reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 6. Responsibility of Vehicle Users and Owners › Part 3. Mandatory Liability Protection › 61-6-303. Exempt vehicles

61-6-303. Exempt vehicles.
The following vehicles and their drivers are exempt from the provisions of 61-6-301:
(1) a vehicle owned by the United States government or any state or political subdivision;
(2) an implement of husbandry or special mobile equipment that is only incidentally operated on a highway or property open to use by the public;
(3) a vehicle operated upon a highway only for the purpose of crossing the highway from one property to another;
(4) a commercial vehicle registered or proportionally registered in this and any other jurisdiction if the vehicle is covered by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy complying with the laws of another jurisdiction in which it is registered;
(5) a motorcycle or quadricycle;
(6) a vehicle moved solely by human or animal power.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 592, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 212, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 34, Ch. 516, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1957, Ch. 56, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 4, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 445, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 6. Responsibility of Vehicle Users and Owners › Part 3. Mandatory Liability Protection › 61-6-309. Law enforcement use of verification system

61-6-309. Law enforcement use of verification system.
(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of 61-6-302, a peace officer or authorized employee of a law enforcement agency may, during the course of a traffic stop or accident investigation, access the verification system provided under 61-6-157 to verify whether a motor vehicle is covered by a valid motor vehicle liability policy that meets the requirements of 61-6-103 and 61-6-301.
(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b), the response received from the system supersedes an insurance card or electronic document showing proof of compliance with 61-6-301 produced or displayed by a vehicle owner or operator, and notwithstanding the display of an insurance card or electronic document by the owner or operator, the peace officer may issue a complaint and notice to appear to the owner or operator for a violation of 61-6-301 or 61-6-302.
(b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply if the vehicle is:
(i) covered under a commercial automobile insurance coverage policy;
(ii) part of a self-insured fleet as provided in 61-6-143; or
(iii) included in an insurance binder, as allowed by 33-15-411, that has not been entered into the system at the time the system is accessed under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) Except upon reasonable cause to believe that a driver has violated another traffic regulation or that the driver's vehicle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law, a peace officer may not use the verification system to stop a driver for operating a motor vehicle in violation of 61-6-301.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 413, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 146, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-101. Short title -- definition

61-7-101. Short title -- definition.
(1) This part will be cited as the "Uniform Accident Reporting Act".
(2) As used in this part, "accident" means any event in which a vehicle collides with any object, person, deceased person, or animal or any event in which a person is injured or killed or property damage is caused as a result of at least one vehicle's movement.
History: En. Sec. 18, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1217; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 235, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-102. Application

61-7-102. Application.
The provisions of this part shall apply upon highways and elsewhere throughout the state.
History: En. Sec. 22, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2124(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-103. Accidents involving another person or deceased person

61-7-103. Accidents involving another person or deceased person.
The driver of any vehicle who knows or reasonably should have known that the driver has been in an accident with another person or a deceased person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the accident as possible but shall then return to and in every event remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of 61-7-105. Each stop at the scene of the accident must be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 210, L. 1939; Subd. (c) amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 212, L. 1947; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 256, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1202; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 556, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 145, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 235, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-104. Repealed

61-7-104. Repealed.
Sec. 7, Ch. 235, L. 2011.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1203; amd. Sec. 1958, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-105. Duty to give information and render aid

61-7-105. Duty to give information and render aid.
(1) The driver of any vehicle required to stop pursuant to 61-7-103 shall:
(a) give the driver's name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving and shall upon request and if available show a driver's license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with;
(b) render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting or the making of arrangements for the transporting of the person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that the treatment is necessary or if transportation is requested by the injured person; and
(c) if any person in the accident is injured, deceased, or otherwise incapacitated or if notice is required pursuant to 61-7-108, remain at the scene of the accident until an on-duty peace officer with authority to investigate the accident gives the driver express permission to leave. This subsection (1)(c) does not apply when the driver reasonably believes it is necessary to leave the scene in order to seek emergency medical care for any person involved in the accident or to give notice to authorities pursuant to 61-7-108.
(2) A driver may not delegate to another the duties imposed under this section.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1204; amd. Sec. 34, Ch. 443, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1959, Ch. 56, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 235, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-106. Duty upon striking unattended vehicle

