Montana debuts cute new license plate design projected to raise $100K for state wildlife crossings

Montana launched specialty license plates on July 1, 2026, designed by recent high school graduate Kylie Bute, projected to raise approximately $100,000 annually for the state's wildlife crossing and habitat connectivity programs, building on a 2025 legislature decision to designate specific funding to these structures.

Wildlife crossings reduce collisions by over 90%, but the license plate program is a new funding mechanism; long-term uptake and impact will depend on continued participation.