HOUSE BILL NO. 473

INTRODUCED BY R. MENAHAN

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REQUIRING THAT PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE STATE AND WHO ARE NEW RESIDENTS OF THE STATE SHALL REGISTER ANY VEHICLES WITHIN 30 DAYS OF OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT; AMENDING SECTIONS 61-3-302 AND 61-3-701, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

Section 1. Section 61-3-302, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-302. Residents operating motor vehicles under licenses issued by any state other than Montana forbidden. A resident of the state of Montana may not operate a motor vehicle under a license issued by any other state than Montana. The provisions of this section apply when residency is claimed for any purpose."

Section 2. Section 61-3-701, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-701. Foreign vehicles used in gainful occupation to be registered -- reciprocity. (1) Before a foreign-licensed motor vehicle may be operated on the highways of this state for hire, compensation, or profit or before the owner or user of the vehicle uses the vehicle if the owner or user is engaged in gainful occupation or business enterprise in the state, including highway work, the owner of the vehicle shall apply to a county treasurer for registration upon an application form furnished by the department within 30 days of obtaining employment. Upon satisfactory evidence of ownership submitted to the county treasurer and the payment of motor vehicle taxes or fees in lieu of taxes, if appropriate, as required by 15-8-201, 15-8-202, 15-24-301, 61-3-504, 61-3-529, or 61-3-537, the treasurer shall accept the application for registration and shall collect the regular license fee required for the vehicle.

(2) Upon payment of the fees or taxes, the treasurer shall issue to the applicant a copy of the certificate entitled "Owner's Certificate of Registration and Payment Receipt" and forward a duplicate copy of the certificate to the department. The treasurer shall at the same time issue to the applicant the proper license plates or other identification markers, which must at all times be displayed upon the vehicle when operated or driven upon roads and highways of this state during the effective period of the license.

(3) The registration receipt does not constitute evidence of ownership but may be used only for registration purposes. A Montana certificate of ownership may not be issued for this type of registration.

(4) This section is not applicable to a vehicle covered by a valid and existing reciprocal agreement or declaration entered into under the provisions of the laws of Montana."

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.

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