61-7-106. Duty upon striking unattended vehicle.
The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle or shall leave in a conspicuous place in the vehicle struck a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle doing the striking and a statement of the circumstances thereof.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1205.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-107. Duty upon striking fixtures or other property upon highway

61-7-107. Duty upon striking fixtures or other property upon highway.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to fixtures or other property legally upon or adjacent to a highway shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of the accident, of the driver's name and address, and of the registration number of the vehicle being driven and shall upon request and if available exhibit a driver's license and shall report the accident when and as required in 61-7-109.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 256, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1206; amd. Sec. 35, Ch. 443, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1960, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-108. Immediate notice of accidents

61-7-108. Immediate notice of accidents.
The driver of a vehicle who knows or reasonably should have known that the driver has been involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, striking the body of a deceased person, or property damage to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within a municipality, otherwise to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office of the highway patrol.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 256, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1207; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 59, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 115, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 235, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 314, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-109. Written reports of accidents -- additional information -- form of report

61-7-109. Written reports of accidents -- additional information -- form of report.
(1) The operator of a motor vehicle that is in any manner involved in an accident within this state in which a person is killed or injured or in which damage to the property of a person in excess of $1,000 is sustained shall, within 10 days after the accident, report the matter in writing to the department unless the accident was investigated and reported by a law enforcement officer as provided in subsection (3).
(2) The department may require the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient and may require witnesses of accidents to render reports.
(3) A law enforcement officer who in the regular course of duty investigates a motor vehicle accident in which a person is killed or injured or in which damage to the property of a person exceeds $1,000, either at the time of and at the scene of the accident or after the accident by interviewing participants or witnesses, shall within 10 days after completing the investigation forward a written report of the accident to the department.
(4) The form of the accident report required under this section must contain information sufficient to enable the department to determine whether the requirements for the deposit of security for safety responsibility are inapplicable by reason of the existence of insurance or other exemptions specified in chapter 6 of this title.
(5) A report required by subsection (1) or (2) may not be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident.
History: En. Sec. 9, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 256, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 52, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1208; amd. Sec. 64, Ch. 421, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 299, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 59, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 70, Ch. 83, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 486, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 115, L. 1999.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-110. When driver unable to report

61-7-110. When driver unable to report.
(1) An accident report is not required under this part from any person who is physically incapable of making such report during the period of such incapacity.
(2) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of giving an immediate notice of an accident as required in 61-7-108, and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of doing so, such occupant shall make or cause to be given the notice not given by the driver.
(3) Whenever the driver is physically incapable of making a written report of an accident as required in 61-7-109, and such driver is not the owner of the vehicle, then the owner of the vehicle involved in such accident shall within 10 days after learning of such accident, make such report not made by the driver.
(4) Any person who gives information in reports as required in 61-7-109 or in this section, knowing or having reason to believe that such information is false, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months or both.
History: En. Sec. 10, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 256, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1209.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-111. Accident report forms

61-7-111. Accident report forms.
(1) The department shall prepare and, upon request, supply to police departments, coroners, medical examiners, sheriffs, garages, and other suitable agencies or individuals forms for accident reports required hereunder, appropriate with respect to the persons required to make such reports and the purposes to be served. The written reports to be made by persons involved in accidents and by investigating officers shall call for sufficiently detailed information to disclose with reference to a traffic accident the causes, conditions then existing, and the persons and vehicles involved.
(2) Every accident report required to be made in writing shall be made on the appropriate form approved by the department and shall contain all of the information required therein unless not available.
(3) The department may suspend the license or permit to drive of any resident or the nonresident operating privilege of any person failing to report an accident as herein provided until such report has been filed.
History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 256, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1210; amd. Sec. 31, Ch. 7, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 299, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-112. Coroners and medical examiners to report

