Montana Code 61-9-220. Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment
61-9-220. Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment. Except as provided in this part, the headlamps or the auxiliary driving lamps or combination of both on a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, quadricycle, motor-driven cycle, or low-speed electric vehicle, must be arranged so that the driver may select between distributions of light projected to different elevations. The selection can be made automatically, subject to the following limitations:
Terms Used In Montana Code 61-9-220
- Driver: means a person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Low-speed electric vehicle: means a motor vehicle, on or by which a person may be transported, that:
(a)has four wheels;
(b)has a maximum speed of at least 20 miles an hour and no greater than 40 miles an hour as certified by the manufacturer;
(c)is propelled by its own power, using an electric motor or other device that transforms stored electrical energy into the motion of the vehicle;
(d)stores electricity in batteries, ultracapacitors, or similar devices, which are charged from the power grid or from renewable electrical energy sources;
(e)has a wheelbase of 40 inches or greater and a wheel diameter of 10 inches or greater;
(f)exhibits a manufacturer's compliance with 49 CFR, part 565, or displays a 17-character vehicle identification number as provided in 49 CFR, part 565; and
(g)is equipped as provided in 61-9-432. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Motor vehicle: means :
(i)a vehicle propelled by its own power and designed or used to transport persons or property on the highways of the state;
(ii)a quadricycle if it is equipped for use on the highways as prescribed in chapter 9; or
(iii)a golf cart only if it is equipped for use on the highways as prescribed in chapter 9 and is operated pursuant to 61-8-391 or by a person with a low-speed restricted driver's license. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Motor-driven cycle: means a motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor that produces 5 horsepower or less. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Motorcycle: means 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. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Quadricycle: means a four-wheeled motor vehicle, designed for on-road or off-road use, having a seat or saddle on which the operator sits. See Montana Code 61-1-101
- Vehicle: means a device in, on, or by which any person or property may be transported or drawn on a public highway, except devices moved by animal power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks. See Montana Code 61-1-101
(1)There must be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, capable of revealing persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead for all conditions of loading.
(2)There must be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, capable of revealing persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead. On a straight level road under any condition of loading the high-intensity portion of the beam may not be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.
(3)A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, quadricycle, motor-driven cycle, or low-speed electric vehicle, manufactured after January 1, 1956, that has multiple-beam road-lighting equipment must be equipped with a beam indicator that must be lighted whenever the uppermost distribution of light from the headlamps is in use, and may not otherwise be lighted. The indicator must be readily visible without glare to the driver of the vehicle.