168.001 APPLICATION OF LAWS 2005, CHAPTER 56, TERMINOLOGY CHANGES.
State agencies shall use the terminology changes specified in Laws 2005, chapter 56, section
1, when printed material and signage are replaced and new printed material and signage are
obtained. State agencies do not have to replace existing printed material and signage to comply
with Laws 2005, chapter 56, sections 1 and 2. Language changes made according to Laws 2005,
chapter 56, sections 1 and 2, shall not expand or exclude eligibility to services.
History: 2005 c 56 s 3

168.01 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.011 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Words, terms, and phrases. Unless the language or context clearly indicates
that a different meaning is intended, the following words, terms, and phrases, for the purposes of
this chapter, shall be given the meanings subjoined to them.
    Subd. 2. Application for registration; listing for taxation. "Application for registration"
shall have the same meaning as "listing for taxation," and when a motor vehicle is registered
it is also listed.
    Subd. 2a. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety.
    Subd. 3. Highway. "Highway" has the meaning given "street or highway" in section 169.01,
subdivision 29 .
    Subd. 4. Motor vehicle. (a) "Motor vehicle" means any self-propelled vehicle designed and
originally manufactured to operate primarily on highways, and not operated exclusively upon
railroad tracks. It includes any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle and includes
vehicles known as trackless trolleys that are propelled by electric power obtained from overhead
trolley wires but not operated upon rails. It does not include snowmobiles, manufactured homes,
or park trailers.
(b) "Motor vehicle" includes an all-terrain vehicle only if the all-terrain vehicle (1) has at
least four wheels, (2) is owned and operated by a physically disabled person, and (3) displays
both disability plates and a physically disabled certificate issued under section 169.345.
(c) "Motor vehicle" does not include an all-terrain vehicle except (1) an all-terrain vehicle
described in paragraph (b), or (2) an all-terrain vehicle licensed as a motor vehicle before August
1, 1985. The owner may continue to license an all-terrain vehicle described in clause (2) as a
motor vehicle until it is conveyed or otherwise transferred to another owner, is destroyed, or fails
to comply with the registration and licensing requirements of this chapter.
(d) "Motor vehicle" does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device as defined
in section 169.01, subdivision 90.
(e) "Motor vehicle" does not include a motorized foot scooter as defined in section 169.01,
subdivision 4c .
    Subd. 5. Owner. "Owner" means any person owning or leasing a vehicle, or having the
exclusive use of the vehicle, under a lease or otherwise, for a period greater than 30 days.
    Subd. 5a. Registered owner. "Registered owner" means any person, other than a secured
party, having title to a vehicle. If a passenger automobile is under lease for a term of 180 days or
more, the lessee is deemed to be the registered owner, for purposes of registration only; provided
that the application for renewal of the registration of a passenger automobile is sent to the lessor.
    Subd. 6. Tax. "Tax" means the annual registration tax imposed on vehicles in lieu of all other
taxes, except wheelage taxes which may be imposed by any city, and gross earnings taxes paid
by companies. The annual tax is both a property tax and a highway use tax and shall be on the
basis of the calendar year.
    Subd. 7. Passenger automobile. (a) "Passenger automobile" means any motor vehicle
designed and used for carrying not more than 15 individuals, including the driver.
(b) "Passenger automobile" does not include motorcycles, motor scooters, buses, school
buses, or commuter vans as defined in section 168.126.
(c) "Passenger automobile" includes, but is not limited to:
(1) pickup trucks and vans, including those vans designed to carry passengers, with a
manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of one ton; and
(2) neighborhood electric vehicles, as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 91.
    Subd. 8. Manufactured home. "Manufactured home" has the meaning given it in section
327.31, subdivision 6.
    Subd. 8a. Park trailer. "Park trailer" means a trailer that:
(1) exceeds 8-1/2 feet in width in travel mode but is no larger than 400 square feet when the
collapsible components are fully extended or at maximum horizontal width; and
(2) is used as temporary living quarters.
"Park trailer" does not include a manufactured home.
    Subd. 8b. Travel trailer. "Travel trailer" means a trailer, mounted on wheels, that:
(1) is designed to provide temporary living quarters during recreation, camping, or travel;
(2) does not require a special highway movement permit based on its size or weight when
towed by a motor vehicle; and
(3) complies with sections 169.80, subdivision 2, and 169.81, subdivision 2.
    Subd. 9. Bus; intercity bus. (a) "Bus" means (1) every motor vehicle designed for carrying
more than 15 passengers including the driver and used for transporting persons, (2) every motor
vehicle that is (i) designed for carrying more than ten passengers including the driver, (ii) used for
transporting persons, and (iii) owned by a nonprofit organization and not operated for hire or for
commercial purposes, or (3) every motor vehicle certified by the Department of Transportation
as a special transportation service provider vehicle and receiving reimbursement as provided in
section 256B.0625, subdivision 17.
(b) "Intercity bus" means any bus operating as a common passenger carrier over regular
routes and between fixed termini, but excluding all buses operating wholly within the limits of
one city, or wholly within two or more contiguous cities, or between contiguous cities and a
terminus outside the corporate limits of such cities, and not more than 20 miles distant measured
along the fixed route from such corporate limits.
    Subd. 10. Truck. "Truck" means any motor vehicle designed and used for carrying things
other than passengers, except pickup trucks and vans included within the definition of passenger
automobile in subdivision 7.
    Subd. 11. Tractor. "Tractor" means any motor vehicle designed or used for drawing other
vehicles but having no provision for carrying loads independently.
    Subd. 12. Truck-tractor. "Truck-tractor" means:
(1) a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not
constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load drawn; and
(2) a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles used exclusively
for transporting motor vehicles and capable of carrying motor vehicles on its own structure.
    Subd. 13. Trailer. "Trailer" means any vehicle designed for carrying property or passenger
on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle but shall not include a trailer drawn
by a truck-tractor semitrailer combination, or an auxiliary axle on a motor vehicle which carries a
portion of the weight of the motor vehicle to which it is attached. For the purpose of registration,
trailers coupled with a truck-tractor, semitrailer combination are semitrailers.
    Subd. 14. Semitrailer. "Semitrailer" means a vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used
in conjunction with a truck-tractor that a considerable part of its own weight or that of its load
rests upon and is carried by the truck-tractor and shall include a trailer drawn by a truck-tractor
semitrailer combination. For the purpose of registration, trailers coupled with a truck-tractor,
semitrailer combination are semitrailers.
    Subd. 15. Unloaded weight. "Unloaded weight" means the actual weight of the vehicle
fully equipped without a load.
    Subd. 16. Gross weight. (a) "Gross weight" means the actual unloaded weight of the
vehicle, either a truck or tractor, or the actual unloaded combined weight of a truck-tractor and
semitrailer or semitrailers, or of the truck-tractor, semitrailer and one additional semitrailer, fully
equipped for service, plus the weight of the maximum load which the applicant has elected to
carry on such vehicle or combined vehicles.
(b) The term gross weight applied to a truck used for towing a trailer means the unloaded
weight of the truck, fully equipped for service, plus the weight of the maximum load which the
applicant has elected to carry on such truck, including the weight of such part of the trailer and
its load as may rest upon the truck.
(c) The term gross weight applied to school buses means the weight of the vehicle fully
equipped with all fuel tanks full of fuel, plus the weight of the passengers and their baggage
computed at the rate of 100 pounds per passenger seating capacity, including that for the driver.
The term gross weight applied to other buses means the weight of the vehicle fully equipped with
all fuel tanks full of fuel, plus the weight of passengers and their baggage computed at the rate of
150 pounds per passenger seating capacity, including that for the driver. For bus seats designed for
more than one passenger, but which are not divided so as to allot individual seats for the passengers
that occupy them, allow two feet of its length per passenger to determine seating capacity.
(d) The term gross weight applied to a truck, truck-tractor or a truck used as a truck-tractor
used exclusively by the owner thereof for transporting unfinished forest products or used by the
owner thereof to transport agricultural, horticultural, dairy and other farm products including
livestock produced or finished by the owner of the truck and any other personal property owned
by the farmer to whom the license for such truck is issued, from the farm to market, and to
transport property and supplies to the farm of the owner, as described in subdivision 17, shall be
the actual weight of the truck, truck-tractor or truck used as a truck-tractor or the combined weight
of the truck-tractor and semitrailer plus the weight of the maximum load which the applicant has
elected to carry on such vehicle or combined vehicles and shall be licensed and taxed as provided
by section 168.013, subdivision 1c.
(e) The term gross weight applied to a truck-tractor or a truck used as a truck-tractor used
exclusively by the owner, or by a for-hire carrier hauling exclusively for one owner, for towing an
equipment dolly shall be the actual weight of the truck-tractor or truck used as a truck-tractor plus
the weight of such part of the equipment dolly and its load as may rest upon the truck-tractor or
truck used as a truck-tractor, and shall be licensed separately and taxed as provided by section
168.013, subdivision 1e, and the equipment dolly shall be licensed separately and taxed as
provided in section 168.013, subdivision 1d, which is applicable for the balance of the weight of
the equipment dolly and the balance of the maximum load the applicant has elected to carry on
such combined vehicles. The term "equipment dolly" as used in this subdivision means a heavy
semitrailer used solely by the owner, or by a for-hire carrier hauling exclusively for one owner, to
transport the owner's construction machinery, equipment, implements and other objects used on a
construction project, but not to be incorporated in or to become a part of a completed project.
(f) The term gross weight applied to a tow truck or towing vehicle defined in section 169.01,
subdivision 52 , means the weight of the tow truck or towing vehicle fully equipped for service,
including the weight of the crane, winch and other equipment to control the movement of a
towed vehicle, but does not include the weight of a wrecked or disabled vehicle towed or drawn
by the tow truck or towing vehicle.
    Subd. 17. Farm truck. (a) "Farm truck" means all single-unit trucks, truck-tractors, tractors,
semitrailers, and trailers used by the owner thereof to transport agricultural, horticultural, dairy,
and other farm products, including livestock, produced or finished by the owner of the truck, and
any other personal property owned by the farmer to whom the license for the truck is issued, from
the farm to market, and to transport property and supplies to the farm of the owner. Trucks,
truck-tractors, tractors, semitrailers, and trailers registered as "farm trucks" may be used by the
owner thereof to occasionally transport unprocessed and raw farm products, not produced by the
owner of the truck, from the place of production to market when the transportation constitutes
the first haul of the products, and may be used by the owner thereof, either farmer or logger who
harvests and hauls forest products only, to transport logs, pulpwood, lumber, chips, railroad ties
and other raw and unfinished forest products from the place of production to an intermediate or
final assembly point or transfer yard or railhead, which transportation may be continued by
another farm truck to a place for final processing or manufacture located within 200 miles of the
place of production and all of which is deemed to constitute the first haul of unfinished wood
products; provided that the owner and operator of the vehicle transporting planed lumber shall
have in immediate possession a statement signed by the producer of the lumber designating the
governmental subdivision, section, and township where the lumber was produced and that this
haul, indicating the date, is the first haul thereof. The licensed vehicles may also be used by the
owner thereof to transport, to and from timber-harvesting areas, equipment and appurtenances
incidental to timber harvesting, and gravel and other road-building materials for timber haul roads.
(b) "Farm trucks" shall also include only single-unit trucks that, because of their construction,
cannot be used for any other purpose and are used exclusively to transport milk and cream en route
from a farm to an assembly point or place for final manufacture, and for transporting milk and
cream from an assembly point to a place for final processing or manufacture. This section shall not
be construed to mean that the owner or operator of the truck cannot carry on usual accommodation
services for patrons on regular return trips, such as butter, cream, cheese, and other dairy supplies.
    Subd. 18. Registrar. "Registrar" means the registrar of motor vehicles designated in this
chapter.
    Subd. 19.[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 108]
    Subd. 20. First year of life. "First year of life" means the year of model designation of the
vehicle, or, if there be no year of model designation, it shall mean the year of manufacture.
    Subd. 21. Dealer. "Dealer" means any person, firm, or corporation regularly engaged in the
business of manufacturing, or selling, purchasing, and generally dealing in new and unused motor
vehicles having an established place of business for the sale, trade, and display of new and unused
motor vehicles and having in possession new and unused motor vehicles for the purposes of sale
or trade. "Dealer" also includes any person, firm or corporation regularly engaged in the business
of manufacturing or selling, purchasing, and generally dealing in new and unused motor vehicle
bodies, chassis mounted or not, and having an established place of business for the sale, trade
and display of such new and unused motor vehicle bodies, and having in possession new and
unused motor vehicle bodies for the purposes of sale or trade.
    Subd. 22. Special mobile equipment. "Special mobile equipment" means every vehicle not
designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally
operated or moved over a highway, including but not limited to: ditch-digging apparatuses,
moving dollies, pump hoists and other water well-drilling equipment registered under chapter
103I, street-sweeping vehicles, and other machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers,
bucket loaders, tractors other than truck-tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines,
motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, truck-mounted log loaders, earth-moving carryalls,
scrapers, power shovels, draglines, self-propelled cranes, and earth-moving equipment. The
term does not include travel trailers, dump trucks, truck-mounted transit mixers, truck-mounted
feed grinders, or other motor vehicles designed for the transportation of persons or property to
which machinery has been attached.
    Subd. 23.[Repealed, 1989 c 140 s 14]
    Subd. 24.[Repealed, 1973 c 218 s 9]
    Subd. 25. Recreational vehicle. (a) "Recreational vehicle" means travel trailers including
those that telescope or fold down, chassis-mounted campers, motor homes, tent trailers, and
converted buses that provide temporary human living quarters.
(b) "Recreational vehicle" is a vehicle that:
(1) is not used as the residence of the owner or occupant;
(2) is used while engaged in recreational or vacation activities; and
(3) is either self-propelled or towed on the highways incidental to the recreational or vacation
activities.
    Subd. 25a. Motor home. (a) "Motor home" means a recreational vehicle designed to provide
temporary living quarters. The motor home has a living unit built into as an integral part of, or
permanently attached to the chassis of, a motor vehicle or van.
(b) A motor home must contain permanently installed, independent, life-support systems that
meet the American National Standards Institute standard number A119.2 for recreational vehicles
and provide at least four of the following facilities, two of which must be from the systems listed
in clauses (1), (5), and (6): (1) a cooking facility with liquid propane gas supply, (2) a refrigerator,
(3) a self-contained toilet or a toilet connected to a plumbing system with a connection for
external water disposal, (4) a heating or air conditioning system separate from the motor vehicle
engine, (5) a potable water supply system including a sink with a faucet either self-contained or
with connections for an external source, and (6) a separate 110-125 volts electrical power supply.
(c) For purposes of this subdivision, "permanently installed" means built into or attached
as an integral part of a chassis or van, and designed not to be removed except for repair or
replacement. A system that is readily removable or held in place by clamps or tie-downs is
not permanently installed.
(d) Motor homes include a:
(1) type A motor home, which is a raw chassis upon which is built a driver's compartment
and an entire body that provides temporary living quarters as described in paragraph (b);
(2) type B motor home, which is a van that conforms to the description in paragraph (b) and
has been completed or altered by a final-stage manufacturer; and
(3) type C motor home, which is an incomplete vehicle upon which is permanently attached
a body designed to provide temporary living quarters as described in paragraph (b).
(e) A motor vehicle with a slip-in camper or other removable equipment that is mounted into
or on a motor vehicle is not a motor home, is not a recreational vehicle, and must not be registered
as a recreational vehicle under section 168.013.
    Subd. 26. Motorcycle. "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for
the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the
ground, including motor scooters and bicycles with motor attached, other than those vehicles
defined as motorized bicycles in subdivision 27, but excluding a tractor.
    Subd. 27. Motorized bicycle. "Motorized bicycle" means a bicycle that is propelled by an
electric or a liquid fuel motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less,
and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more
than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction
when the motor is engaged. "Motorized bicycle" includes an electric-assisted bicycle as defined
in section 169.01, subdivision 4b.
    Subd. 28. Van. "Van" means any vehicle of box-like design with no barrier or separation
between the operator's area and the remainder of the cargo-carrying area, and with a
manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of three-fourths ton or less.
    Subd. 29. Pickup truck. "Pickup truck" means any truck with a manufacturer's nominal
rated carrying capacity of three-fourths ton or less and commonly known as a pickup truck.
    Subd. 30. Distributor. "Distributor" means a person, firm, or corporation which has a
bona fide contract or franchise with a manufacturer to distribute the new motor vehicles of that
manufacturer to licensed new motor vehicle dealers, but does not include a dealer.
    Subd. 31. First-stage manufacturer. "First-stage manufacturer" means a person, firm, or
corporation which manufactures, assembles, and sells new motor vehicles for resale in this state.
    Subd. 32. Final-stage manufacturer. "Final-stage manufacturer" means a person, firm,
or corporation which performs manufacturing operations on an incomplete motor vehicle or a
van-type motor vehicle so that it becomes a type A, B, or C motor home.
    Subd. 33. Van converter or modifier. "Van converter or modifier" means a person, firm, or
corporation engaged in the business of modifying, completing or converting van-type vehicles
into multipurpose passenger vehicles which are not motor homes as defined in subdivision 25.
    Subd. 34. Fleet. "Fleet" means a combination of 50 or more vehicles and trailers owned by a
person solely for the use of that person or employees of the person and registered in this state
under section 168.127. It does not include vehicles licensed under section 168.187.
    Subd. 35. Limousine. "Limousine" means a luxury passenger automobile that is not a van or
station wagon and has a seating capacity of not more than 12 persons, excluding the driver.
    Subd. 36.[Repealed, 1999 c 238 art 2 s 92]
    Subd. 37. All-terrain vehicle. "All-terrain vehicle" has the meaning given in section 84.92,
subdivision 8 .
    Subd. 38. Person. "Person" has the meaning given in section 168A.01, subdivision 14.
    Subd. 39. State. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to
the jurisdiction of the United States.
    Subd. 40. Vehicle. "Vehicle" has the meaning given in section 168A.01, subdivision 24.
    Subd. 41. Neighborhood electric vehicle. "Neighborhood electric vehicle" has the meaning
given in section 169.01, subdivision 91.
History: 1949 c 694 s 1; 1951 c 574 s 1,2; 1953 c 275 s 1; 1955 c 352 s 1; 1955 c 600 s 1;
1957 c 175 s 1; 1959 c 178 s 1; 1959 c 258 s 1; 1959 c 562 s 1; 1959 c 627 s 1; 1961 c 340 s 1;
1963 c 597 s 1; 1963 c 637 s 1; 1965 c 108 s 1,2; 1965 c 364 s 1; 1967 c 876 s 1; 1969 c 824 s
1,2; 1971 c 754 s 1; 1971 c 797 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 218 s 1,2; 1973 c 546 s 1-3;
1974 c 273 s 9; 1975 c 29 s 1; 1976 c 343 s 2; 1977 c 214 s 1,2; 1979 c 213 s 1; 1981 c 363 s
2-6; 1981 c 365 s 9; 3Sp1981 c 1 art 2 s 1-4; 1983 c 198 s 1; 1984 c 549 s 1,2; 1985 c 63 s 1-5;
1985 c 291 s 2-4; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 453 s 1; 1986 c 454 s 10; 1987 c 269 s 3; 1988 c 636 s
1,2; 1988 c 647 s 1; 1989 c 140 s 4-5; 1989 c 307 s 1; 1989 c 318 s 4; 1989 c 342 s 1-4; 1990 c
385 s 1; 1990 c 416 s 1; 1990 c 497 s 1; 1990 c 565 s 26,27; 1991 c 112 s 5; 1991 c 284 s 2;
1992 c 578 s 2; 1993 c 117 s 3; 1993 c 323 s 5; 1994 c 510 art 1 s 1; 1994 c 536 s 1; 1994 c 635
art 1 s 41; 1995 c 46 s 1; 1996 c 289 s 1,2; 1996 c 435 s 3; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 11; 1997 c 250 s
1; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 28; 2002 c 250 s 1; 2002 c 285 s 1; 2002 c 364 s
7; 2002 c 371 art 1 s 1,2; art 3 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 19; 2005 c 64 s 3,4; 2005 c 135 s 2;
1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 18-28; 1Sp2005 c 7 s 19; 2006 c 189 s 1,2

