Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 75-10-505 requires all junk vehicles to be shielded from public view.
What is considered a junk vehicle?
A vehicle must meet all three requirements to be considered a junk vehicle:
- The vehicle must be dismantled in some way. Some component of the vehicle needs to be missing, such as a bumper, window, or headlight.
- The vehicle’s registration must be expired. If a vehicle is up to date on its vehicle registration, it cannot be considered a junk vehicle. Permanent registration does not fulfill this requirement.
- The vehicle is inoperable and incapable of being driven. If the vehicle is able to move under its own power, it cannot be considered a junk vehicle.
Vehicle components are also considered to be junk vehicles. Items such as tires, engines, etc. must be shielded from public view.
What is public view?
A junk vehicle is in public view if it is visible from 6 feet high from the center of any public road. A public road is any publicly maintained street, highway, or alley.
How can I shield my junk vehicle?
You may shield your junk vehicle by moving it to a location which will hide it, such as in a garage, behind a building, or hill. If you do not have a location on your property that can shield your junk vehicle, you can contact the Teton County Sanitarian for information on appropriate shielding. Plastic coverings or tarps are not considered appropriate shielding.
Is there anything else I can do?
If you cannot shield your junk vehicle, you can repair or or license it, therefore removing the “junk vehicle” classification from it. If you do not want your junk vehicle, you can contact a local salvage yard to discuss removal or contact the Teton County Sanitarian and your junk vehicle can be removed free of charge.
What is the penalty for violating this rule?
Each violation of this rule can result in up to a $50 administrative penalty or up to a $250 civil penalty. Each vehicle is a violation, as well as each day the vehicle is not properly shielded.
How can I report a junk vehicle?
If you believe that someone has a junk vehicle which is not shielded from public view, please contact the Teton County Sanitarian with a description and location of the vehicle.
