Montana Ranks Among the Most Lenient States For DUI Offenders

Montana is the fifth most lenient state in the country for DUI offenders and ranks 49th for DUI prevention, according to a new study from the website Wallet Hub, .

The nationwide study compared DUI laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Their findings are based on several categories, including penalties for first time offenders, alcohol abuse treatment, checkpoints and the use of interlock ignition devices to discourage repeat offenders.

Here in Montana, the minimum sentence for a first time DUI offender is one day in jail. A second offense will land you behind bars for a week. Furthermore, DUI's will stay on your record for life. Unlike other states, a DUI isn't considered a felony here until your fourth offense. Montana is also one of only seven states that does not impose an administrative driver's license suspension for first time offenders.

South Dakota was ranked the most lenient state in the country for DUI's, followed by the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Maryland and Montana. Arizona was the ranked the strictest state, followed by Alaska, Connecticut, West Virginia and Kansas. See the full report here.