Flathead! We will be heading back next week for my sisters wedding in Polson. We are also looking for land to (someday) build a summer cabin on. We would love to move there full time, but my DH's industry is here. I love everything about Montana, but I think the best thing about visiting is how nice the people are!

Noodles

Oh, Gosh, if you are ever going to pick up land around Flathead Lake area (we're in Kalispell), you better do it soon! There literally is only so much buildable land in this county and it has been "discovered". Plus, add to that the rising prices of the property that is available....I guess if it gets built up big enough, some people will only be able to come for a visit. But, I am glad you enjoy coming here. We love it here!

 

[mtblujeans]

Originally posted by katerkat
Though, what's the deal with your gas? We were so confused - 85.5 and 88 octane? What's that??

I guess I haven't noticed.....is that funny? I would not be surprised if that is a lower octane than other places. I think we get poor quality gas here sometimes and they charge more than other areas sometimes. If you come back in October, it will be considerably cooler at night so bring a jacket. (Always the Montana Mom!!)

 

[mtblujeans]

Originally posted by hrh_disney_queen
They now have a speed limit, it's 80, but they used to have a speed limit that said something like "prudent for conditions.."???I know that's not it, what was it mtblujeans??

I think it was basically that if a cop deemed that you were speeding, you got a $5 fine that you could pay directly to the cop. Is any of this true, mtblujeans?

One thing I really love about MT-NO SALES TAX!!

Yes, they have changed some things recently. I think the Federal Government required it if Montana was going to use/request Highway Tax Funds to repair roads. They have not done away with the open container law yet, but, I think they will have to soon for the same reason....Federal Highway monies. I really don't think much about sales tax until we go somewhere out of state and then I have to figure sales tax in. Boy, sales tax is really irritating when you are not used to paying it!!

 

[mtblujeans]

I've got 1/2 # of this fresh coffee left! I need to send it out while it is still smelling strong to drive those postal workers nuts when they have to pass that great smelling package off......

 

[noodles]

I would love to find some land in Lakeside. Close enough to Kalispell, but just far enough away at the same time! I keep looking, but everthing is up in the hills. I want to at least have a view of the lake! I know what you mean about it being "discovered" everytime we visit there are a few new large homes in the area!

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Originally posted by janette
I was born & grew up in NE Montana, still visit Montana at least once a year but close to Yellowstone. Got back on Sunday from our trip this year Would love to spend the entire summer there but can't handle the winter.

The "safe & prudent" speed limit was in force until the federal mandated 55 mph speed limit of the 70's. Then Montana went to a 55 mph speed limit but it was considered an "energy violation" not a "traffic violation". The fine was $5 and you could pay the Highway patrol. Probably the only people driving 55 there were from out of state.

A few years back when the federal mandated 55 mph speed limit was repealed Montana went back to the "safe & prudent" speed limit. Unfortunately they found that it was hard to enforce and too many people were abusing it so there is now at least a 75mph speed limit on most of the roads.

One of the reasons for the speed limits is that the state is so sparsely populated. When going to my home town there is one 180 mile stretch with no towns at all. People there travel pretty long distances all the time, it's not unsual to go 300 miles to shop. My mom sold Tupperware and would put 100K miles on a car in one year.

The no-sales tax is great

That's it EXACTLY!!-"Safe and Prudent" and an "energy violation". I just couldn't remember the wording. I had no idea that there wasn't an open container law, not a very good idea for cowboys going 90 mph down the expressway hauling a horse trailer!!!

Yes, once you leave a major city, you can drive hundreds of miles before you get to the next one. Makes for quite a boring drive, unless of course you are driving 90mph, drinking a beer and hauling a horse trailer!!

 

[mtblujeans]

Oh, gosh, we live north west of Kalispell. People are requesting from the county that they be able to turn their 100 acres of farm land into 150 - 300 home subdivisions! They are getting to be retirement age, some of them, and the land is all they have. You are right, Lakeside & Somers are in a good location as far as being far enough away and still close enough to the lake. In driving back and forth to Missoula this summer we have noticed more parcels of land out that way for sale. But, some of them are larger parcels. They will probably become subdivions down the road too. I mean, who would not want the convenience of subdivision living with a view of the lake and snowy hills behind you?

 

[mtblujeans]

Originally posted by hrh_disney_queen
Yes, once you leave a major city, you can drive hundreds of miles before you get to the next one. Makes for quite a boring drive, unless of course you are driving 90mph, drinking a beer and hauling a horse trailer!!

LOL

 

[mtblujeans]

Coffee's gone! Thanks for the fun, guys!!