House Bill No. introduced by N. Duram, M. Cuffe, D. Hawk, and M. Romano seeks to modernize Montana's transportation laws by defining "motorized scooter" and establishing regulations for their use. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), introducing the term "motorized scooter" and clarifying that it is not classified as a motorcycle. It also updates the definition of "motor-driven cycle" by removing the term "motor," thereby including motorized scooters within this category. The bill specifies that motorized scooters may be propelled by muscular propulsion or an independent power source, with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour on level surfaces, and introduces exclusions for electrically assisted bicycles.

In addition to defining motorized scooters, the bill revises the grace period for new owners of transferred motor vehicles, allowing a 40-day period to apply for a certificate of title and pay registration fees. It clarifies that purchasers of vehicles not bought from licensed dealers may operate them without current registration during this grace period, provided they display a temporary registration permit. The bill also extends existing bicycle regulations to motorized scooters, allowing their operation on sidewalks and bicycle paths under certain conditions, and mandates that riders yield to pedestrians. Overall, the bill aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for the safe operation of motorized scooters and enhance clarity in vehicle regulations in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609
HB0588_1(1): 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609
HB0588_1(2): 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609
HB0588_1(3): 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609
HB0588_1(4): 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609
HB0588_1(5): 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609
HB0588_1: 61-1-101, 61-3-317, 61-8-102, 61-8-601, 61-8-602, 61-8-603, 61-8-604, 61-8-606, 61-8-607, 61-8-608, 61-8-609