Code Enforcement & Junk Vehicle works to protect the health, safety, and appearance of our communities by enforcing county codes. This includes addressing junk vehicles that are abandoned, inoperable, or improperly stored on private property.
The Junk vehicle program is funded entirely by the $1.50 fee assessed when a vehicle owner applies for a title or the title is transfered, a $.65 fee charged when a vehicle is re-registered in the State of Montana, and a state grant. The Junk Vehicle Division will haul away any junk vehicle that belongs to you for recycling, regardless of its condition of location within the county at no charge to you.
In 1973 the Montana Motor Vehicle Recycle and Disposal Act 75-10-501, MCA was enacted for the establishment, control, operation, and licensing of public and private motor vehicle storage and wrecking yards. It requires these facilities to obtain an annual license, keep pertinent records, and shield their junk vehicles from public view. This law also requires the control of junk vehicles at locations other than motor vehicle wrecking facilities.
Public View is any point 6 feet above the surface of the center of a public road from which a junk vehicle can be seen. A public road is any publicly owned or maintained highway, street, road or alley.
Yes, all junk vehicles, regardless of number must be shielded from public view.
You can move the vehicle to a location that will shield it, such as a garage or behind a solid fence, hill or building. You may also construct shielding using permanant fencing materials. Chapter50 Sub-chapter 2 Motor Vehicle Recycling and Disposal Act 17.50.202, 17.50.203 and 17.50.204. Placing plastics or tarps over vehicles will not be acceptable.
You may repair the vehicle to make it operable, or license it. Either action will remove the vehicle from the junk vehicle classification.
If you have four or more vehicles at any one location or if you buy, sell, or deal in secondhand motor vehicle parts you are required to obtain a license.
Information on the requirements for obtaining a Montana Motor Vehicle Wrecking Facility license can be obtained from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.