Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 61. MOTOR VEHICLES

CHAPTER 9. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

Part 2. Lighting Equipment

Special Restrictions On Lamps -- Definition

61-9-226. Special restrictions on lamps -- definition. (1) A lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle other than headlamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, or flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle warning lamps, and school bus warning lamps that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than 300 candlepower must be so directed that the high intensity portion of the beam may not strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle.

(2) A person may not drive or move a vehicle or equipment upon a highway with a lamp or device displaying a red light visible from in front of the center of the vehicle. This section does not apply to a vehicle upon which a red light visible from the front is expressly authorized or required by this code.

(3) Flashing, blinking, sequential, rotating, or pulsating lights are prohibited except on vehicles that are authorized by this chapter to contain the lights or on a vehicle as a means for indicating a right or left turn or the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.

(4) License plate decorative lighting that is not original manufacturer's equipment or undercarriage decorative lighting that rotates, flashes, or oscillates or that displays a color authorized by this chapter for use by police vehicles and authorized emergency vehicles may not be illuminated on a vehicle that is operated upon a highway or street.

(5) As used in this section "school bus" has the meaning provided in 20-10-101.

History: En. Sec. 138, Ch. 263, L. 1955; R.C.M. 1947, 32-21-141; amd. Sec. 19, Ch. 431, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 214, Ch. 542, L. 2005.