61-1-134. Commercial motor vehicle defined -- exceptions. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), "commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle used to transport passengers or property if the vehicle:
     (a) has a gross vehicle weight or manufacturer's rated capacity of 26,001 pounds or more;
     (b) is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver;
     (c) is a school bus as defined in 20-10-101; or
     (d) is used to transport hazardous material.
     (2) The following vehicles are not commercial motor vehicles:
     (a) a vehicle exempt from taxation, used for firefighting, and bearing Montana tax-exempt plates;
     (b) a police emergency response vehicle; or
     (c) a vehicle:
     (i) controlled and operated by a farmer or person employed by a farmer;
     (ii) used to transport farm products, farm machinery, or farm supplies within Montana or within 150 miles of the farm headquarters; and
     (iii) not used to transport goods for compensation or hire.
     (3) For purposes of this section, "farmer" means a person who operates a farm or who is directly involved in the cultivation of land or crops or the raising of livestock owned by or under the direct control of that person.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 443, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 378, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 521, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 127, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 195, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 575, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 1995.