61-7-112. Coroners and medical examiners to report.
Each coroner, medical examiner, or other official performing similar functions shall, on or before the 10th day of each month, report in writing to the department the deaths of all persons within the official's respective jurisdiction during the preceding calendar month as the result of traffic accidents, giving the time and place of each accident and the circumstances relating to the accident.
History: En. Sec. 12, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 256, L. 1959; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1211; amd. Sec. 32, Ch. 7, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1961, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-113. Garages to report

61-7-113. Garages to report.
The person in charge of any garage or repair shop to which is brought any motor vehicle which shows evidence of having been struck by any bullet or involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in 61-7-109 shall report to the department within 24 hours after such motor vehicle is received, giving the engine number, registration number, and the name and address of the owner or operator of such vehicle.
History: En. Sec. 13, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1212; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-114. Accident reports confidential

61-7-114. Accident reports confidential.
(1) All required accident reports and supplemental reports must be without prejudice to the individual reporting and must be for the confidential use of the department or other governmental agencies for accident prevention, roadway design, motor carrier safety monitoring purposes, or for the administration of the laws of this state relating to the deposit of security and proof of financial responsibility by persons driving or the owners of motor vehicles. The department may disclose the identity of a person involved in an accident when the identity is not otherwise known or when the person denies being present at the accident.
(2) Except as provided in this section, all accident reports and supplemental information filed as required by this part are confidential and not open to general public inspection. Except as provided in subsection (2)(e), copying of lists of reports is not permitted. The report and supplemental information, including witness statements, filed by law enforcement personnel, as required by this part, may be examined and copied, without obtaining a court order, by:
(a) a person named in the report or involved in the accident;
(b) the representative of the person referred to in subsection (2)(a), designated in writing, or the insurance carrier of that person;
(c) a party to a civil action arising from the accident;
(d) the executor, the administrator, or the attorney representing the executor or administrator if the person is deceased; or
(e) the general public, including commercial entities, for purposes of research into the history of vehicles, but the department may not disclose the name, address, or telephone number of, or other information allowing the identification of, any reporting person, accident victim, peace officer, or other person or any insurer named in a report or supplemental information, including witness statements.
History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 210, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 256, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 142, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1213; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 486, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 105, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 296, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-115. Department to tabulate and analyze accident reports

61-7-115. Department to tabulate and analyze accident reports.
The department shall tabulate and may analyze all accident reports and shall publish annually or at more frequent intervals statistical information based thereon as to the number and circumstances of traffic accidents.
History: En. Sec. 15, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1214; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-116. Any incorporated city permitted to require accident reports

61-7-116. Any incorporated city permitted to require accident reports.
Any incorporated city, town, village, or other municipality may by ordinance require that the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident shall also file with a designated city department a report of such accident or a copy of any report herein required to be filed with the department of justice. All such reports shall be for the confidential use of the city department and subject to the provisions of 61-7-114.
History: En. Sec. 16, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1215; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-117. Uniformity of interpretation

61-7-117. Uniformity of interpretation.
This part shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.
History: En. Sec. 17, Ch. 210, L. 1939; R.C.M. 1947, 32-1216.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 7. Accidents and Accident Reports › Part 1. Uniform Accident Reporting Act › 61-7-118. Penalty for violation

