Montana Title 61. Motor Vehicles § 61-9-501. Inspections by officers of department

(1) The department or its agents may at any time upon reasonable cause to believe that a vehicle is unsafe or not equipped as required by law or that its equipment is not in proper adjustment or repair require the driver of the vehicle to stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection and test as may be appropriate.

(2) In the event the vehicle and its equipment are found to be in safe condition and in full compliance with the law, the officer making the inspection may issue to the driver an official certificate of inspection and approval of the vehicle specifying those parts or equipment that have been inspected and approved.

(3) In the event the vehicle is found to be in unsafe condition or any required part or equipment is not present or is not in proper repair and adjustment, the officer shall give a written notice to the driver and shall send a copy to the department. The notice must specify the deficiencies and require that the vehicle be placed in safe condition and its equipment in proper repair and adjustment within 5 days, except as provided in subsection (4).

(4) For the purpose of 61-9-321 only, the notice must require the engine compression brake device muffler be in proper repair and adjustment within 14 days.