168.012 VEHICLES EXEMPT FROM TAX OR LICENSE FEES.
    Subdivision 1. Vehicles exempt from tax, fees, or plate display. (a) The following vehicles
are exempt from the provisions of this chapter requiring payment of tax and registration fees,
except as provided in subdivision 1c:
(1) vehicles owned and used solely in the transaction of official business by the federal
government, the state, or any political subdivision;
(2) vehicles owned and used exclusively by educational institutions and used solely in the
transportation of pupils to and from those institutions;
(3) vehicles used solely in driver education programs at nonpublic high schools;
(4) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively to transport disabled persons
for charitable, religious, or educational purposes;
(5) ambulances owned by ambulance services licensed under section 144E.10, the general
appearance of which is unmistakable; and
(6) vehicles owned by a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, or an
employee of a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, and the vehicle is used
exclusively for driver education and training.
(b) Vehicles owned by the federal government, municipal fire apparatuses including
fire-suppression support vehicles, police patrols, and ambulances, the general appearance of
which is unmistakable, are not required to register or display number plates.
(c) Unmarked vehicles used in general police work, liquor investigations, or arson
investigations, and passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and buses owned or operated by the
Department of Corrections, must be registered and must display appropriate license number
plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and renewal applications for these license plates
authorized for use in general police work and for use by the Department of Corrections must be
accompanied by a certification signed by the appropriate chief of police if issued to a police
vehicle, the appropriate sheriff if issued to a sheriff's vehicle, the commissioner of corrections if
issued to a Department of Corrections vehicle, or the appropriate officer in charge if issued to
a vehicle of any other law enforcement agency. The certification must be on a form prescribed
by the commissioner and state that the vehicle will be used exclusively for a purpose authorized
by this section.
(d) Unmarked vehicles used by the Departments of Revenue and Labor and Industry, fraud
unit, in conducting seizures or criminal investigations must be registered and must display
passenger vehicle classification license number plates, furnished at cost by the registrar. Original
and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a
certification signed by the commissioner of revenue or the commissioner of labor and industry.
The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles
will be used exclusively for the purposes authorized by this section.
(e) Unmarked vehicles used by the Division of Disease Prevention and Control of the
Department of Health must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license
number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal
applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification
signed by the commissioner of health. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the
commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of the
Division of Disease Prevention and Control.
(f) Unmarked vehicles used by staff of the Gambling Control Board in gambling
investigations and reviews must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification
license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and
renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a
certification signed by the board chair. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the
commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of the
Gambling Control Board.
(g) All other motor vehicles must be registered and display tax-exempt number plates,
furnished by the registrar at cost, except as provided in subdivision 1c. All vehicles required
to display tax-exempt number plates must have the name of the state department or political
subdivision, nonpublic high school operating a driver education program, or licensed commercial
driving school, plainly displayed on both sides of the vehicle; except that each state hospital and
institution for persons who are mentally ill and developmentally disabled may have one vehicle
without the required identification on the sides of the vehicle, and county social service agencies
may have vehicles used for child and vulnerable adult protective services without the required
identification on the sides of the vehicle. This identification must be in a color giving contrast
with that of the part of the vehicle on which it is placed and must endure throughout the term of
the registration. The identification must not be on a removable plate or placard and must be kept
clean and visible at all times; except that a removable plate or placard may be utilized on vehicles
leased or loaned to a political subdivision or to a nonpublic high school driver education program.
    Subd. 1a. Special markings on conservation officer vehicle. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this section, or any other law to the contrary, motor vehicles of the conservation
officer service need not be specially marked in any way.
    Subd. 1b. Markings required for conservation officer vehicle. Motor vehicles of the
conservation officer service shall have printed thereon the markings required by this section, for
tax-exempt vehicles.
    Subd. 1c. Payment of administrative, plate, and filing fee. The annual administrative fee
for a tax-exempt vehicle under this section is $5. The license plate fee for a tax-exempt vehicle,
except a trailer, is $10 for two plates per vehicle, payable only on the first tax-exempt registration
of the vehicle. The registration period for a tax-exempt vehicle is biennial. The administrative
fee is due on March 1 biennially and payable the preceding January 1, with validating stickers
issued at time of payment.
    Subd. 1d. State Lottery vehicle. Unmarked passenger vehicles used by the State Lottery for
the purpose of conducting security or criminal investigations or ensuring that lottery retailers are
in compliance with law and with their contracts are not required to display tax-exempt number
plates, but must be registered and must display passenger vehicle license plates. The registrar
shall furnish the license plates to the director of the State Lottery at cost. On applying for initial
registration or renewal of a registration under this subdivision, the director of the State Lottery
must certify, on a form prescribed by the registrar and signed by the director, that the vehicles
will be used exclusively for the purposes of this subdivision.
    Subd. 2. Farm vehicle. Implements of husbandry, as defined in section 168A.01, subdivision
8 , and tractors used solely for agricultural purposes or tractors, together with trailers or wagons
thereto attached, occasionally hauling agricultural products or necessary commodities used on
the farm from said farm to and from the usual marketplace of the owner, tractors for drawing
threshing machinery and implements of husbandry temporarily moved upon the highway, shall
not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways and shall be exempt from the
provisions of this chapter.
    Subd. 2a. Small farm trailer. Farm trailers with a gross weight of less than 10,000 pounds,
drawn by a passenger automobile or farm truck and used exclusively for transporting agricultural
products from farm to farm and to and from the usual marketplace of the owner, shall not be
taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways and shall be exempt from the
provisions of this chapter.
    Subd. 2b. Fertilizer trailer. A trailer used exclusively to carry liquid or dry fertilizer for use
on a farm shall not be taxed as a motor vehicle using the public streets and highways and shall be
exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
    Subd. 3. Special mobile equipment, snowmobile. Special mobile equipment and
snowmobiles shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways, and shall
be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
    Subd. 3a. Special permits. Motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles operated
under permit and on roadways designated pursuant to section 169.045 are exempt from the
provisions of this chapter.
    Subd. 4. Camp equipment. Bunkhouses, supply cars, shop cars, and other similar camp
equipment mounted on trailers and used by highway construction contractors exclusively at
construction camp sites shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways
and shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Such trailers with such mounted
bunkhouses, supply cars, shop cars, and other similar camp equipment thereon shall be listed and
taxed as personal property.
    Subd. 5. Carrier of certain equipment. Motor vehicles, which are used primarily for the
purpose of carrying sawing machines; well-drilling machines, pump hoists, and other equipment
registered under chapter 103I; barn sprayers or corn shellers permanently attached to them,
shall not be subject to the registration tax as herein provided, but shall be listed for taxation
as personal property as provided by law. The exemption in this subdivision for well-drilling
machines, pump hoists, and other equipment registered under chapter 103I applies regardless
of whether the well-drilling machine, pump hoist, or other equipment is also carrying materials
related to its operation.
    Subd. 5a. Vehicle used for testing. Motor vehicles operated for testing under section 168.25
are not subject to registration taxes under this chapter.
    Subd. 6. Fire truck or ambulance operated without profit. All motor vehicle fire
apparatuses and ambulances operated without profit while owned by a farmers' cooperative
association, a body of farmers, a volunteer fire department or association, or a group of citizens,
and used solely for the extinguishment of fire in the community in which it is so owned and
employed or, in the case of an ambulance used only for the benefit of the community in which it is
owned or employed, shall be exempt from taxation.
    Subd. 7. Vehicle not used; domiciled in another state. (a) The owner of a motor vehicle
that during any calendar year, or in the case of a vehicle registered under section 168.017 during
the registration period provided for in that section, is not operated on a public highway is exempt
from the provisions of this chapter requiring registration, payment of tax, and penalties for tax
nonpayment, but only if the owner of the vehicle first files a verified written application with the
registrar, correctly describing the vehicle and certifying that it has not been operated upon a
public highway.
(b) A motor vehicle domiciled in a foreign state, legally licensed in that state, and owned
by a Minnesota resident is exempt from this chapter; except that it is subject to section 168.181,
subdivision 3 , provided, that this exemption does not conflict with any existing reciprocal
agreement with the state in which the vehicle is domiciled.
    Subd. 8. 60-day exemption for vehicle of new resident. Every passenger automobile,
travel trailer, other than manufactured homes, or passenger car utility trailer duly registered in
any foreign state, district, territory, or country and displaying all license number plates or like
insignia required by the laws of such state, district, territory, or country shall be exempt from the
provisions of this chapter during the first 60 days of residence of the owner in this state; provided
that if the 60-day period expires after the 15th day of any month, the remainder of that month
shall be deemed to be within the 60-day period and provided further that any such vehicles shall
become subject to the provisions of this chapter immediately upon transfer of the ownership of
such vehicles or upon expiration of the registration.
    Subd. 9. Manufactured homes and park trailers. Manufactured homes and park trailers
shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways and shall be exempt
from the motor vehicle tax provisions of this chapter. Except as provided in section 273.125,
manufactured homes and park trailers shall be taxed as personal property. The provisions of
Minnesota Statutes 1957, section 272.02 or any other act providing for tax exemption shall be
inapplicable to manufactured homes and park trailers, except such manufactured homes as are
held by a licensed dealer and exempted as inventory. Travel trailers not conspicuously displaying
current registration plates on the property tax assessment date shall be taxed as manufactured
homes if occupied as human dwelling places.
    Subd. 10. Exemption determined by use. If a vehicle is used for a purpose which would
make it exempt pursuant to subdivision 1 but title is held by a seller or a vendor or is assigned to a
third party under a lease agreement or a lease purchase agreement or installment sale permitted
under section 465.71, exemption shall be determined by the use rather than the holder of the title.
    Subd. 11. Semitrailer. Semitrailers as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 14, shall not
be taxed as a motor vehicle using the public streets and highways and shall display a number
plate for identification purposes only.
    Subd. 12.[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 48]
History: 1949 c 694 s 2; 1951 c 690 s 1; 1957 c 166 s 1; 1959 c 133 s 1; 1959 c 151 s 1; 1959
c 178 s 2,3; 1959 c 562 s 2; 1961 c 340 s 2; 1961 c 621 s 1; 1965 c 176 s 1; 1965 c 871 s 1; 1967
c 56 s 1; 1967 c 117 s 1; 1967 c 876 s 2; 1967 c 905 s 9; Ex1967 c 48 s 57; 1969 c 95 s 1; 1969 c
965 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 15; 1971 c 797 s 2; 1973 c 208 s 1; 1973 c 549 s 1; 1974 c 406 s 26;
1975 c 12 s 1; 1976 c 39 s 1; 1976 c 225 s 1; 1980 c 364 s 1; 1980 c 607 art 2 s 1; 1981 c 37 s 2;
1981 c 113 s 1; 1981 c 365 s 9; 1982 c 523 art 15 s 1; 1982 c 549 s 1; 1983 c 363 s 2; 1985 c 291
s 5-7; 1Sp1985 c 10 s 75; 1Sp1985 c 14 art 4 s 28; 1986 c 336 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 452 s 18;
1986 c 454 s 11; 1987 c 321 s 2; 1987 c 379 s 1; 1987 c 404 s 149; 1988 c 613 s 26; 1989 c 140 s
6; 1989 c 277 art 1 s 5; 1989 c 342 s 5,6; 1990 c 385 s 2; 1990 c 392 s 1; 1990 c 497 s 2,3; 1990 c
556 s 1; 1992 c 486 s 4; 1992 c 581 s 1,2; 1993 c 187 s 1; 1993 c 375 art 3 s 48; 1994 c 501 s 1;
1994 c 510 art 1 s 2; 1994 c 536 s 2; 1995 c 74 s 1; 1995 c 231 art 2 s 42; 1995 c 264 art 3 s 3;
1996 c 269 s 2; 1996 c 435 s 4; 1997 c 143 s 3; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 3; 2000 c 287 s
1; 2000 c 426 s 1; 2000 c 490 art 13 s 4; 2001 c 188 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 29; 2002 c 371 art 1
s 3; 2004 c 294 art 2 s 16; 2005 c 56 s 1; 2005 c 135 s 3; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 29; 1Sp2005 c 7 s 20

