25-3-602. Operation of vehicle considered consent to service on secretary of state. The acceptance by a nonresident of the rights and privileges conferred by the laws of this state to use the highways, roads, and streets of the state and its political subdivisions, as evidenced by his operating a motor vehicle thereon, shall be deemed equivalent to and construed to be an appointment by such nonresident of the secretary of state of the state of Montana to be his true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served all lawful summonses and processes against him growing out of any accident, collision, or liability in which said nonresident may be involved while operating a motor vehicle upon such highways, roads, and streets; and said acceptance or operation shall be a signification of his agreement that any summons or process against him which is so served shall be of the same legal force and validity as if served on him personally within the state of Montana.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 10, L. 1937; R.C.M. 1947, 53-202.