Motor Vehicle Wrecking Facilities

1.  Types of Activities Regulated

An annual license from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is required to operate a motor vehicle wrecking facility. Possession at a single location of four or more junk vehicles is prima facie evidence that the possessor is operating a motor vehicle wrecking facility.  One or more junk vehicles at a single location must be shielded from public view.

2.  Application Requirements

An  annual license to operate or maintain a motor vehicle  wrecking facility or a  local  governmental junk vehicle program can be obtained from the DEQ, and must  include certification from the appropriate local government officials that the proposed facility  does not violate local  zoning ordinances.  The license expires on  December 31 of the year issued.

3.  Permitting Procedures

  1. The DEQ may deny, suspend or revoke a motor vehicle wrecking facility  license for reasons of theft, forgery, omission,  fraud or rule violation. 
  2. The DEQ's decision to deny, suspend or revoke a license may be appealed to the Board of Environmental Review within 30 days of the decision.

4.  Fees

The DEQ requires an annual fee of $100 for a wrecking facility license.

5.   Additional Information

A motor vehicle wrecking facility must keep a record of every junk vehicle obtained, and must mail a quarterly report to the Montana  Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division with the required information.

Contact: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Motor Vehicle Division, Title and Registration Bureau