Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 61. MOTOR VEHICLES

CHAPTER 9. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

Part 2. Lighting Equipment

Signal Lamps And Signal Devices -- When Required

61-9-218. Signal lamps and signal devices -- when required. (1) A motor vehicle or combination of vehicles may be equipped and when required under this chapter must be equipped with signal lamps showing to the front and rear for the purpose of indicating an intention to turn either to the right or left. The lamps showing to the front must be located on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. Except as provided in subsection (3), when in use, the lamps must display a white or amber light, or a shade of color between white and amber, visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the front in normal sunlight. The lamps showing to the rear must be located at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. Except as provided in subsection (3), when in use, the lamps must display a red or amber light, or a shade of color between red and amber, visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight. When actuated the lamps must indicate the intended direction of turning by flashing the lights showing to the front and rear on the side toward which the turn is made.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer must be equipped with signal lamps meeting the requirements of this section.

(3) On a motor vehicle manufactured or assembled before January 1, 1964, the signal lamps required by this section must be visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet. Signal lamps are not required on any vehicle manufactured or assembled before January 1, 1953.

(4) A stop lamp or signal lamp or device may not project a glaring light.

History: En. Sec. 130, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 105, L. 1957; R.C.M. 1947, 32-21-133; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 431, L. 1997.