Montana Code Annotated 2001

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     61-4-123. Dealer requirements and restrictions. (1) A dealer may not offer for sale, trade, or consignment any vehicle type not authorized by the license issued to the dealer by the department or use a dealer or demonstrator plate on a vehicle of a type for which the dealer is not licensed.
     (2) A dealer may not display at the dealer's established place of business or any approved off-premises sale location a vehicle offered for sale, trade, or consignment unless the Monroney label required for new motor vehicles pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1232 or the buyer's guide label required for used motor vehicles pursuant to 16 CFR, part 455, is affixed to the side window of the vehicle or is conspicuously displayed within the vehicle in a fashion that is readily readable by a customer.
     (3) Except as provided in subsection (4), a dealer may not sell or display a motor vehicle offered for sale at any geographic location other than that of the dealer's established place of business as listed on the dealer's license.
     (4) (a) A dealer may conduct an off-premises display and sale at a geographic location other than that of the dealer's established place of business as listed on the dealer's license if the dealer notifies the department 10 days in advance, on a form prescribed by the department, of the opening date and location of an off-premises display and sale and obtains a permit from the department. The department may require proof from the dealer that the location proposed for the off-premises display and sale is in compliance with local zoning ordinances. Except for recreational vehicle dealers, an off-premises display and sale must be conducted within the county of the dealer's licensed location. The display and sale may not exceed 10 consecutive days, and a licensed dealer may not conduct more than 10 off-premises displays and sales during any 1 calendar year.
     (b) A dealer may display one or more vehicles inside an airport terminal or shopping mall without obtaining an off-premises display and sale permit if no actual sales are made, or could be made, at the terminal or mall.
     (c) Upon prior written notice to the department, a dealer may display one vehicle at a geographic location other than that of the dealer's established place of business as listed on the dealer's license if no actual sales are made, or could be made, at the display location and the display:
     (i) conspicuously promotes or supports an event or a program sponsored by a nonprofit corporation or association organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purposes and the vehicle is displayed at a location where the event is being held or the program is being promoted; or
     (ii) conspicuously promotes a joint commercial endeavor between the dealer and another clearly identified business entity and the vehicle is displayed on premises owned or leased by the other business entity and where the other entity regularly conducts its business. A display under this subsection (4)(c)(ii) may not exceed 90 days.
     (5) If more than one dealer displays vehicles and maintains an established place of business at the same geographic location, each dealer shall ensure that all vehicle records, office facilities, and inventory, if applicable, are physically segregated from those of the other dealer and clearly identified and attributed to the appropriate dealer.
     (6) A dealer shall install and maintain telephone service at the dealer's established place of business. The telephone service must be listed in the directory assistance that applies to the area in which the business is located.
     (7) A dealer shall conspicuously post at the dealer's established place of business written notice indicating the regular and customary office hours maintained by the dealer.
     (8) (a) It is the responsibility of the dealer to ensure that the department is named as a certificate holder on any garage liability insurance policy held by the dealer, that the minimum term of the policy is 1 year, and that a lapse of insurance does not occur as a result of cancellation or termination of a previously certified policy.
     (b) This subsection (8) does not relieve a dealer of the mandatory vehicle liability insurance obligation imposed under chapter 6 of this title.
     (9) A dealer shall display at the dealer's established place of business at least one sign stating the name of the business and indicating that vehicles are offered for sale, trade, or consignment. The letters of the sign must be at least 6 inches in height and clearly visible and readable to the major avenue of traffic at a minimum distance of 150 feet.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 409, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 385, L. 2001.

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