16-11-104. Carriers to Report Shipments--Penalties

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3), every common carrier hauling, transporting, or shipping into or out of the state of Montana from or to any other state or country any tobacco products shall report in writing the shipments or deliveries to the department on forms furnished by the department. The reports must include the date, the person to whom the tobacco products were consigned and delivered, the quantity as shown by the bill of lading, and other information that the department may require. A carrier shall retain for 36 months all pertinent and relevant records necessary for the preparation of this report and any other information that the department may require.

(2) A common carrier who violates the provisions of subsection (1)is subject to civil penalties as determined by the department. For a first offense, a natural person shall be fined an amount not to exceed $50,000, and any other entity shall be fined an amount not to exceed $75,000. For a second or subsequent offense, a natural person shall be fined an amount not to exceed $100,000, and any other entity shall be fined an amount not to exceed $150,000.

(3) A common carrier hauling, transporting, or shipping tobacco products to a licensed wholesaler or retailer in Montana shall submit the reports described in subsection (1)to the department upon request of the department.