Montana § 61-9-304 - Brakes Required On All Wheels -- Exceptions
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 61-9-304 — Brakes Required On All Wheels -- Exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 61-9-304. Brakes Required On All Wheels -- Exceptions
Brakes required on all wheels -- exceptions. Every vehicle must be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels except: (1) trailers, semitrailers, pole trailers of a gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds, provided that: (a) the total weight on and including the wheels of the trailer or trailers may not exceed 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer or trailers; and (b) the combination of vehicles consisting of the towing vehicle and its total towed load is capable of complying with the performance requirements of 61-9-312 ; (2) any vehicle being towed in driveaway or towaway operations, provided the combination of vehicles is capable of complying with the performance requirements of 61-9-312 ; (3) trucks and truck tractors having three or more axles need not have brakes on the front wheels, if the vehicle was manufactured before July 25, 1980. However, the trucks and truck tractors must be capable of complying with the performance requirements of 61-9-312 . (4) special mobile equipment; (5) the wheel of a sidecar attached to a motorcycle or to a motor-driven cycle, or the front wheel of a motor-driven cycle need not be equipped with brakes. However, a quadricycle, motorcycle, or motor-driven cycle must be capable of complying with the performance requirements of 61-9-312 .
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 61-9-304
What does Montana Code Annotated § 61-9-304 cover?
Section 61-9-304 ("Brakes Required On All Wheels -- Exceptions") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 61-9-304?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 61-9-304" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 61-9-304 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.