61-3-401. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) (a) "Collector reproduction license plate" means a license that is a reproduction of the original license plate issued according to the provisions of 61-3-331, section 53-116, R.C.M. 1947, section 1759.1, R.C.M. 1935, or section 1759, R.C.M. 1921, whichever section was effective during the year of the manufacture of the motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer on which the license plate is authorized to be displayed.

(b) To qualify as a collector reproduction license plate, the reproduction plate must:

(i) be made of metal;

(ii) be the same size and color as the original license plate; and

(iii) have the same design, including any embossed or raised letters or numbers, as the original license plate.

(2) "Collegiate license plates" means license plates bearing the colors, numerals, letters, and insignia provided in 61-3-463 and issued as provided in 61-3-464 through 61-3-466.

(3) "General transportation collector's item" means a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that is 25 years old or older and that is used for general transportation purposes.

(4) "Generic specialty license plate" means a license plate that bears the name, identifying phrase, or graphic of a sponsor, approved by the department, and that is issued by the department.

(5) "Governmental body" means a tribal government, state agency, local government, school district, or other political subdivision within this state.

(6) "Institution" means:

(a) a unit of the Montana university system as designated in 20-25-201;

(b) a community college district as defined in 20-15-101; or

(c) a college or university located in Montana and accredited by a national or regional accrediting association for institutions of higher learning to grant baccalaureate degrees.

(7) "Naval support license plate" means a license plate:

(a) sponsored by an incorporated body promoting the commissioning of a United States navy ship or the welfare of the crew of a United States navy ship named in association with Montana;

(b) with a design and content approved by the department, and with a numbering system conforming to generic specialty license plates that is distinctive from the numbering system required under 61-3-332 or used for collegiate license plates; and

(c) treated as a generic specialty license plate for the purposes of 61-3-475 through 61-3-481.

(8) "Organization" means an association, corporation, group, or other entity:

(a) recognized by the internal revenue service as tax-exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3); and

(b) that does not have as its primary focus sectarian activities, including but not limited to activities aimed at promoting the adoption of one or more religious or political viewpoints.

(9) "Original Montana license plate" means a license plate issued according to the provisions of 61-3-331, section 53-116, R.C.M. 1947, section 1759.1, R.C.M. 1935, or section 1759, R.C.M. 1921, whichever section was effective during the year of the manufacture of the motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer on which the license plate is authorized to be displayed.

(10) "Personalized license plates" means license plates that are specially produced and display a specific combination of letters or numbers, or both, expressly requested by the owner of the passenger motor vehicle.

(11) "Sponsor" means the governmental body, the governmental body's successor, or an organization approved by the department to promote the sale and issuance of a generic specialty license plate.

(12) "Tribal government" means the officially recognized government of an Indian tribe, nation, or other organized Indian group or community located in the state that is exercising self-government powers and that is recognized as being eligible for services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.