Montana § 46-4-402 - Limitations On Use Of Pen Register Or Trap And Trace Device

§ 46-4-402. Limitations On Use Of Pen Register Or Trap And Trace Device

Limitations on use of pen register or trap and trace device. (1) A person may not install or use a pen register or trap and trace device without a court order obtained under 46-4-403 , except as provided in subsection (2). Subsection (2) may not be construed to permit a law enforcement agent to operate a pen register or trap and trace device without a court order obtained under 46-4-403 . The use of a pen register or trap and trace device that has the ability to record conversations is prohibited. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the installation or use of a pen register or trap and trace device by a provider of a wire or electronic communication service: (a) for the: (i) operation, maintenance, or testing of the service; (ii) protection of the rights and property of the provider; or (iii) protection of a user of the service from abuse of or unlawful use of the service; (b) to record the fact that a wire or electronic communication was initiated or completed in order to protect the provider, another provider furnishing service toward the completion of the communication, or a user of the service from fraudulent, unlawful, or abusive use of the service; or (c) if the consent of each person whose originating or transmitted number is recorded or decoded is obtained. (3) A person who knowingly violates subsection (1) commits a criminal offense punishable upon conviction by incarceration for a period of up to 6 months and a fine of up to $500.