61-7-118. Penalty for violation.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), a person violating any provision of 61-7-103, 61-7-105 through 61-7-110, or 61-7-112 through 61-7-114 is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a first conviction, the offender shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200 or more than $300 or by imprisonment for not more than 20 days. For a second conviction within 1 year of the first conviction, the offender shall be punished by a fine of not less than $300 or more than $400, by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both. Upon a third or subsequent conviction within 1 year of the first conviction, an offender shall be punished by a fine of not less than $400 or more than $500, by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.
(2) A driver failing to comply with any provisions of 61-7-103 or 61-7-105 in an accident resulting in injury to any person shall upon conviction be punished by imprisonment for a term of not less than 30 days or more than 1 year, by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $5,000, or by both fine and imprisonment.
(3) A driver failing to comply with any provision of 61-7-103 or 61-7-105 in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, as defined in 45-2-101, or death of any person or resulting in the driver striking the body of a deceased person shall upon conviction be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than 1 year or more than 10 years, by a fine in an amount not to exceed $50,000, or by both fine and imprisonment. Upon conviction, the department shall also revoke the driver's license, permit to drive, or any nonresident operating privilege for the period prescribed in 61-5-205.
(4) Subject to the limitations of 46-18-231(3), an offender who fails to pay a fine shall be imprisoned in the county jail in the county in which the offense was committed, and the punishment must be commuted at the rate of 1 day's incarceration for each $75 of the fine.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 299, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 364, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 335, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 235, L. 2011.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-101. Application -- exceptions

61-8-101. Application -- exceptions.
(1) As used in this chapter, "ways of this state open to the public" means any highway, road, alley, lane, parking area, or other public or private place adapted and fitted for public travel that is in common use by the public.
(2) The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways except:
(a) where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section;
(b) the provisions of 61-8-301 and 61-8-1002(1) and (2), with regard to operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, apply anywhere within this state;
(c) the provisions of 61-8-301 and 61-8-1002, except under the influence of a dangerous drug and 61-8-1002(2), with regard to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, apply upon all ways of this state open to the public.
(3) The operation of motor vehicles directly across the public roads and highways of this state, especially as required in the transportation of natural resource products, including agricultural products and livestock, shall not be considered to be the operation of such vehicles on the public roads and highways of this state or on ways of this state open to the public, provided that such crossings are adequately marked with warning signs or devices. Such crossings are subject to provisions relating to stopping before entry and to restoration of any damage as may reasonably be prescribed by the state or local agency in control of safety of operation of the public highway involved.
History: (1)En. Sec. 22, Ch. 263, L. 1955; Sec. 32-2124, R.C.M. 1947; (2)En. Sec. 4, Ch. 247, L. 1959; Sec. 32-2124.1, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2124(part), 32-2124.1; amd. Sec. 65, Ch. 421, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 659, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 698, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 282, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 38, Ch. 498, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-103. Provisions uniform throughout state -- power of local authorities

61-8-103. Provisions uniform throughout state -- power of local authorities.
The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable and uniform throughout this state and in all political subdivisions and municipalities therein and no local authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance, rule, or regulation in conflict with the provisions of this chapter unless expressly authorized herein. Local authorities may, however, adopt additional traffic regulations which are not in conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
History: En. Sec. 27, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 201, L. 1957; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2130.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-104. Required obedience to traffic laws

61-8-104. Required obedience to traffic laws.
It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this chapter with respect to particular offenses, it is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in 61-8-711 for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter.
History: En. Sec. 23, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2125; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 40, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-105. Obedience to peace officers, flag persons, crossing guards, and public safety workers

61-8-105. Obedience to peace officers, flag persons, crossing guards, and public safety workers.
A person may not willfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order or direction of a peace officer, flag person, crossing guard, or public safety worker pertaining to the use of the highways by traffic. For purposes of this section:
(1) "peace officer" has the meaning provided in 7-32-303; and
(2) "public safety worker" means a person who is authorized to provide assistance at the scene of an incident that requires traffic control and who is either a member of a paid or volunteer fire department, an emergency medical service provider, a member of a search and rescue team, or a civilian accident investigator appointed by a law enforcement agency.
History: En. Sec. 24, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2126; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 217, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 431, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 20, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-106. Responsibility of public officers and employees

61-8-106. Responsibility of public officers and employees.
(1) The provisions of this chapter applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state, or any county, city, or town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, except as provided in this section and subject to such specific exceptions as are set forth in this chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.
(2) Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this chapter except those contained in part 5 of chapter 8 shall not apply to persons, teams, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the surface of a highway but shall apply to such persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work.
History: En. Sec. 25, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2127.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-107. Police vehicles and authorized emergency vehicles

