The bill seeks to revise and clarify motor vehicle traffic regulations in Montana by reorganizing definitions and introducing new terms, such as "paved shoulder." It consolidates definitions relevant to traffic regulations into a single section and revises existing definitions for consistency. Key provisions include allowing bicycles to operate on paved shoulders, stipulating that drivers must stop for school buses that are stopped on the roadway or paved shoulder, and outlining specific rules for yielding to emergency vehicles. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including those related to accessible parking, motor vehicle insurance, and the operation of vehicles on public ways.

Significant legal language changes include the insertion of the definition of "paved shoulder," which allows bicycles to operate on both roadways and paved shoulders, with the provision that cyclists may ride two abreast on paved shoulders. The bill also clarifies the requirements for drivers yielding to emergency vehicles, ensuring they do not stop in intersections and can utilize paved shoulders when available. Additionally, it updates the process for law enforcement agencies to take custody of abandoned vehicles, streamlining procedures and clarifying the authority of various agencies involved in vehicle removal. Overall, the bill aims to enhance safety and compliance with traffic regulations in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(1): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(2): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(3): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(4): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(5): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(6): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1(7): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_1: 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(1): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(10): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(11): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(12): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(13): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(2): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(3): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(4): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(5): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(6): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(7): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(8): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2(9): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_2: 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3(1): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3(2): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3(3): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3(4): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3(5): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3(6): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_3: 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_X(1): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_X(2): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_X(3): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_X(4): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_X(5): 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401
HB0043_X: 49-4-302, 61-6-301, 61-8-101, 61-8-102, 61-8-351, 61-8-387, 61-8-605, 61-12-401