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MontanaSB 34169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise laws related to recreational vehicle sales

Sponsored By: Barry Usher (Republican)

Became Law

Motor VehiclesTransportation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Dealers must carry liability insurance

Dealers must keep general liability insurance in force. Coverage must apply to vehicles with dealer or demonstrator plates and powersports vehicles with dealer ID that customers can drive or borrow. The department must be named as a certificate holder. Each policy must run at least one year, and coverage may not lapse because a prior policy was canceled. This does not replace Montana’s mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance.

Used dealers barred from selling new

A licensed used motor vehicle dealer cannot sell new motor vehicles, new powersports vehicles, or new trailers. Dealers that sold both must stop offering new units under a used‑dealer license.

New rules for off-site vehicle sales

The law lets licensed dealers hold off-site displays and sales only after notifying the department and getting any required permit. The department may require proof that local zoning allows the event. You usually must stay within your licensed county. RV, boat, and powersports dealers may cross into another county only if it is in their franchise area and no same‑make dealer is there. Each event may last up to 10 straight days, and you are limited to 10 events a year. You may display vehicles in airports or malls without a permit if no sales can happen there. With prior written notice, you may display one vehicle at a nonprofit event site or on another business’s premises for a joint promotion; joint displays are capped at 90 days a year. New vehicles must show the federal Monroney label, and used vehicles must show the FTC buyer’s guide, posted so shoppers can easily read them.

Definitions expanded for vehicles and franchises

The law expands what counts as a motor vehicle here. It now includes recreational vehicles, motorboats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and off‑highway vehicles. It also updates franchise terms: a dealer’s community is the county or counties where it operates; “new motor vehicle” means not yet sold at retail; and “retail sale” excludes sales for resale and transfers between licensed new‑vehicle dealers. It refines who counts as a manufacturer and excludes people who only install a camper on a pickup. It defines “transferee” for ownership and control changes. These changes broaden who must follow dealer rules and clarify roles in franchise law.

Dealers must meet business site standards

Dealers must keep a working phone at the business. List the number in directory assistance or post your cell number on site. You must post your regular office hours where customers can see them. You must display a sign with your business name and that you sell vehicles; letters must be at least 6 inches high and readable from 150 feet. If more than one dealer uses the same location, each must keep records, offices, and inventory separate and clearly labeled. You may park inventory in a storage lot only if zoning allows it, the lot is in the same county, you do not sell or advertise there, and you follow any franchise agreement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Barry Usher

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Julie Darling

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 284 • No: 12

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/29/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 96 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 45 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/1/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 46 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/18/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/17/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/8/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/8/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/7/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/2/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    3/31/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    3/31/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    3/29/2025House

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    3/18/2025House

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    3/17/2025House

  12. Hearing

    3/6/2025House

  13. First Reading

    3/4/2025House

  14. Referred to Committee

    3/4/2025House

  15. Transmitted to House

    3/3/2025Senate

  16. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/3/2025Senate

  17. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/1/2025Senate

  18. Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/26/2025Senate

  19. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/26/2025Senate

  20. Hearing

    2/20/2025Senate

  21. Rereferred to Committee

    2/19/2025Senate

  22. Referred to Committee

    2/19/2025Senate

  23. First Reading

    2/17/2025Senate

  24. Introduced

    2/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/1/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/26/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/17/2025

    PDF

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