61-8-107. Police vehicles and authorized emergency vehicles.
(1) The driver of a police vehicle or authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this section, but subject to the conditions in this section.
(2) The driver of a police vehicle or authorized emergency vehicle may:
(a) park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(b) proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(c) exceed the speed limits as long as the driver does not endanger life or property;
(d) disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
(3) The exemptions granted to a police vehicle or authorized emergency vehicle apply only when the vehicle is making use of an audible or visual signal, or both, meeting the requirements of 61-9-402.
(4) The provisions of this section do not relieve the driver of a police vehicle or authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, and the provisions do not protect the driver from the consequences of the driver's reckless disregard for the safety of others.
History: En. Sec. 25.1, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 169, L. 1957; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 153, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2128; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 11, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1962, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-108. Traffic laws applicable to persons driving animal-drawn vehicles

61-8-108. Traffic laws applicable to persons driving animal-drawn vehicles.
Every person driving an animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except those provisions of this chapter which by their very nature can have no application.
History: En. Sec. 26, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2129.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-109. Rights of owners of real property not affected -- when

61-8-109. Rights of owners of real property not affected -- when.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the owner of real property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel by permission of the owner from prohibiting such use or from requiring other or different or additional conditions than those specified in this chapter, or otherwise regulating such use as may seem best to such owner.
History: En. Sec. 29, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2132.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-110. Forest development road, special service road defined

61-8-110. Forest development road, special service road defined.
For the purpose of 61-8-111 and 61-8-112 a "forest development road" is defined as a road located on national forest lands or on a right-of-way acquired by the United States and used for the protection, administration, and utilization of the national forests and other lands administered by the United States forest service; and a "special service road" is defined as a forest development road or segment thereof, the right-of-way for which is controlled by the United States and which is not a part of the highway system of the state or of a county or other public road authority of this state, designated by the forest service, pursuant to the regulations of the secretary of the United States department of agriculture, as a special service road for the purpose of controlling and regulating its use to accomplish the purposes of the secretary of agriculture's regulations applicable to the administration of the forest development transport system.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 139, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2124.3.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-111. State laws applicable on forest development roads -- enforcement

61-8-111. State laws applicable on forest development roads -- enforcement.
Forest development roads in the state, whether or not they meet the definition of a public highway by the laws of this state, are subject to the traffic laws of this state and the Montana highway patrol and county sheriffs of this state shall have jurisdiction thereon to investigate accidents and enforce the Montana traffic laws.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 139, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2124.4.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 1. General Provisions › 61-8-112. Special service roads not subject to state law enforcement -- when

61-8-112. Special service roads not subject to state law enforcement -- when.
When forest development roads, or segments thereof, are designated as special service roads by the United States forest service and by such designation are subjected to traffic rules in addition to or in conflict with the Montana traffic laws, neither the additional nor conflicting traffic rules so prescribed by the forest service nor the Montana traffic law with which they conflict shall be within the jurisdiction of law enforcement officers of this state as to such special service road.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 139, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2124.5.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-201. Obedience to traffic control devices -- exception for certain vehicles and funeral processions

61-8-201. Obedience to traffic control devices -- exception for certain vehicles and funeral processions.
(1) Unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, flag person, crossing guard, or public safety worker, the driver of a vehicle shall obey the instructions of an official traffic control device applicable to the driver's vehicle and placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle, a police vehicle, or a highway patrol vehicle and the driver of a motor vehicle in a funeral procession are exempt from obedience to official traffic control devices and flag persons as provided in this chapter.
(2) A provision of this chapter for which traffic control devices or flag persons are required may not be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official traffic control device or flag person is not in proper position and sufficiently legible or visible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section of this chapter does not state that official traffic control devices or flag persons are required, the section is effective even though traffic control devices are not erected or in place.
(3) Official traffic control devices or flag persons that are placed or held in position substantially conforming to the requirements of this chapter and the requirements of the uniform system adopted by the department of transportation pursuant to 61-8-202 are presumed to have been placed by an official act or at the discretion of a lawful authority.
History: En. Sec. 33, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2136; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 217, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 338, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 196, Ch. 542, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-202. Department of transportation to adopt manual

