Vehicle registration exemptions - Montana

Vehicle owned by person residing in Montana less than 60 days

A person who has resided in Montana for more than 60 consecutive days is considered to be a resident for the purpose of vehicle titling and registration laws, and a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer owned by the person must be titled and registered under the laws of Montana prior to operation in this state after the 60-day period.

Vehicle owned by a nonresident

A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer driven or moved upon a highway in Montana and owned by a nonresident of this state is exempt from registration under this chapter if:

• The vehicle is properly registered in and displays valid license plates of the jurisdiction in which the nonresident owner resides; and
  • The vehicle is not used for the transportation of persons or property for hire, compensation, or profit;
  • The nonresident owner is not employed or engaged in a commercial or business enterprise in this state; or
  • The vehicle is used for the exclusive purpose of filming motion pictures or television commercials and does not remain in Montana for over 180 consecutive days in a calendar year.

Vehicle held for sale

A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is owned by a manufacturer, a dealer, a wholesaler, or an auto auction and that is held for sale is exempt from registration even though the vehicle is incidentally moved on the highway and is used for purposes of testing or demonstration or is used by a manufacturer solely for testing.

A junk vehicle

As defined in Title 75, chapter 10, part 5, being driven to an auto-wrecking graveyard for disposal.

Citations

• 61-3-302, MCA Residents operating motor vehicle under licenses issued by a state other than Montana forbidden – vehicles exempt from registration -- exceptions