For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ARTERIAL HIGHWAY. A state highway designated by the Commission as part of the non-interstate component of the national highway system, the primary highway system and any highway so designated as a part of the secondary highway system that has been constructed and is being used primarily for through traffic on a continuous route.
ATV. An all-terrain vehicle, also known as a quad, three-wheeler, four-wheeler or quadricycle, is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, along with handlebars for steering control.
AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE. A vehicle of a governmental fire agency organized under MCA Title 7, Chapter 33, being an ambulance, or an emergency vehicle designated or authorized by the department.
BUS. A motor vehicle designed for carrying more than ten passengers and used for the transportation of persons and any other motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, designed and used for the transportation of persons for compensation.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE. A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the vehicle:
(1) Has a gross combination weight rating or a gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds;
(2) Has a gross vehicle weight rating or a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater;
(3) Is designed to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver;
(4) Is a school bus; or
(5) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.
CROSSWALK. The portion of a roadway ordinarily included with the prolongation of curb and property lines at intersections or any other portion of a roadway clearly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
INTERSECTION. The area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines or; if none, then the lateral boundary lines of two or more streets or highways which join one another at an angle, whether or not one such street or highway crosses the other.
MOTOR CARRIER.
(1) A person or corporation or its lessees, trustees, or receivers appointed by a court that are operating motor vehicles on a public highway in this state for the transportation of property for hire on a commercial basis.
(2) The term does not include motor carriers regulated under MCA Title 69, Chapter 12.
MOTOR HOME. A motor vehicle:
(1) Designed to provide temporary living quarters, built as an integral part of or permanently attached to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van;
(2) Containing permanently installed independent life support systems that meet the ANSIA/A119.2 standard; and
(3) Providing at least four of the following types of facilities:
(a) Cooking, refrigeration or icebox;
(b) Self-contained toilet;
(c) Heating or air conditioning, or both;
(d) Potable water supply, including a faucet and sink; or
(e) Separate 110-volt or 125-volt electrical power supply or a liquefied petroleum gas supply, or both.
MOTOR VEHICLE.
(1) A vehicle propelled by its own power and designed or used to transport persons or property on the highways of the state.
(2) A quadricycle if it is equipped for use on the highways as prescribed in MCA Title 61, Chapter 9.
(3) A golf cart only if it is equipped for use on the highways as prescribed in MCA Title 61, Chapter 9 and is operated pursuant to MCA § 61-8-391 or by a person with a low-speed restricted driver’s license.
MOTORCYCLE. A motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and that is designated to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. A MOTORCYCLE may carry one or more attachments and a seat for the conveyance of a passenger. As further defined in MCA § 61-1-101(43)(a).
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGNS. All signs, markings and devices, other than signals, not inconsistent with this chapter, placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of directing, warning or regulating traffic.
OPERATOR. Any person who is in actual physical control of a vehicle.
PARKING. The parking of a vehicle upon a street, whether such vehicle be occupied or not and whether such vehicle be accompanied or not by an operator for a period of time in excess of two minutes, shall constitute parking within the terms of this chapter.
PEDESTRIAN. Any person afoot.
POLICE OFFICER. Every police officer or any officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violation of traffic regulations.
PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. Every road or driveway not open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. The privilege of the immediate use of the street or highway.
ROADWAY. The portion of a street or highway between the regularly established curb lines or that part devoted to vehicular traffic.
SIDEWALK. The portion of a street between the regularly established curb lines and the adjacent property lines.
SNOWMOBILE. A self-propelled vehicle of an overall width of 48 inches or less, excluding accessories, designed for travel on snow or ice, that may be steered by skis or runners, and that is not otherwise registered or licensed under the laws of the state.
SPECIAL MOBILE EQUIPMENT. A vehicle not designed for the transportation of persons or property on the highways, but incidentally operated or moved over the highways, including road construction or maintenance machinery, ditch-digging apparatus and well-boring apparatus. The fact that equipment is permanently attached to a vehicle does not make the vehicle SPECIAL MOBILE EQUIPMENT. The enumeration in this definition is partial and does not exclude other vehicles that are within the general terms of this definition.
STOP, STOPPING OR STANDING; WHEN PROHIBITED. Any stopping or standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer, highway patrol officer, or traffic-control sign or signal.
STOP; WHEN REQUIRED. Complete cessation from movement.
STREET or HIGHWAY. Every way set apart for public travel, except footpaths.
TRAFFIC. Pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any street for purposes of travel.
TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNAL. Any device using colored lights or words, or any combination thereof, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.
TRAVEL TRAILER. A vehicle that:
(1) Is 40 feet or less in length;
(2) Is of a size or weight that does not require special permits when towed by a motor vehicle;
(3) With gross trailer area of less than 320 square feet; and
(4) Is designed to provide temporary facilities for recreational, travel or camping use and not used as a principal residence.
TRUCK. A motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
TRUCK TRACTOR. A motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load drawn.
VAN. A motor vehicle designed for the transportation of at least six persons and not more than nine persons and intended for, but not limited to, family or personal transportation without compensation.
VEHICLES. Any device on, or upon, or by which any person or persons or property is or may be transported, upon the public highway, except such as are used exclusively upon stationary wheels or tracks, and such devices as are propelled exclusively by human power.
(Prior Code, § 10.02.010) (Ord. 1, passed 1-17-1980; Ord. 2021-14, passed 12-20-2021)