61-8-202. Department of transportation to adopt manual.
The department of transportation shall adopt a manual for a uniform system of traffic control devices consistent with this chapter for use upon highways within the state. The manual adopted by the department of transportation must correlate with and so far as possible conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as amended, published by the United States federal highway administration.
History: En. Sec. 30, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 241, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 52, Ch. 316, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2133; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 37, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 512, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 53, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-203. Department of transportation to place traffic control devices on highways it maintains and approve traffic control devices on highways under its jurisdiction

61-8-203. Department of transportation to place traffic control devices on highways it maintains and approve traffic control devices on highways under its jurisdiction.
(1) The department of transportation shall place and maintain traffic control devices, conforming to its manual and specifications, upon all highways maintained by the department of transportation that the department considers necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9 and this chapter or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
(2) A local authority or other entity may not place or maintain a traffic control device upon a highway under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation except with the department's permission.
(3) The unauthorized erection of a sign, marker, emblem, or other traffic control device on a highway under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation by any other entity is a misdemeanor and is punishable as provided in 61-8-712.
(4) The erection or maintenance of a sign, marker, emblem, or traffic control device on a highway under the jurisdiction of the department of transportation is subject to the rules and specifications that the department adopts and publishes in the interest of public safety and convenience.
(5) (a) An automated enforcement system designed to detect traffic violations that is attached to a traffic control device may not be used to enforce traffic laws.
(b) Subsection (5)(a) does not apply to automated enforcement systems attached to traffic control devices at railroad grade crossings.
History: En. Sec. 31, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 224, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 53, Ch. 316, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2134(a) thru (d); amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 512, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 53, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 447, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-204. Reward for information on injury to or removal of sign or marker

61-8-204. Reward for information on injury to or removal of sign or marker.
Upon conviction under the provisions of 61-8-713, a person who furnishes information to law enforcement officers leading to the arrest and conviction of the accused person must be paid a reward from the highway nonrestricted account provided for in 15-70-125 in the sum of $100.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 184, L. 1965; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2134.2; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 57, Ch. 509, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 18, Ch. 267, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-205. Repealed

61-8-205. Repealed.
Sec. 9, Ch. 53, L. 2003.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 184, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 54, Ch. 316, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2134.3; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 512, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-206. Local traffic control devices

61-8-206. Local traffic control devices.
(1) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions shall place and maintain traffic control devices upon highways under their jurisdiction that they consider necessary to indicate and to carry out the provisions of this chapter or local traffic ordinances or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. All traffic control devices must conform to the state manual and specifications.
(2) (a) An automated enforcement system designed to detect traffic violations that is attached to a traffic control device may not be used to enforce traffic laws.
(b) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to automated enforcement systems attached to traffic control devices at railroad grade crossings.
History: En. Sec. 32, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2135; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 447, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-208. Pedestrian control signals

61-8-208. Pedestrian control signals.
Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Don't Walk" or symbols of a walking person or an upraised palm are in place, the signals indicate as follows:
(1) A pedestrian facing a "Walk" signal or a walking person symbol may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and the operators of all vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.
(2) A pedestrian may not start to cross the roadway in the direction of a signal exhibiting a flashing or steady "Don't Walk" signal or upraised palm symbol, but a pedestrian who has partially completed crossing on the "Walk" signal or walking person symbol shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the "Don't Walk" signal or upraised palm symbol is showing. An operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian who has partially completed crossing and is proceeding to the sidewalk or safety island.
(3) A pedestrian may not start to cross a roadway in the direction of a steady "Don't Walk" signal or upraised palm symbol.
History: En. Sec. 35, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2138; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 53, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-209. Flashing signals

