Junk Vehicles

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Eastern Montana Junk Vehicle Program

The Junk Vehicle Program is responsible for the removal and disposal of junk and abandoned vehicles. A junk vehicle is any vehicle that is discarded, ruined, wrecked, or dismantled and remains inoperative of being driven in its present state. An abandoned vehicle is a vehicle that has been left parked on a public highway for a period longer than 48 hours and on a street for a period longer than 5 days.

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 transferred, 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.

Junk Vehicle Form | State Junk Vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Montana Junk Vehicle Law?
A: 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.
Q: What is Public View?
A: 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.
Q: Do I have to shield my vehicle if I'm not in the commercial motor vehicle wrecking
     business, or if I have only one or two junk vehicles?
A: Yes, all junk vehicles, regardless of number must be shielded from public view.
Q: How can I shield my junk vehicles from public view?
A: 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 permanent 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.
Q: What else can I do besides removing or shielding the vehicle?
A: You may repair the vehicle to make it operable, or license it. Either action will remove the
     vehicle from the junk vehicle classification.
Q: Do I need to obtain a Motor Vehicle Wrecking Facility license for my own junk vehicles?
A: 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.
Q: If I have more than four junk vehicles and decide I want to start dealing in used parts, who
     do I contact?
A: Information on the requirements for obtaining a Montana Motor Vehicle Wrecking Facility
     license can be obtained from the Director of the Yellowstone County Junk Vehicle Department.
Q: What are the penalties if I do not comply with the junk vehicle law?
A: The junk vehicle statutes provide for criminal penalties of up to $250 and/or 30 days in jail.
     Civil fines of up to $50 for each day of violation may also be imposed.