Montana § 61-8-319 - Slowing Down When Approaching Agricultural Vehicles -- Definitions

§ 61-8-319. Slowing Down When Approaching Agricultural Vehicles -- Definitions

Slowing down when approaching agricultural vehicles -- definitions. (1) The operator of a motor vehicle when approaching an agricultural vehicle that is traveling in the same direction on a highway: (a) shall cautiously and carefully reduce the vehicle's speed to the speed of the agricultural vehicle; and (b) may pass the agricultural vehicle where passing is allowed. (2) The operator of a motor vehicle when approaching an agricultural vehicle traveling in a different direction shall cautiously and carefully reduce the vehicle's speed to a speed that is one-half the speed of the posted speed limit. If there are multiple lanes of traffic that the operator of a motor vehicle subject to this subsection (2) may be traveling in, the operator shall move out of the lane closest to the center line when it is safe to do so. (3) The operator of an agricultural vehicle behind which a line of vehicles has formed shall turn off the highway at the nearest area where a sufficient and safe turnout exists in order to permit the vehicles following it to proceed. If the shoulder of the highway to the right of the slow-moving vehicle is wide enough and is in a condition that allows safe travel, the operator of the agricultural vehicle may drive onto the shoulder and proceed at a safe speed until the other vehicles have passed. (4) As used in this section, the following definitions apply: (a) "Agricultural vehicle" means: (i) a farm tractor as defined in 61-9-102 ; (ii) an implement of husbandry as defined in 61-1-101 ; (iii) a self-propelled farm equipment unit; (iv) a combination of farm tractor and towed unit of farm equipment or implement of husbandry; or (v) a vehicle used for hauling hay, straw, or both. (b) "Highway" has the same meaning as provided in 61-1-101 . (c) "Motor vehicle" has the same meaning as provided in 61-1-101 .