61-4-202. License requirements -- fee exemption. (1) A new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, distributor branch, importer, or franchiser may not engage in business in Montana except in accordance with the requirements of this part. The provisions of this part do not apply to a public officer engaged in the discharge of official duties or to a trustee, receiver, or other officer acting under the jurisdiction of a court, to financial institutions disposing of repossessed vehicles, or to a person disposing of a personal vehicle. The provisions of this part regulating and licensing new motor vehicle dealers, manufacturers, distributors, factory branches, distributor branches, importers, and franchisors apply only to those new motor vehicle dealers, manufacturers, distributors, factory branches, distributor branches, importers, and franchisors of motor vehicles as defined by this part.
     (2) (a) A manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, distributor branch, importer, or franchisor transacting business within Montana by offering, selling, trading, consigning, or otherwise transferring a new motor vehicle to a new motor vehicle dealer must be licensed by the state of Montana. The department shall issue licenses to qualified applicants upon receipt of a license fee in the amount of $15 accompanied by the information required in this section.
     (b) A manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, distributor branch, importer, or franchisor of a personal watercraft as defined in 23-2-502, a snowmobile as defined in 23-2-601, or an off-highway vehicle as defined in 23-2-801 is not required to pay the $15 fee required in subsection (2)(a).
     (3) The following information, if applicable, must be submitted by an applicant upon forms supplied by the department:
     (a) the name and address of the applicant;
     (b) the make and model of each new motor vehicle to be franchised;
     (c) the name and address of each of the applicant's franchisees within the state; and
     (d) the name and address of each factory branch, distributor branch, agent, or representative within the state.
     (4) (a) Except as provided in subsection (4)(b), a license may be renewed each year if the applicant is in compliance with the provisions of this part, remits a renewal fee in the amount of $15, and notifies the department of any changes in the information previously supplied.
     (b) A manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, distributor branch, importer, or franchisor of a personal watercraft as defined in 23-2-502, a snowmobile as defined in 23-2-601, or an off-highway vehicle as defined in 23-2-801 is not required to pay the $15 fee required in subsection (4)(a) but is required to annually apply to renew its license on a form provided by the department.
     (5) (a) A new motor vehicle may not be sold in this state unless either the manufacturer on direct dealership of domestic vehicles, the importer of foreign manufactured vehicles on direct dealership, or the distributor on indirect dealerships of either domestic or foreign vehicles is licensed as provided in this part.
     (b) Notwithstanding any other licensing provision contained in Montana law, every new motor vehicle dealer shall obtain a license under part 1 of this chapter.
     (c) The obtaining of a license under this part or Title 61, chapter 4, part 1 conclusively establishes that a new motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, distributor, or importer is subject to the laws of this state regulating new motor vehicle dealers, manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
     (d) The provisions of subsection (5)(b) do not apply to dealers of personal watercraft, snowmobiles, or off-highway vehicles licensed under the provisions of Title 23.

     History: En. 51-602 by Sec. 2, Ch. 380, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 51-602; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 557, L. 1979; amd. Secs. 2, 3, Ch. 431, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 384, L. 1999.