61-8-209. Flashing signals.
(1) Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic control device, it requires obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:
(a) When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, an operator of a vehicle shall stop at a marked stop line. If there is no marked stop line, an operator shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection. If there is no crosswalk, an operator shall stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching traffic. The right to proceed is subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign, as provided in 61-8-344.
(b) When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, the operator of a vehicle may proceed through the intersection or past the flashing yellow signal only with caution.
(2) This section does not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of an operator of a vehicle approaching a railroad grade crossing is governed by the provisions of 61-8-347.
History: En. Sec. 36, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 169, L. 1957; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2139; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 53, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-210. Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings

61-8-210. Display of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings.
(1) A person may not place, maintain, or display upon or in view of a highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic control device, that attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or that hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or flag person.
(2) A person may not place or maintain and a public authority may not permit commercial advertising on an official traffic control device on a highway, except for business signs included as a part of official motorist service panels or roadside area information panels approved by the department of transportation.
(3) This section does not prohibit the erection of signs upon private property adjacent to highways that give useful directional information and that are of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs.
History: En. Sec. 37, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2140(a) thru (d); amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 53, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 197, Ch. 542, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-211. Lane use control signals

61-8-211. Lane use control signals.
When lane use control signals are placed over individual lanes, the signals indicate and apply to operators of vehicles as follows:
(1) An operator of a vehicle may drive in the lane over which a steady downward green arrow signal is located.
(2) An operator of a vehicle must be prepared to vacate, in a safe manner, the lane over which a steady yellow X signal is located because a lane control change is being made to a steady red X signal.
(3) An operator of a vehicle may not use the lane over which the steady red X signal is located.
(4) An operator of a vehicle may use a lane over which a steady white two-way left-turn arrow signal is located for a left turn but not for through travel. The operator must be aware that common use of the lane by oncoming vehicular traffic is also permitted.
(5) An operator of a vehicle may use a lane over which a steady white one-way left-turn arrow signal is located for a left turn but not for through travel.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 53, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 2. Traffic Control Devices › 61-8-212. Inoperative traffic control device

61-8-212. Inoperative traffic control device.
An operator of a vehicle approaching an intersection in which an electronic traffic control device is inoperative shall stop in the manner prescribed in 61-8-344, except when directed to proceed by a police officer, highway patrol officer, or traffic control signal.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 143, L. 2007.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 3. Vehicle Operating Requirements › 61-8-301. Reckless driving

61-8-301. Reckless driving.
(1) A person commits the offense of reckless driving if the person:
(a) operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property; or
(b) operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property while passing, in either direction, a school bus that has stopped and is displaying the visual flashing red signal, as provided in 61-8-351 and 61-9-402. This subsection (1)(b) does not apply to situations described in 61-8-351(7).
(2) A municipality may enact and enforce 61-8-715 and subsection (1) of this section as an ordinance.
(3) A person who is convicted of the offense of reckless driving or of reckless endangerment of a highway worker is subject to the penalties provided in 61-8-715.
History: En. Sec. 40, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 201, L. 1957; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 287, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2143(1), (4); amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 209, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 221, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 561, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 46, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 352, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 379, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 426, L. 2017; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 478, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 567, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 61. Motor Vehicles › Chapter 8. Traffic Regulation › Part 3. Vehicle Operating Requirements › 61-8-302. Careless driving

61-8-302. Careless driving.
(1) A person operating or driving a vehicle upon ways of this state open to the public shall drive it in a careful and prudent manner that does not unduly or unreasonably endanger the life, limb, property, or other rights of a person using the ways of this state open to the public.
(2) A person who is convicted of the offense of careless driving is subject to the penalties provided in 61-8-711 or 61-8-716.
History: En. 32-2143.3 by Sec. 1, Ch. 294, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2143.3; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 561, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 552, L. 2023.