Montana Highway Patrol can suspend your driver's license if you operate a tow truck without proper credentials or violate towing regulations, and Anderson Towing may be involved if you worked there or contracted through them

A license suspension tied to towing work in Montana usually stems from one of three situations: operating a tow truck without a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), working for a towing company that failed to maintain required permits or insurance, or violating specific towing regulations enforced by the Montana Highway Patrol. Anderson Towing, like other towing operators in Montana, must comply with state regulations, and if the company or an individual driver violates those rules, the Highway Patrol can issue citations that lead to suspension.

The suspension itself is separate from any fine or citation. It means you cannot legally drive any vehicle in Montana until the suspension is lifted. The Highway Patrol issues the suspension order, and you must resolve the underlying violation before you can request reinstatement.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana Highway Patrol suspends licenses for towing violations including operating without a CDL, working for an unlicensed towing company, or breaking towing regulations.
  • The suspension order comes from the Highway Patrol, but the reason behind it determines what steps you must take to get it removed.
  • You cannot legally drive in Montana while suspended, and driving anyway can result in additional criminal charges.
  • Contacting the Montana Department of Justice, Driver Services Bureau is the first step to understand why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.

Why Montana Highway Patrol Suspends Towing-Related Licenses

Montana requires anyone operating a commercial tow truck to hold a valid CDL with the appropriate endorsements. If you were driving a tow truck for Anderson Towing or any other company without a CDL, the Highway Patrol can suspend your license. The suspension is automatic in many cases — it is not a discretionary penalty but a consequence of operating a vehicle you were not licensed to operate.

A second common reason is that the towing company itself did not maintain proper licensing or insurance. Montana towing companies must register with the state and carry specific liability coverage. If Anderson Towing or another operator failed to renew permits or let insurance lapse, the Highway Patrol may suspend the licenses of drivers working under that company's authority, even if the driver themselves did nothing wrong.

Violations of towing regulations — such as improper towing procedures, failure to follow load limits, or operating outside authorized service areas — can also trigger suspension. These violations are cited by the Highway Patrol during roadside inspections or after complaints.

How to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Contact the Montana Department of Justice, Driver Services Bureau directly. You can reach them by phone at 406-444-3933 or visit their office in Helena. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the specific reason for the suspension, the date it took effect, and what you must do to have it removed.

You can also request a copy of the suspension order in writing. This document will cite the specific regulation or statute that triggered the suspension and may reference the citation number issued by the Highway Patrol. If you were cited during a traffic stop or inspection, that citation number will appear on the suspension order.

If you believe the suspension was issued in error — for example, if you did hold a valid CDL at the time you were cited — you have the right to request a hearing. The Driver Services Bureau will explain the hearing process when you contact them.

Steps to Restore Your License After a Towing Violation Suspension

The restoration process depends on the reason for the suspension. If you were suspended for driving without a CDL, you must obtain a CDL before your license can be reinstated. This requires passing the written knowledge test and the skills test at a Montana Driver Exam Station. You cannot take the CDL test while your license is suspended, so you must first request a temporary permit or hardship license from the Driver Services Bureau.

If the suspension was due to a company-level violation — such as Anderson Towing's permit lapsing — you may need proof that the company has corrected the problem or that you are no longer employed there. The Driver Services Bureau will specify what documentation they need.

For violations of towing regulations, you may be required to pay any fines associated with the citation before reinstatement is considered. Some suspensions also include a mandatory waiting period. Once all requirements are met, you submit a reinstatement request to the Driver Services Bureau, along with the required fee (currently $20 for a standard reinstatement, though this may vary).

Your Rights During a License Suspension

While your license is suspended, you cannot legally operate any motor vehicle in Montana, including personal vehicles. Driving during suspension is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.

You do have the right to request a hearing before the suspension takes effect or after it has been issued. At a hearing, you can present evidence that the suspension was improper or that circumstances have changed. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. The hearing is conducted by the Driver Services Bureau or, in some cases, by an administrative law judge.

You also have the right to request a hardship license in some situations. A hardship license allows limited driving — typically to and from work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — while your suspension is in place. may be able to access for a hardship license varies, and the Driver Services Bureau can tell you whether you may have access to.

What to Do If You Worked for Anderson Towing

If your suspension is tied to Anderson Towing's licensing or insurance status, contact the company directly to find out what happened. Ask whether their permits were suspended, whether their insurance lapsed, or whether they are aware of the Highway Patrol action. This information will help you understand whether the problem is temporary (and will be corrected) or permanent (and you need to find other work).

Get the answer in writing if possible. If Anderson Towing tells you they have corrected the problem, ask for proof — a copy of the renewed permit or insurance certificate. You will likely need to provide this to the Driver Services Bureau as part of your reinstatement request.

If Anderson Towing is no longer operating or cannot resolve the issue, you may still be able to have your license reinstated by proving you are no longer working for them and that you meet all other requirements to drive.

Preventing Future Suspensions in Towing Work

If you plan to continue working in towing after your license is restored, obtain and maintain a valid CDL with the appropriate endorsements before you start. In Montana, tow truck operators typically need a Class A or Class B CDL depending on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating. The endorsements required vary by the type of towing you perform.

Verify that any towing company you work for maintains current state permits and liability insurance. You can ask to see copies of these documents before you accept a job. Working for an unlicensed operator puts your own license at risk, even if you personally hold a valid CDL.

Keep your own driving record clean. Moving violations, at-fault accidents, or other citations can lead to additional license points or suspensions that compound towing-related violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive during a towing violation suspension?

No. You cannot legally operate any vehicle in Montana while your license is suspended. Driving during suspension is a separate criminal offense that carries additional penalties, including fines, possible jail time, and an extended suspension period.

How long does a towing violation suspension last?

The length varies depending on the violation and your driving history. Some suspensions are lifted once you meet the requirements (such as obtaining a CDL). Others include a mandatory waiting period. The Driver Services Bureau will tell you the specific duration when you contact them about your suspension.

Do I need a lawyer to fight a towing violation suspension?

You can request a hearing and represent yourself, but an attorney familiar with Montana administrative law can improve your chances of success. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. If you cannot afford one, contact the Montana State Bar for referrals to low-cost legal services.

What if Anderson Towing is still operating but says they did nothing wrong?

Contact the Montana Highway Patrol directly with your citation number. They can explain exactly what violation triggered the suspension. If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can contest it at a hearing before the Driver Services Bureau.

Can I get a hardship license to drive to work while suspended?

You may be able to request a hardship license depending on your circumstances and the reason for the suspension. Contact the Driver Services Bureau at 406-444-3933 to ask whether you may have access to and what documentation you need to provide.