168.013 VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAXES.
    Subdivision 1. Imposition. Motor vehicles, except as set forth in section 168.012, using the
public streets or highways in the state, and park trailers taxed under subdivision 1j, shall be taxed
in lieu of all other taxes thereon, except wheelage taxes, so-called, which may be imposed by
any city as provided by law, and except gross earnings taxes paid by companies subject or made
subject thereto, and shall be privileged to use the public streets and highways, on the basis and at
the rate for each calendar year as hereinafter provided.
    Subd. 1a.MS 1971 [Repealed, 1973 c 218 s 9]
    Subd. 1a. Passenger automobile; hearse. (a) On passenger automobiles as defined in
section 168.011, subdivision 7, and hearses, except as otherwise provided, the tax shall be $10
plus an additional tax equal to 1.25 percent of the base value.
(b) Subject to the classification provisions herein, "base value" means the manufacturer's
suggested retail price of the vehicle including destination charge using list price information
published by the manufacturer or determined by the registrar if no suggested retail price exists,
and shall not include the cost of each accessory or item of optional equipment separately added
to the vehicle and the suggested retail price.
(c) If the manufacturer's list price information contains a single vehicle identification number
followed by various descriptions and suggested retail prices, the registrar shall select from those
listings only the lowest price for determining base value.
(d) If unable to determine the base value because the vehicle is specially constructed, or for
any other reason, the registrar may establish such value upon the cost price to the purchaser or
owner as evidenced by a certificate of cost but not including Minnesota sales or use tax or any
local sales or other local tax.
(e) The registrar shall classify every vehicle in its proper base value class as follows:

		FROM		TO
		$ 0		$ 199.99
		200		399.99

and thereafter a series of classes successively set in brackets having a spread of $200 consisting of
such number of classes as will permit classification of all vehicles.
(f) The base value for purposes of this section shall be the middle point between the
extremes of its class.
(g) The registrar shall establish the base value, when new, of every passenger automobile and
hearse registered prior to the effective date of Extra Session Laws 1971, chapter 31, using list
price information published by the manufacturer or any nationally recognized firm or association
compiling such data for the automotive industry. If unable to ascertain the base value of any
registered vehicle in the foregoing manner, the registrar may use any other available source or
method. The registrar shall calculate tax using base value information available to dealers and
deputy registrars at the time the application for registration is submitted. The tax on all previously
registered vehicles shall be computed upon the base value thus determined taking into account
the depreciation provisions of paragraph (h).
(h) The annual additional tax computed upon the base value as provided herein, during the
first and second years of vehicle life shall be computed upon 100 percent of the base value; for the
third and fourth years, 90 percent of such value; for the fifth and sixth years, 75 percent of such
value; for the seventh year, 60 percent of such value; for the eighth year, 40 percent of such value;
for the ninth year, 30 percent of such value; for the tenth year, ten percent of such value; for the
11th and each succeeding year, the sum of $25.
In no event shall the annual additional tax be less than $25. The total tax under this subdivision
shall not exceed $189 for the first renewal period and shall not exceed $99 for subsequent
renewal periods. The total tax under this subdivision on any vehicle filing its initial registration in
Minnesota in the second year of vehicle life shall not exceed $189 and shall not exceed $99 for
subsequent renewal periods. The total tax under this subdivision on any vehicle filing its initial
registration in Minnesota in the third or subsequent year of vehicle life shall not exceed $99 and
shall not exceed $99 in any subsequent renewal period.
(i) As used in this subdivision and section 168.017, the following terms have the meanings
given: "initial registration" means the 12 consecutive months calendar period from the day of first
registration of a vehicle in Minnesota; and "renewal periods" means the 12 consecutive calendar
months periods following the initial registration period.
    Subd. 1b. Motorcycle. On motorcycles the tax is $10, which includes the surtax provided
for in subdivision 14.
    Subd. 1c. Farm truck. (a) On farm trucks having a gross weight of not more than 57,000
pounds, the tax shall be based on total gross weight and shall be 45 percent of the Minnesota base
rate prescribed by subdivision 1e during each of the first eight years of vehicle life, but in no event
less than $35, and during the ninth and succeeding years of vehicle life the tax shall be 27 percent
of the Minnesota base rate prescribed by subdivision 1e, but in no event less than $21.
(b) On farm trucks having a gross weight of more than 57,000 pounds, the tax shall be 60
percent of the Minnesota base rate during each of the first eight years of vehicle life and 36
percent of the Minnesota base rate during the ninth and succeeding years.
    Subd. 1d. Trailer. (a) On trailers registered at a gross vehicle weight of greater than 3,000
pounds, the annual tax is based on total gross weight and is 30 percent of the Minnesota base rate
prescribed in subdivision 1e, when the gross weight is 15,000 pounds or less, and when the gross
weight of a trailer is more than 15,000 pounds, the tax for the first eight years of vehicle life is
100 percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule, and during the ninth and
succeeding years of vehicle life the tax is 75 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed by
subdivision 1e.
(b) Farm trailers with a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds and as described in section
168.011, subdivision 17, are taxed as farm trucks as prescribed in subdivision 1c.
(c) Effective on and after July 1, 2001, trailers registered at a gross vehicle weight of 3,000
pounds or less must display a distinctive plate. The registration on the license plate is valid for
the life of the trailer only if it remains registered at the same gross vehicle weight. The onetime
registration tax for trailers registered for the first time in Minnesota is $55. For trailers registered
in Minnesota before July 1, 2001, and for which:
(1) registration is desired for the remaining life of the trailer, the registration tax is $25; or
(2) permanent registration is not desired, the biennial registration tax is $10 for the first
renewal if registration is renewed between and including July 1, 2001, and June 30, 2003. These
trailers must be issued permanent registration at the first renewal on or after July 1, 2003, and
the registration tax is $20.
For trailers registered at a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less before July 1, 2001, but not
renewed until on or after July 1, 2003, the registration tax is $20 and permanent registration
must be issued.
    Subd. 1e. Truck; tractor; combination; exceptions. (a) On trucks and tractors except
those in this chapter defined as farm trucks, on truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations except
those defined as farm combinations, and on commercial zone vehicles, the tax based on total
gross weight shall be graduated according to the Minnesota base rate schedule prescribed in this
subdivision, but in no event less than $120.

		TOTAL GROSS WEIGHT
		IN POUNDS					TAX
		A	0	-	1,500		$ 15
		B	1,501	-	3,000		20
		C	3,001	-	4,500		25
		D	4,501	-	6,000		35
		E	6,001	-	9,000		45
		F	9,001	-	12,000		70
		G	12,001	-	15,000		105
		H	15,001	-	18,000		145
		I	18,001	-	21,000		190
		J	21,001	-	26,000		270
		K	26,001	-	33,000		360
		L	33,001	-	39,000		475
		M	39,001	-	45,000		595
		N	45,001	-	51,000		715
		O	51,001	-	57,000		865
		P	57,001	-	63,000		1015
		Q	63,001	-	69,000		1185
		R	69,001	-	73,280		1325
		S	73,281	-	78,000		1595
		T	78,001	-	81,000		1760

(b) For purposes of the Minnesota base rate schedule, for vehicles with six or more axles in
the "S" and "T" categories, the base rates are $1,520 and $1,620 respectively.
(c) For each vehicle with a gross weight in excess of 81,000 pounds an additional tax of $50
is imposed for each ton or fraction thereof in excess of 81,000 pounds, subject to subdivision 12.
(d) Truck-tractors except those herein defined as farm and commercial zone vehicles shall
be taxed in accord with the foregoing gross weight tax schedule on the basis of the combined
gross weight of the truck-tractor and any semitrailer or semitrailers which the applicant proposes
to combine with the truck-tractor.
(e) Commercial zone trucks include only trucks, truck-tractors, and semitrailer combinations
which are:
(1) used by an authorized local cartage carrier operating under a permit issued under section
221.296 and whose gross transportation revenue consists of at least 60 percent obtained solely
from local cartage carriage, and are operated solely within an area composed of two contiguous
cities of the first class and municipalities contiguous thereto as defined by section 221.011,
subdivision 17 ; or
(2) operated by an interstate carrier registered under section 221.60, or by an authorized local
cartage carrier or other carrier receiving operating authority under chapter 221, and operated solely
within a zone exempt from regulation pursuant to United States Code, title 49, section 13506.
(f) The license plates issued for commercial zone vehicles shall be plainly marked. A person
operating a commercial zone vehicle outside the zone or area in which its operation is authorized
is guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the penalty therefor, shall have the registration
of the vehicle as a commercial zone vehicle revoked by the registrar and shall be required to
reregister the vehicle at 100 percent of the full annual tax prescribed in the Minnesota base rate
schedule, and no part of this tax shall be refunded during the balance of the registration year.
(g) On commercial zone trucks the tax shall be based on the total gross weight of the vehicle
and during each of the first eight years of vehicle life shall be 75 percent of the Minnesota base
rate schedule. During the ninth and succeeding years of vehicle life the tax shall be 50 percent of
the Minnesota base rate schedule.
(h) On trucks, truck-tractors and semitrailer combinations, except those defined as farm trucks
and farm combinations, and except for those commercial zone vehicles specifically provided for
in this subdivision, the tax for each of the first eight years of vehicle life shall be 100 percent of
the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule, and during the ninth and succeeding years of
vehicle life, the tax shall be 75 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed by this subdivision.
(i) For the purpose of registration, trailers coupled with a truck-tractor, semitrailer
combination are semitrailers.
    Subd. 1f. Bus; commuter van. (a) On all intercity buses, the tax during each the first two
years of vehicle life shall be based on the gross weight of the vehicle and graduated according
to the following schedule:

		Gross Weight of Vehicle Tax
		Under 6,000 lbs. $125
		6,000 to 8,000 lbs., incl. 125
		8,001 to 10,000 lbs., incl. 125
		10,001 to 12,000 lbs., incl. 150
		12,001 to 14,000 lbs., incl. 190
		14,001 to 16,000 lbs., incl. 210
		16,001 to 18,000 lbs., incl. 225
		18,001 to 20,000 lbs., incl. 260
		20,001 to 22,000 lbs., incl. 300
		22,001 to 24,000 lbs., incl. 350
		24,001 to 26,000 lbs., incl. 400
		26,001 to 28,000 lbs., incl. 450
		28,001 to 30,000 lbs., incl. 500
		30,001 and over 550

