61-8-605. Riding on roadways. - Montana Statutes

     61-8-605. Riding on roadways. (1) As used in this section:
     (a) "laned roadway" means a roadway that is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic; and
     (b) "roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, including the paved shoulder.
     (2) A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable except when:
     (a) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
     (b) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
     (c) necessary to avoid a condition that makes it unsafe to continue along the right side of the roadway, including but not limited to a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
     (3) A person operating a bicycle upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as close to the left side of the roadway as practicable.
     (4) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall ride in single file except when:
     (a) riding on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles;
     (b) overtaking and passing another bicycle;
     (c) riding on a paved shoulder or in a parking lane, in which case the persons may ride two abreast; or
     (d) riding within a single lane on a laned roadway with at least two lanes in each direction, in which case the persons may ride two abreast if they do not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic more than they would otherwise impede traffic by riding single file and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
     (5) A bicycle, as defined in 61-8-102(2)(b)(ii), is excluded from the provisions of subsections (2) and (3).

     History: En. Sec. 85, Ch. 263, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 110, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 32-2188; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 508, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 450, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 169, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 208, Ch. 542, L. 2005.