This bill revises motor vehicle law in Montana to allow for the voluntary cancellation or suspension of a vehicle's registration. It establishes that a registered vehicle owner can cancel or suspend their registration through a process defined by department rules, requiring consent from all registered owners if the vehicle is jointly owned. Vehicles with canceled or suspended registrations are prohibited from being driven on public roads. Additionally, the bill outlines the liability of individuals operating vehicles with canceled or suspended registrations, holding them responsible for any tolls, fines, or damages incurred during operation. It also allows vehicle owners to implead the driver in legal actions related to the vehicle's operation.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 61-14-101 of the Montana Code Annotated to grant the department rulemaking authority regarding the voluntary cancellation or suspension of vehicle registrations. New provisions include rules for generic specialty license plates, specifying character limits, placement of sponsor information, and design specifications. The department is also tasked with creating rules to facilitate the end of a voluntary suspension of a vehicle's registration. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding vehicle registration and ensure accountability for vehicle operation under canceled or suspended statuses.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(1): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(2): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(3): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(4): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(5): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(6): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(7): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1(8): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_1: 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(1): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(10): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(2): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(3): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(4): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(5): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(6): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(7): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(8): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2(9): 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_2: 61-6-301, 61-14-101
HB0235_3: 61-14-101
HB0235_X(1): 61-14-101
HB0235_X(2): 61-14-101
HB0235_X(3): 61-14-101
HB0235_X(4): 61-14-101
HB0235_X(5): 61-14-101
HB0235_X: 61-14-101