(b) During each of the third and fourth years of vehicle life, the tax shall be 75 percent of the
foregoing scheduled tax; during the fifth year of vehicle life, the tax shall be 50 percent of the
foregoing scheduled tax; during the sixth year of vehicle life, the tax shall be 37-1/2 percent of the
foregoing scheduled tax; and during the seventh and each succeeding year of vehicle life, the tax
shall be 25 percent of the foregoing scheduled tax; provided that the annual tax paid in any year of
its life for an intercity bus shall be not less than $175 for a vehicle of over 25 passenger seating
capacity and not less than $125 for a vehicle of 25 passenger and less seating capacity.
(c) On all intracity buses operated by an auto transportation company in the business of
transporting persons for compensation as a common carrier and operating within the limits of cities
having populations in excess of 200,000 inhabitants, the tax during each year of the vehicle life of
each such bus shall be $40; on all of such intracity buses operated in cities having a population of
less than 200,000 and more than 70,000 inhabitants, the tax during each year of vehicle life of
each bus shall be $10; and on all of such intracity buses operating in cities having a population of
less than 70,000 inhabitants, the tax during each year of vehicle life of each bus shall be $2.
(d) On all other buses and commuter vans, as defined in section 168.126, the tax during each
of the first three years of the vehicle life shall be based on the gross weight of the vehicle and
graduated according to the following schedule: Where the gross weight of the vehicle is 6,000
pounds or less, $25. Where the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 6,000 pounds, and not
more than 8,000 pounds, the tax shall be $25 plus an additional tax of $5 per ton for the ton or
major portion in excess of 6,000 pounds. Where the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 8,000
pounds, and not more than 20,000 pounds, the tax shall be $30 plus an additional tax of $10 per ton
for each ton or major portion in excess of 8,000 pounds. Where the gross weight of the vehicle is
more than 20,000 pounds and not more than 24,000 pounds, the tax shall be $90 plus an additional
tax of $15 per ton for each ton or major portion in excess of 20,000 pounds. Where the gross
weight of the vehicle is more than 24,000 pounds and not more than 28,000 pounds, the tax shall
be $120 plus an additional tax of $25 per ton for each ton or major portion in excess of 24,000
pounds. Where the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 28,000 pounds, the tax shall be $170
plus an additional tax of $30 per ton for each ton or major portion in excess of 28,000 pounds.
(e) During the fourth and succeeding years of vehicle life, the tax shall be 80 percent of the
foregoing scheduled tax but in no event less than $20 per vehicle.
    Subd. 1g. Recreational vehicle. (a) Self-propelled recreational vehicles shall be separately
licensed and taxed annually on the basis of total gross weight and the tax shall be graduated
according to the Minnesota base rate schedule prescribed in subdivision 1e, but in no event less
than $20, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision.
(b) For all self-propelled recreational vehicles, the tax for the ninth and succeeding years of
vehicle life shall be 75 percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule.
(c) Towed recreational vehicles shall be separately licensed and taxed annually on the basis
of total gross weight at 30 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed in subdivision 1e but in
no event less than $5.
(d) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all trailers and semitrailers taxed pursuant to
this section shall be exempt from any wheelage tax now or hereafter imposed by any political
subdivision or political subdivisions.
    Subd. 1h. Motorized bicycle. On motorized bicycles the tax is $6, which includes the
surtax provided for in subdivision 14.
    Subd. 1i.[Repealed, 1985 c 291 s 27]
    Subd. 1j.[Repealed, 1995 c 264 art 3 s 51]
    Subd. 1k. Commuter van. A commuter van, as defined in section 168.126, must be
separately licensed and taxed annually on the basis of total gross weight and the tax must be
graduated according to the schedule prescribed in subdivision 1f.
    Subd. 2. Prorated fees. When a motor vehicle first becomes subject to taxation during the
registration period for which the tax is paid, or when a vehicle becomes subject to taxation upon
transfer from a motor vehicle dealer, the tax shall be for the remainder of the period prorated on
a monthly basis, 1/12 of the annual tax for each calendar month or fraction thereof; provided,
however, that for a vehicle having an annual tax of $10 or less there shall be no reduction until on
and after September 1 when the annual tax shall be reduced one-half.
    Subd. 3. Application; cancellation; excessive gross weight forbidden. (a) The applicant
for all licenses based on gross weight shall state the unloaded weight of the motor vehicle, trailer,
or semitrailer and the maximum load the applicant proposes to carry on it, the sum of which
constitutes the gross weight upon which the license tax must be paid. However, the declared gross
weight upon which the tax is paid must not be less than 1-1/4 times the declared unloaded weight
of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to be registered, except recreational vehicles taxed
under subdivision 1g, school buses taxed under subdivision 18, and tow trucks or towing vehicles
defined in section 169.01, subdivision 52. The gross weight of a tow truck or towing vehicle is the
actual weight of the tow truck or towing vehicle fully equipped, but does not include the weight of
a wrecked or disabled vehicle towed or drawn by the tow truck or towing vehicle.
(b) The gross weight of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer must not exceed the gross
weight upon which the license tax has been paid by more than four percent or 1,000 pounds,
whichever is greater; provided that, a vehicle transporting unfinished forest products on a
highway, other than a highway that is part of the system of interstate and defense highways, unless
a federal exemption is granted, in accordance with paragraph (d)(3):
(1) shall not exceed its gross vehicle weight upon which the license tax has been paid, or
gross axle weight on any axle, by more than five percent and, notwithstanding other law to the
contrary, is not subject to any fee, fine, or other assessment or penalty for exceeding a gross
vehicle or axle weight by up to five percent; and
(2) between the dates set by the commissioner in accordance with section 169.826,
subdivision 1 , is not subject to any provision of paragraph (d) or chapter 169 limiting the gross
axle weight of any individual axle unless the entire vehicle also exceeds its gross vehicle weight
plus its weight allowance allowed in clause (1) and plus any weight allowance permitted under
section 169.826, in which case the vehicle is subject to all applicable penalties for excess weight
violations.
(c) The gross weight of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer for which the license tax is
paid must be indicated by a distinctive character on the license plate or plates except as provided
in subdivision 12 and the plate or plates must be kept clean and clearly visible at all times.
(d) The owner, driver, or user of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, upon conviction
for transporting a gross weight in excess of the gross weight for which it was registered or for
operating a vehicle with an axle weight exceeding the maximum lawful axle load weight, is
guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to increased registration or reregistration according to the
following schedule:
(1) Upon conviction for transporting a gross weight in excess of the gross weight for which a
motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is registered by more than the allowance set forth in paragraph
(b) but less than 25 percent, or for operating or using a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer
with an axle weight exceeding the maximum lawful axle load as provided in sections 169.822
to 169.829 by more than the allowance set forth in paragraph (b) but less than 25 percent, the
owner, driver, or user of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer used to commit the violation, in
addition to any penalty imposed for the misdemeanor, shall apply to the registrar to increase the
authorized gross weight to be carried on the vehicle to a weight equal to or greater than the gross
weight the owner, driver, or user was convicted of carrying. The increase is computed for the
balance of the calendar year on the basis of 1/12 of the annual tax for each month remaining in
the calendar year beginning with the first day of the month in which the violation occurred. If
the additional registration tax computed upon that weight, plus the tax already paid, amounts to
more than the regular tax for the maximum gross weight permitted for the vehicle under sections
169.822 to 169.829, that additional amount must nevertheless be paid into the highway fund, but
the additional tax thus paid does not authorize or permit any person to operate the vehicle with a
gross weight in excess of the maximum legal weight as provided by sections 169.822 to 169.829.
Unless the owner within 30 days after a conviction applies to increase the authorized weight and
pays the additional tax as provided in this section, the registrar shall revoke the registration on the
vehicle and demand the return of the registration card and plates issued on that registration.
(2) Upon conviction of an owner, driver, or user of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer for
transporting a gross weight in excess of the gross weight for which the motor vehicle, trailer, or
semitrailer was registered by 25 percent or more or for operating or using the vehicle or trailer
with an axle weight exceeding the maximum lawful axle load as provided in sections 169.822 to
169.829 by 25 percent or more, and in addition to any penalty imposed for the misdemeanor, the
registrar shall either (i) cancel the reciprocity privileges on the vehicle involved if the vehicle
is being operated under reciprocity or (ii) if the vehicle is not being operated under reciprocity,
cancel the certificate of registration on the vehicle operated and demand the return of the
registration certificate and registration plates. The registrar may not cancel the registration or
reciprocity privileges for any vehicle found in violation of seasonal load restrictions imposed
under section 169.87 unless the axle weight exceeds the year-round weight limit for the highway
on which the violation occurred. The registrar may investigate any allegation of gross weight
violations and demand that the operator show cause why all future operating privileges in the state
should not be revoked unless the additional tax assessed is paid.
(3) Clause (1) does not apply to the first haul of unprocessed or raw farm products or
unfinished forest products, when the registered gross weight is not exceeded by more than ten
percent. For purposes of this clause, "first haul" means (i) the first, continuous transportation of
unprocessed or raw farm products from the place of production or on-farm storage site to any other
location within 50 miles of the place of production or on-farm storage site, or (ii) the continuous
or noncontinuous transportation of unfinished forest products from the place of production to the
place of final processing or manufacture located within 200 miles of the place of production.
(4) When the registration on a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is revoked by the registrar
according to this section, the vehicle must not be operated on the highways of the state until it is
registered or reregistered, as the case may be, and new plates issued, and the registration fee is
the annual tax for the total gross weight of the vehicle at the time of violation. The reregistration
pursuant to this subdivision of any vehicle operating under reciprocity agreements pursuant
to section 168.181 or 168.187 must be at the full annual registration fee without regard to the
percentage of vehicle miles traveled in this state.
    Subd. 4. Gross earnings tax system. Motor vehicles using the public streets and highways of
this state, and owned by companies paying taxes under gross earnings system of taxation, shall be
registered and taxed as provided for the registration and taxation of motor vehicles by this chapter,
notwithstanding the fact that earnings from such vehicles may be included in the earnings of such
companies upon which such gross earnings taxes are computed, and all provisions of this chapter
are hereby made applicable to the enforcement and collection of the tax herein provided for.
    Subd. 5. Certain vehicles subject to personal property tax. Motor vehicles not subject
to taxation as provided in section 168.012, but subject to taxation as personal property within
the state under section 273.36 or 273.37, subdivision 1, have a class rate as provided in section
273.13, subdivision 24, provided, that if the person against whom any tax has been levied on the
ad valorem basis because of any motor vehicle shall, during the calendar year for which such tax
is levied, be also taxed under the provisions of this chapter, then and in that event, upon proper
showing, the commissioner of revenue shall grant to the person against whom said ad valorem
tax was levied, such reduction or abatement of net tax capacity or taxes as was occasioned by
the so-called ad valorem tax imposed, and provided further that, if said ad valorem tax upon any
motor vehicle has been assessed against a dealer in new and unused motor vehicles, and the
tax imposed by this chapter for the required period is thereafter paid by the owner, then and in
that event, upon proper showing, the commissioner of revenue, upon the application of said
dealer, shall grant to such dealer against whom said ad valorem tax was levied such reduction
or abatement of net tax capacity or taxes as was occasioned by the so-called ad valorem tax
imposed. If such motor vehicle be registered and taxed under this chapter for a fractional part of
the calendar year only, then such ad valorem tax shall be reduced in the percentage which such
fractional part of the years bears to a full year.
    Subd. 6. Listing by dealers. The owner of every motor vehicle not exempted by section
168.012 or 168.28, shall, so long as it is subject to taxation within the state, list and register the
same and pay the tax herein provided annually; provided, however, that any dealer in motor
vehicles, to whom dealer's plates have been issued as provided in this chapter, coming into the
possession of any such motor vehicle to be held solely for the purpose of sale or demonstration or
both, shall be entitled to withhold the tax becoming due on such vehicle for the following year.
When, thereafter, such vehicle is otherwise used or is sold, leased, or rented to another person,
firm, corporation, or association, the tax for the remainder of the year, prorated on a monthly
basis, shall become payable immediately.
    Subd. 7. Agent. Any act required herein of a registered owner may be performed in the
registered owner's behalf by a duly authorized agent. Any person having a lien upon, or claim to,
any motor vehicle may pay any tax due thereon to prevent the penalty for delayed registration
from accruing, but the registration certificate and number plates shall not be issued until legal
ownership is definitely determined.
    Subd. 8. Tax proceeds to highway user fund; fee proceeds to vehicle services account. (a)
Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the net proceeds of the registration tax imposed under
this chapter must be collected by the commissioner, paid into the state treasury, and credited to the
highway user tax distribution fund.
(b) All fees collected under this chapter, unless otherwise specified, must be deposited in the
vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund under section 299A.705.
    Subd. 9. Municipality not to impose tax; exceptions. No city shall impose any tax or
license fee or bond of any kind for the operation of any motor vehicle on its streets if the person
or company owning or operating such vehicle holds a certificate or permit to operate such vehicle
issued in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1945, chapter 221, provided,
that this section shall not apply to vehicles transporting persons for hire which are operated
exclusively within any city or contiguous cities.
    Subd. 10.[Repealed, 1973 c 218 s 9]
    Subd. 11.[Obsolete, 1951 c 123 s 2]
    Subd. 12. Additional tax for excessive gross weight. Whenever an owner has registered
a vehicle and paid the tax as provided in subdivisions 1 to 1g, on the basis of a selected gross
weight of the vehicle and thereafter such owner desires to operate such vehicle with a greater
gross weight than that for which the tax has been paid, such owner shall be permitted to reregister
such vehicle by paying the additional tax due thereon for the remainder of the calendar year for
which such vehicle has been reregistered, the additional tax computed pro rata by the month, 1/12
of the annual tax due for each month of the year remaining in the calendar year, beginning with
the first day of the month in which such owner desires to operate the vehicle with the greater
weight. In computing the additional tax as aforesaid, the owner shall be given credit for the
unused portion of the tax previously paid computed pro rata by the month, 1/12 of the annual tax
paid for each month of the year remaining in the calendar year beginning with the first day of the
month in which such owner desires to operate the vehicle with the greater weight. An owner will
be permitted one reduction of gross weight or change of registration per year, which will result in
a refund. This refund will be prorated monthly beginning with the first day of the month after such
owner applies to amend the registration. The application for amendment shall be accompanied by
a fee of $3, and all fees shall be deposited in the highway user tax distribution fund. Provided,
however, the owner of a vehicle may reregister the vehicle for a weight of more than 81,000
pounds for one or more 30-day periods. For each 30-day period, the additional tax shall be equal
to 1/12 of the difference between the annual tax for the weight at which the vehicle is registered
and reregistered. When a vehicle is reregistered in accordance with this provision, a distinctive
windshield sticker provided by the commissioner of public safety shall be permanently displayed.
    Subd. 13.[Repealed, 1973 c 218 s 9]
    Subd. 14. Increase of tax rate. Beginning in and for the first calendar year following the
issuance and sale of bonds of the state of Minnesota under the provisions of the Constitution of
the state of Minnesota, article 14, section 4, and after July 1, 1957, under the provisions of the
Constitution of the state of Minnesota, article 14, section 11, the proceeds of the sale of which
are to be used in the construction of bridges and approaches thereto forming a part of the trunk
highway system, all motor vehicle taxes imposed by section 168.013, subdivisions 1 to 1g shall
be increased by 5 percent; such increased rate of tax shall remain in effect until and including the
calendar year following the year in which all principal and interest on all of any such bonds shall
be paid in full. Immediately upon the payment in full of all interest and principal on all of any such
bonds, the commissioner of finance shall certify that fact to the registrar of motor vehicles and the
registrar shall, for the second calendar year and thereafter following receipt of such certification,
cease to collect motor vehicle taxes at the increased rate prescribed by this subdivision.
    Subd. 15. Adjustment of tax. Whenever the tax on any vehicle as computed under the
provisions of this section is found to be indivisible by $1, the registrar is authorized to adjust
such tax to the nearest even dollar.
    Subd. 16. Repair and servicing permit. Upon the written application of the owner of a
motor vehicle registered and taxed as a commercial zone truck, a truck-tractor, a semitrailer, or
any combination thereof in accordance with this section, the registrar may grant permission in
writing to such owner to operate such vehicle to and from a repair shop or service station outside
of its licensed zone of operation for the limited purpose of repair or servicing. The application and
any permit issued under this subdivision shall state the location of the repair or servicing facility,
together with such other information and subject to such conditions as the registrar may specify.
Any motor vehicle operated under such a permit shall carry no load.
    Subd. 17.[Repealed, 1981 c 363 s 58]
    Subd. 18. School buses. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 1, school buses used
exclusively for the transportation of students under contract with a school district, or used in
connection with transportation for nonprofit educational institutions, shall be taxed during each
year of the vehicle life of such bus the amount of $25.
    Subd. 19. Limited rental of farm truck to governmental unit. A motor vehicle licensed as
a farm truck may be rented to any governmental unit for use in snow removal, flood, tornado, fire
or other emergency or disaster situation without affecting its license status.
    Subd. 20. Federal heavy vehicle use tax; proof of payment. No person may register a
motor vehicle that, along with the trailers and semitrailers customarily used with the same type of
motor vehicle, has a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds and is subject to the use tax
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, section 4481, unless proof of payment of the use
tax, if required and in a form as may be prescribed by the secretary of the treasury, is presented.
History: 1949 c 694 s 3; 1951 c 123 s 1,2; 1951 c 575 s 1; 1951 c 576 s 1; 1953 c 58 s 1;
1953 c 374 s 1; 1953 c 737 s 1; 1955 c 352 s 2; 1955 c 605 s 1; 1955 c 749 s 1; 1957 c 60 s 1;
1957 c 176 s 1; 1957 c 875 s 1; 1957 c 961 s 1; 1959 c 154 s 1; 1961 c 282 s 1; 1963 c 119 s 1;
1965 c 94 s 1; 1965 c 108 s 3; 1965 c 147 s 1; 1965 c 202 s 1,2; 1967 c 332 s 1; 1969 c 9 s 31;
1969 c 24 s 1; 1969 c 824 s 3; 1969 c 1059 s 1; 1971 c 700 s 1; 1971 c 754 s 2; Ex1971 c 31 art
5 s 1; 1973 c 54 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 218 s 3-6; 1973 c 260 s 1; 1973 c 492 s 14;
1973 c 582 s 3; 1974 c 406 s 28-31; 1975 c 339 s 8; 1976 c 2 s 172; 1976 c 39 s 2-4; 1977 c 108
s 1; 1977 c 214 s 3; 1977 c 248 s 1-3; 1977 c 347 s 26; 1979 c 213 s 2; 1980 c 427 s 1; 1981
c 321 s 1; 1981 c 357 s 51-54; 1981 c 363 s 7-17; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 4 s 61; 3Sp1981 c 1 art 2 s
5-7; 1982 c 424 s 41; 1983 c 198 s 2,3; 1983 c 371 s 1; 1984 c 549 s 3,4; 1985 c 291 s 8-11;
1985 c 299 s 8,9; 1986 c 398 art 13 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 12,13; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 2 s
11; 1987 c 383 s 1; 1988 c 647 s 2; 1988 c 719 art 5 s 84; 1989 c 268 s 5; 1989 c 329 art 13 s
20; 1989 c 342 s 7,8; 1Sp1989 c 1 art 2 s 11; 1990 c 426 art 1 s 21; 1990 c 480 art 7 s 2; 1990
c 556 s 2; 1991 c 112 s 5; 1994 c 536 s 3,4; 1995 c 264 art 2 s 2; 1996 c 289 s 3; 1996 c 455
art 3 s 18; 1999 c 70 s 1; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 4,5; 2000 c 490 art 7 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 5 art 13 s 2;
1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 30; 2002 c 364 s 8; 2002 c 371 art 1 s 4; art 3 s 2; 2002 c 388 s 1; 2003
c 2 art 4 s 5; 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 20; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 2

