MT DMV Vehicle Safety and Equipment Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum legal height for a vehicle (without a permit) in Montana?
- 14 feet (Correct answer)
- 13 feet 6 inches
- 15 feet
- 12 feet
Correct answer: 14 feet
Montana's maximum vehicle height without a special oversize permit is 14 feet.
Question 2: What is the maximum width of a vehicle allowed on Montana highways without an oversize permit?
- 8 feet 6 inches (Correct answer)
- 8 feet
- 9 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 8 feet 6 inches
Vehicles wider than 8 feet 6 inches require an oversize/overweight permit to operate on Montana highways.
Question 3: What is required if cargo on a Montana vehicle extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear?
- A red flag or light must be attached to the end of the load (Correct answer)
- A pilot vehicle must follow
- The load must be covered with a tarp
- A special cargo permit must be obtained
Correct answer: A red flag or light must be attached to the end of the load
Montana law requires a red flag (daytime) or red light (nighttime) to be affixed to any load extending more than 4 feet beyond the rear of a vehicle.
Question 4: How often are commercial vehicles required to have their brakes inspected in Montana?
- As part of regular pre-trip and post-trip driver inspections required by federal law (Correct answer)
- Annually by a certified Montana inspector
- Every 6 months
- Every 25,000 miles
Correct answer: As part of regular pre-trip and post-trip driver inspections required by federal law
Commercial vehicle brake inspections in Montana follow federal FMCSA regulations requiring driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) before and after each trip.
Question 5: What tire condition is illegal on Montana public roads?
- Tires with less than 2/32 inch of tread depth (Correct answer)
- Tires older than 6 years
- Tires not matching in brand across an axle
- Any tire with a single repair patch
Correct answer: Tires with less than 2/32 inch of tread depth
Montana prohibits operating vehicles on tires worn below the minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch, which is the standard federal minimum.
Question 6: What is required for Montana vehicles transporting loose materials such as gravel or dirt?
- The load must be covered or secured to prevent spillage (Correct answer)
- A slow-moving vehicle sign must be displayed
- A commercial hauling license is required
- Only transport is permitted on designated haul roads
Correct answer: The load must be covered or secured to prevent spillage
Montana law requires vehicles carrying loose materials to cover or properly secure the load to prevent it from falling or blowing onto the roadway.
MT DMV Vehicle Safety and Equipment Standards 2
What is the maximum legal height for a vehicle (without a permit) in Montana?