Montana Code 61-9-109. Driving vehicle in unsafe condition prohibited — applicability of chapter
61-9-109. Driving vehicle in unsafe condition prohibited — applicability of chapter. (1) It is a misdemeanor for a person to drive or permit to be driven on a highway a vehicle or combination of vehicles that:
Terms Used In Montana Code 61-9-109
- Motorcycle: means a motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and that is designated to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- person: means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, state agency, local government unit, another state government, the United States, a political subdivision of this or another state, or any other legal or commercial entity. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Quadricycle: means a four-wheeled motor vehicle, designed for on-road or off-road use, having a seat or saddle on which the operator sits. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Vehicle: means a device in, on, or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn on a public highway, except devices moved by animal power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. See Montana Code 61-1-101
(a)is in such unsafe condition as to endanger a person;
(b)is not equipped with lamps and other equipment as required in this chapter; or
(c)is equipped in a manner in violation of this chapter.
(2)It is a misdemeanor for a person to perform an act forbidden or fail to perform an act required under this chapter.
(3)The use of additional parts and accessories on a vehicle not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter is not prohibited.
(4)The provisions of this chapter do not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, road rollers, or farm tractors except as made applicable in this chapter.
(5)All lamps and equipment required by this chapter must be maintained in proper working order and adjustment at all times.
(6)(a) Except as provided in subsection (6)(b) and subject to subsection (6)(c), the provisions of this chapter apply to the operation of a motorcycle or quadricycle only when the motorcycle or quadricycle is being operated on a paved highway. A person operating a motorcycle or quadricycle on an unpaved highway shall operate the motorcycle or quadricycle in a reasonable and prudent manner.
(b)Except as provided in subsection (6)(c), the requirements of 61-9-417 and 61-9-418(2)(c) apply to the operation of a motorcycle or quadricycle at all times specified in those sections.
(c)The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the operation and equipping of a quadricycle that is being operated for agricultural purposes on an unpaved highway or on a paved highway that is not an interstate highway as defined in 60-1-103.