168.014 OWNER'S REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE; EXPIRATION.
The registered owner's right to the registration certificate provided for herein and the right to
use the number plates issued therewith shall expire upon the termination of ownership of any
person in the motor vehicle for which the same was issued, and in any event at midnight on
December 31 of the year for which issued except as provided in section 168.017.
History: 1949 c 694 s 4; 1973 c 6 s 1; 1974 c 406 s 32

168.015 [Repealed, 1973 c 218 s 9]

168.016 COLLECTION OF TAX RATE INCREASE.
The tax provisions include the five percent surtax imposed under section 168.013,
subdivision 14 for passenger automobiles, ambulances and hearses, and the five percent increase
in taxes provided for in said subdivision 14 shall not be added to the taxes imposed on such
vehicles under the provisions of Extra Session Laws 1971, chapter 31.
History: Ex1971 c 31 art 5 s 4

168.017 MONTHLY SERIES REGISTRATION SYSTEM.
    Subdivision 1. Requirement generally. All passenger automobiles, ambulances, hearses,
and pickup trucks shall be registered by the registrar according to the monthly series system of
registration prescribed by this section.
    Subd. 2. 12 uniform registration periods. There are established 12 registration periods,
each to be designated by a calendar month and to start on the first day of such month and end on
the last day of the 12th month from the date of commencing. The registrar shall administer the
monthly series system of registration to distribute the work of registering vehicles described in
subdivision 1 as uniformly as practicable through the calendar year.
    Subd. 3. Exceptions. (a) The registrar shall register all vehicles subject to registration under
the monthly series system for a period of 12 consecutive calendar months, unless:
(1) the application is an original rather than renewal application; or
(2) the applicant is a licensed motor vehicle lessor under section 168.27, in which case the
applicant may apply for initial or renewed registration of a vehicle for a period of four or more
months, the month of expiration to be designated by the applicant at the time of registration.
However, to qualify for this exemption, the applicant must present the application to the registrar
at St. Paul, or at deputy registrar offices as the registrar may designate.
(b) In any instance except that of a licensed motor vehicle lessor, the registrar shall not
approve registering the vehicle subject to the application for a period of less than three months,
except when the registrar determines that to do otherwise will help to equalize the registration and
renewal work load of the department.
    Subd. 4. Proportional registration payment system. Except as otherwise provided in this
subdivision, the applicant for registration of a vehicle under the monthly series system shall pay
in full the calendar year registration fee prescribed by law during the 12 consecutive calendar
months of registration under the monthly series system. If the registrar registers the vehicle for a
period greater or less than a calendar year pursuant to subdivision 3, the calendar year registration
fee shall be apportioned as follows: During the first period the fee is 1/12 of the first calendar
year fee times the number of months in the period. During the first 12 consecutive months of
registration under the monthly series system, the fee is the sum of the following: (a) 1/12 of the
first calendar year fee times the months remaining after subtracting the months in the first period
of issuance from 12 months, and (b) 1/12 of the second calendar year fee times the number of
months in the first period of issuance. The registration fee shall be computed in the same manner
for second and subsequent periods of 12 consecutive months of registration under the monthly
series system, subject to changes provided by law for registration fees under the calendar year
system. If the registrar registers the vehicle for a part of a year pursuant to subdivision 3, the
calendar year registration fee shall be apportioned as above in the case of an original registration
for part of a year except that the computation shall begin with the second calendar year fee.
    Subd. 5. Registration period extension for leased vehicle. (a) Notwithstanding subdivisions
3 and 4, a person leasing for at least one year a vehicle registered under this section may obtain an
extension of the motor vehicle's registration period for the unexpired portion of the lease period,
for a period not to exceed 11 months beyond the expiration of the registration period.
(b) In order to obtain an extension under this subdivision a lessee must
(1) apply to the registrar on a form the registrar prescribes;
(2) submit to the registrar a copy of the lease;
(3) pay an administrative fee of $5; and
(4) pay a tax of 1/12 of the tax for the registration period being extended for each month
of the extension.
(c) On an applicant's compliance with paragraph (b) the registrar shall issue the applicant a
license plate tab or sticker designating the new month of expiration of the registration. The
extended registration expires on the tenth day of the month following the month designated
on the tab or sticker.
(d) All fees collected under paragraph (b), clause (3), must be deposited in the highway
user tax distribution fund.
History: 1973 c 6 s 2; 1974 c 121 s 1-4; 1981 c 363 s 18-19; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1989 c 140 s
7; 1991 c 284 s 1; 1995 c 264 art 2 s 3,4,44; 2000 c 426 s 2,31; 1Sp2001 c 5 art 13 s 3

