23-2-822. Off-highway vehicle operator responsibilities. - Montana Statutes

     23-2-822. Off-highway vehicle operator responsibilities. (1) An off-highway vehicle operator shall accept all legal responsibility for injury or damage of any kind to the extent that the injury or damage results from risks inherent in the sport of off-highway vehicle use and shall regulate personal conduct at all times so that injury to self or other persons or property that results from the risks inherent in the sport of off-highway vehicle operation is avoided.
     (2) Risks inherent in the sport of off-highway operation include variations in terrain, surface or subsurface conditions, crevices, ravines, streams, poor visibility, rocks, trees, other forms of forest growth or debris, and any other natural hazard.
     (3) An off-highway vehicle operator is responsible for:
     (a) knowing the range of the operator's ability to navigate any slope, trail, or area for off-highway vehicle use within the limits of the operator's ability, taking into consideration the conditions;
     (b) maintaining control of speed and course at all times while operating the off-highway vehicle;
     (c) heeding all posted warnings; and
     (d) refraining from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone.
     (4) The provisions of this section do not affect a products liability cause of action based upon the design or manufacture of off-highway equipment or products or safety equipment used incidental to the operation of an off-highway vehicle.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 578, L. 1993.