168.018 QUARTERLY REGISTRATION OF FARM TRUCKS.
(a) The owner of (1) any farm truck as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 17, or (2) a
truck owned by a retailer who is engaged in the intrastate transportation of fertilizer or agricultural
chemicals directly to a farm for on-farm use within a radius of 50 miles of the retailer's business
location, may elect to register and license the truck only for one or more quarters of a registration
year, at a tax of one-fourth of the annual tax on the vehicle plus $5 for each quarterly registration.
The owner may not apply for quarterly registration or renewal until seven days before the selected
quarter or concurrent quarters. The expiration date of a registration shall be displayed on the
license plate in such a manner as the registrar shall direct. No truck registered on a quarterly basis
shall be operated on the public streets and highways more than ten days beyond the end of the
quarter for which it is registered unless the registration has been renewed for another quarter
or for the remainder of the registration year.
(b) For purposes of this section registration quarters shall begin on March 1, June 1,
September 1, and December 1.
History: 1981 c 363 s 20; 1984 c 549 s 5; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 12

168.0185 RECORD OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION; DISCLOSURE.
(a) The commissioner shall keep a record of all registered vehicles according to (1)
registration plate number, (2) name of the registered owner, (3) make of vehicle and the vehicle's
identification number, for a vehicle so identified, or, if none, the vehicle's serial number until the
manufacturer adopts and uses a vehicle identification number.
(b) The commissioner shall furnish to any person applying for a copy of the registration, a
copy as specified in section 168.327.
(c) The commissioner shall also furnish vehicle registration records, without charge, to
chiefs of police, county sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, and other law enforcement agencies with
the power to arrest.
History: (2693) 1921 c 461 s 22; 1923 c 418 s 22; 1927 c 340 s 1; 1939 c 259 s 1; 1949 c
131 s 1; 1949 c 132 s 1; 1951 c 384 s 1; 1957 c 82 s 1; 1965 c 45 s 9; 1969 c 540 s 9; 1969 c 1129
art 1 s 15-17; 1971 c 58 s 1; 1971 c 625 s 1,3; 1971 c 853 s 13; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 375 s
1; 1975 c 146 s 1; 1976 c 181 s 2; 1976 c 281 s 1,2; 1977 c 327 s 2,3; 1979 c 329 s 3; 1981 c 357
s 59; 1984 c 549 s 24; 1984 c 629 s 3; 1984 c 654 art 3 s 61; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1985 c 291 s 17;
1986 c 444; 1988 c 496 s 11; 1988 c 647 s 10; 1989 c 209 art 1 s 16; 1989 c 269 s 40,41; 1990 c
426 art 1 s 22; 1990 c 565 s 28; 1991 c 56 s 1; 1996 c 435 s 11; 1996 c 455 art 4 s 11; 1997 c 250
s 3; 2000 c 426 s 12; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 36; 2002 c 371 art 1 s 11,12; 2003 c 112 art 2 s 50; 2005
c 10 art 1 s 28; 2005 c 45 s 2,3; 2005 c 64 s 6; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 26,47

168.019 [Repealed, 3Sp1997 c 3 s 25]

168.02 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.021 PLATES FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS.
    Subdivision 1. Disability plates; application. (a) When a motor vehicle registered under
section 168.017, a motorcycle, a truck having a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of
one ton and resembling a pickup truck, or a self-propelled recreational vehicle is owned or
primarily operated by a permanently physically disabled person or a custodial parent or guardian
of a permanently physically disabled minor, the owner may apply for and secure from the
commissioner (1) immediately, a temporary permit valid for 30 days if the applicant is eligible for
the disability plates issued under this section and (2) two disability plates with attached emblems,
one plate to be attached to the front, and one to the rear of the motor vehicle.
(b) The commissioner shall not issue more than one set of plates to any owner of a motor
vehicle at the same time unless all motor vehicles have been specifically modified for and are
used exclusively by a permanently physically disabled person.
(c) When the owner first applies for the disability plates, the owner must submit a medical
statement in a format approved by the commissioner under section 169.345, or proof of physical
disability provided for in that section.
(d) No medical statement or proof of disability is required when an owner of a motor
vehicle applies for plates for one or more motor vehicles that are specially modified for and used
exclusively by permanently physically disabled persons.
(e) The owner of a motor vehicle may apply for and secure (i) immediately, a permit valid
for 30 days, if the applicant is eligible to receive the disability plates issued under this section, and
(ii) a set of disability plates for a motor vehicle if:
(1) the owner employs a permanently physically disabled person who would qualify for
disability plates under this section; and
(2) the owner furnishes the motor vehicle to the physically disabled person for the exclusive
use of that person in the course of employment.
    Subd. 1a. Scope of privilege. If a physically disabled person parks a motor vehicle
displaying the disability plates described in this section, or a permit valid for 30 days and issued
to an eligible person awaiting receipt of the disability plates described in this section, or any
person parks the motor vehicle for a physically disabled person, that person is entitled to park the
motor vehicle as provided in section 169.345.
    Subd. 2. Plate design; furnished by commissioner. The commissioner shall design and
furnish two disability plates with attached emblems to each eligible owner. The emblem must
bear the internationally accepted wheelchair symbol, as designated in section 16B.61, subdivision
5 , approximately three inches square. The emblem must be large enough to be visible plainly
from a distance of 50 feet. An applicant eligible for disability plates shall pay the motor vehicle
registration fee authorized by sections 168.013 and 168.09.
    Subd. 2a. Plate transfer. (a) When motor vehicle ownership is transferred, the owner of
the motor vehicle shall remove the disability plates. The buyer of the motor vehicle is entitled
to receive regular plates for the motor vehicle without further cost for the remainder of the
registration period.
(b) Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, the disability plates may be transferred
to a replacement motor vehicle on notification to the commissioner. However, the disability
plates may not be transferred unless the replacement motor vehicle (1) is listed under section
168.012, subdivision 1, and (2) is owned or primarily operated by the permanently physically
disabled person.
    Subd. 2b. When not eligible. On becoming ineligible for the disability plates, the owner of
the motor vehicle shall remove the disability plates. The owner may receive regular plates for the
motor vehicle without further cost for the remainder of the registration period.
    Subd. 3. Penalties for unauthorized use of plates. (a) A person who uses the disability
plates or permit provided under this section on a motor vehicle in violation of this section is guilty
of a misdemeanor, and is subject to a fine of $500. This subdivision does not preclude a person who
is not physically disabled from operating a motor vehicle bearing the disability plates or permit if:
(1) the person is the owner of the motor vehicle and permits its operation by a physically
disabled person;
(2) the person operates the motor vehicle with the consent of the owner who is physically
disabled; or
(3) the person is the owner of the motor vehicle, is the custodial parent or guardian of a
permanently physically disabled minor, and operates the motor vehicle to transport the minor.
(b) A driver who is not disabled is not entitled to the parking privileges provided in this
section and in section 169.346 unless parking the motor vehicle for a physically disabled person.
    Subd. 4. Fees; disposition. All fees collected from the sale of disability plates under this
section must be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the highway user tax distribution
fund.
    Subd. 5. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the term "physically disabled person"
has the meaning given it in section 169.345, subdivision 2.
    Subd. 6. Driver's license law not affected. This section must not be construed to revoke,
limit, or amend chapter 171.
    Subd. 7.[Repealed, 1987 c 355 s 10]
History: 1953 c 152 s 1-6; 1965 c 51 s 21; 1975 c 217 s 1; 1976 c 19 s 1,2; 1977 c 205 s 2;
1979 c 225 s 1; 1979 c 277 s 1-3; 1983 c 117 s 1; 1983 c 216 art 1 s 27; 1985 c 291 s 12; 1986 c
444; 1987 c 355 s 1-6; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 234 s 1,2; 1990 c 497 s 4; 1991 c 301 s 1;
1993 c 98 s 1-3; 1996 c 435 s 5; 1999 c 25 s 1; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 6; 2005 c 64 s 5

168.022 MANDATORY REFUND OR REPLACEMENT LAWS.
    Subdivision 1. Entitlement to refund. If a manufacturer of motor vehicles is required
by section 325F.665, subdivision 3, to refund the tax imposed by this chapter, the tax shall be
refunded to the manufacturer as provided in this section.
    Subd. 2. Amount of refund. The amount of the refund shall be the tax paid by the purchaser
pursuant to this chapter less 1/12 of the annual tax for the vehicle for each calendar month or
fraction of a calendar month between the date of registration and the date the purchase price is
refunded.
    Subd. 3. Application. The refund shall be paid to the manufacturer upon written application
to the registrar of motor vehicles with proof of compliance with this section as the registrar
may require.
    Subd. 4. Payment out of highway user fund. Payment of any refund pursuant to this section
shall be made out of the highway user tax distribution fund and the amounts necessary to pay
the refunds are appropriated out of that fund.
History: 1983 c 342 art 20 s 1; 1999 c 86 art 1 s 38

168.03 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.031 REGISTRATION EXEMPTION; ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE.
(a) The motor vehicle of any person who engages in active military service in any branch or
unit of the United States armed forces shall be exempt from the motor vehicle registration tax
during the period of such active service and for 90 days immediately thereafter if the owner,
before, during, or within 90 days after completion of that active service, files with the registrar
of motor vehicles a written application for exemption with such proof of military service as the
registrar may have required and if the motor vehicle is not operated on a public highway within
the state during the requested period of exemption, except by the owner while on furlough or
leave of absence from the military.
(b) The motor vehicle of any disabled war veteran, which vehicle has been furnished free, in
whole or in part, by the United States government to said disabled veteran, shall be exempt from
the motor vehicle registration tax. The motor vehicle owned and registered by a former prisoner
of war that bears the "EX-POW" plates is exempt from the motor vehicle registration tax.
(c) For purposes of this section, the term "active service" shall have the meaning given this
term in section 190.05, subdivisions 5b and 5c, but excludes service performed exclusively
for purposes of:
(1) annual training and other periodic inactive duty training for National Guard and other
reserve members;
(2) special training periodically made available to National Guard and other reserve members;
(3) service performed in accordance with section 190.08, subdivision 3; and
(4) service performed as part of the active guard/reserve program pursuant to United States
Code, title 32, section 502(f), or other applicable authority.
History: 1941 c 7 s 1; 1943 c 458 s 1; 1951 c 248 s 1; 1971 c 83 s 1; 1993 c 214 s 1;
1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 30

168.032 PROPORTIONATE REFUND TO PERSON ON ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE.
If such person shall have paid the tax for the year when entering upon such active service the
person shall surrender to the registrar on applying for the exemption the number plates issued
upon the registration. Upon proper application and surrender of the number plates, the registrar
shall refund to the applicant from the motor vehicle license suspense fund the portion of the tax
paid proportionate to the portion of the year during which the motor vehicle will not be used on
any highway of the state.
History: 1941 c 7 s 2; 1986 c 444

168.033 MAY PAY PROPORTIONATE PART OF TAX.
If such person shall not have paid the tax for the year when entering upon such active
service, the registrar shall not accept the application until the person has registered the motor
vehicle and paid the portion of the tax with penalties, if any, proportionate to the portion of the
year up to the date of application.
History: 1941 c 7 s 3; 1986 c 444

168.034 [Repealed, 1967 c 515 s 3]

168.035 [Repealed, 1967 c 515 s 3]

168.036 [Repealed, 1967 c 515 s 3]

168.037 [Repealed, 1967 c 515 s 3]

168.038 [Repealed, 1967 c 515 s 3]

168.039 [Repealed, 1967 c 515 s 3]

168.04 MILITARY PERSONNEL; EXEMPTIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Licensed in other states. The provisions of this chapter, requiring the
registration and taxation of motor vehicles and the display of license number plates shall not
apply to a motor vehicle operated by an owner who is not a resident of this state or the owner's
authorized agent while the owner is serving in the armed forces of the United States, subject
to the following conditions and limitations:
(1) the vehicle is properly registered in another state in the name of the owner and displays
the license number plates or other insignia required by the laws of the other state;
(2) the owner is a resident of the state in which the vehicle is registered;
(3) the vehicle is used only for personal transportation or for transportation of the owner
or authorized agent's personal property; and
(4) the vehicle is subject to all provisions of law applicable to vehicles owned by Minnesota
residents except to the extent exemption from law is provided by this section.
    Subd. 2. Licensed by armed forces. The provisions of this chapter, requiring the registration
and taxation of motor vehicles and the display of license number plates shall not apply to a motor
vehicle operated by the owner or authorized agent while the owner is engaged in active service in
the armed forces of the United States, subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(1) that such vehicle is properly registered with, and displays the license number plates of,
the armed forces of the United States in a foreign country;
(2) that such vehicle is used only for personal transportation or for transportation of the
owner or authorized agent's personal property;
(3) that such vehicle shall be subject to all provisions of law applicable to vehicles owned by
Minnesota residents except to the extent that exemption from said law is provided by this section;
(4) that the exemption provided by this subdivision shall be valid only for a period of 30
days after a vehicle has arrived in this state.
History: 1967 c 515 s 1,2; 1981 c 167 s 1; 1986 c 444

168.041 IMPOUNDING REGISTRATION PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. Driving after license invalidated. (a) When a person is convicted of
driving a self-propelled motor vehicle after the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of the
person's driver's license or driving privileges, the court shall require the registration plates of the
self-propelled motor vehicle involved in the violation owned by the person or registered in the
person's name to be surrendered to the court. The court shall issue a receipt for the surrendered
registration plates.
(b) If the violator is not the owner of the self-propelled motor vehicle, the court shall require
the registration plates of the motor vehicle to be surrendered to the court if the vehicle was used
by the violator with the permission of the owner and the owner had knowledge of the fact that the
violator's driver's license had been revoked or suspended prior to the commission of the offense.
    Subd. 1a.[Repealed, 1992 c 571 art 14 s 14]
    Subd. 2. Moving violation following previous conviction. If a person is convicted of
violating a law or municipal ordinance, except a parking law or ordinance, regulating the
operation of motor vehicles on the streets or highways, and the record of the person so convicted
shows a previous conviction for driving after suspension or revocation of the person's driver's
license or driving privileges, the court may direct the commissioner of public safety to suspend
the driver's license of the person for a period not exceeding one year. The court may also require
the registration plates of any self-propelled motor vehicle owned by the violator or registered in
the violator's name to be surrendered to the court.
    Subd. 3. Other convictions. Except as otherwise provided in section 169A.60, if a person is
convicted of an offense that makes mandatory the revocation of the person's driver's license, or
is convicted of driving a self-propelled motor vehicle without having a valid driver's license in
force, the court may require the registration plates of any self-propelled motor vehicle owned by
the person or registered in the person's name to be surrendered to the court.
    Subd. 3a.[Repealed, 1990 c 602 art 1 s 8]
    Subd. 4. Impoundment order; plates surrendered. If the court issues an impoundment
order, the registration plates must be surrendered to the court either three days after the order is
issued or on the date specified by the court, whichever date is later. The court may destroy the
surrendered registration plates. Except as provided in subdivision 6 or 7, no new registration
plates may be issued to the violator or owner until the driver's license of the violator has been
reissued or reinstated. The court shall notify the commissioner of public safety within ten days
after issuing an impoundment order.
    Subd. 4a.[Repealed, 1990 c 602 art 1 s 8]
    Subd. 5. Revocation rescinded. If the driver's license revocation that is the basis for an
impoundment order is rescinded, the registrar of motor vehicles shall issue new registration plates
for the vehicle at no cost, when the registrar receives an application that includes a copy of the
order rescinding the driver's license revocation.
    Subd. 6. Special series plates. (a) A violator or owner may apply to the commissioner for
new registration plates, which must bear a special series of numbers or letters so as to be readily
identified by traffic law enforcement officers. The commissioner may authorize the issuance of
special plates if a member of the violator's household has a valid driver's license, the violator or
owner has a limited license issued under section 171.30, or the owner is not the violator and the
owner has a valid or limited license or a member of the owner's household has a valid driver's
license. The commissioner may issue the special plates on payment of a $25 fee for each vehicle
for which special plates are requested. The commissioner may not authorize the issuance of
special plates unless the court that impounded the vehicle's plates gives written approval for
the issuance of the special plates.
(b) Until the driver's license of the violator is reinstated or reissued, the violator shall inform
the commissioner that an impoundment order is in effect when requesting any new registration
plates.
    Subd. 7. Transferring vehicle when plates impounded. A registered owner may not sell
a motor vehicle during the time its registration plates have been ordered surrendered or during
the time its registration plates bear a special series number, unless the registered owner applies
to the court that impounded the plates, for consent to transfer title to the motor vehicle. If the
court is satisfied that the proposed sale is in good faith and for a valid consideration, that the
registered owner will be deprived of the custody and control of the motor vehicle, and that the
sale is not for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this section, it may certify its
consent to the registrar of motor vehicles. The registrar shall then transfer the certificate of title to
the new owner upon proper application and issue new registration plates. After the registration
plates have been ordered surrendered to the court under this section, if the title to the motor
vehicle is transferred by the foreclosure of a chattel mortgage, the cancellation of a conditional
sales contract, a sale upon execution, or by decree or order of a court of competent jurisdiction,
the registrar of motor vehicles shall then transfer the certificate of title and issue new registration
plates to the new registered owner.
    Subd. 8. Applicability to registration tax. Nothing contained in this section or section
169A.60 is intended to change or modify any provision of this chapter, with respect to the taxation
of motor vehicles or the time within which motor vehicle taxes must be paid.
    Subd. 9. Penalty. A person who fails to surrender any registration plates to the court upon
demand under this section, who operates a motor vehicle on a street or highway at a time when a
court has ordered the surrender of its registration plates, or who fails to comply with subdivision
6, paragraph (b), is guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 10. Definition of rental motor vehicle. "Rental motor vehicle" means a passenger
vehicle, truck, motorcycle, or motorized bicycle:
(1) that is leased in the name of the violator, or leased jointly in the name of the violator and
the violator's spouse; and
(2) that is one of a fleet of two or more vehicles rented for periods of 30 days or less.
    Subd. 11.[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 48]
History: 1955 c 468 s 1-9; 1961 c 386 s 1,2; 1976 c 166 s 7; 1979 c 50 s 16; 1984 c 549 s 6;
1986 c 444; 1988 c 647 s 3; 1988 c 681 s 1; 1989 c 321 s 6-8; 1990 c 602 art 1 s 1-4; 1991 c 301
s 2; 1992 c 571 art 14 s 1; 1992 c 581 s 3; 1995 c 99 s 1-3; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

168.042 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

168.0422 STOP OF VEHICLES BEARING SPECIAL SERIES PLATES.
A peace officer who observes the operation of a motor vehicle within this state bearing
special series registration plates issued under section 168.041, subdivision 6, or 169A.60,
subdivision 13 , may stop the vehicle for the purpose of determining whether the driver is
operating the vehicle lawfully under a valid driver's license.
History: 1Sp1997 c 2 s 20; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

168.05 [Held unconstitutional]

168.053 DRIVE-AWAY IN-TRANSIT LICENSE.
    Subdivision 1. Application; fee; penalty. Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in
the business of transporting motor vehicles owned by another, by delivering, by drive-away or
towing methods, either singly or by means of the full mount method, the saddle mount method,
the tow bar method, or any other combination thereof, and under their own power, vehicles over
the highways of the state from the manufacturer or any other point of origin, to any point of
destination, within or without the state, shall make application to the registrar for a drive-away
in-transit license. This application for annual license shall be accompanied by a registration fee of
$250 and contain such information as the registrar may require. Upon the filing of the application
and the payment of the fee, the registrar shall issue to each drive-away operator a drive-away
in-transit license plate, which must be carried and displayed on the power unit consistent with
section 169.79 and the plate shall remain on the vehicle while being operated within the state.
Additional drive-away in-transit license plates desired by any drive-away operator may be secured
from the registrar of motor vehicles upon the payment of a fee of $5 for each set of additional
license plates. Any person, firm, or corporation engaging in the business as a drive-away operator,
of transporting and delivering by means of full mount method, the saddle mount method, the tow
bar method, or any combination thereof, and under their own power, motor vehicles, who fails
or refuses to file or cause to be filed an application, as is required by law, and to pay the fees
therefor as the law requires, shall be found guilty of violating the provisions of sections 168.053
to 168.057; and, upon conviction, fined not less than $50, and not more than $100, and all costs
of court. Each day so operating without securing the license and plates as required therein shall
constitute a separate offense within the meaning thereof.
    Subd. 2. Delivery of trailer or building. Notwithstanding any provisions of subdivision 1
inconsistent herewith the provisions of sections 168.053 to 168.057 shall also apply to the delivery
of new travel trailers, park trailers, manufactured homes, sectional buildings, and semitrailers by
towing methods whether or not the power unit is a part of the combination being delivered.
History: 1941 c 213 s 1; 1959 c 153 s 1; 1961 c 38 s 1; 1961 c 554 s 1; 1969 c 121 s 1; 1981
c 365 s 9; 1984 c 549 s 7; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 323 s 1; 1989 c 342 s 9; 1994 c 536 s 5

168.054 LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY.
Any person pulling or towing any vehicle as provided in section 168.053 designed, equipped,
or intended to operate under its own power, the pulling or towing being accomplished by another
vehicle when operating upon any public highway of the state, shall obtain, before such pulling or
towing, a liability insurance policy or bond covering public liability and property damage, issued
by some insurance or bonding company, or insurance carrier authorized to do business in the
state, which policy or bond shall be approved by the registrar and be in the amount of $10,000
because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident, and, subject to said limit
for one person, in the amount of $100,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more
persons in any one accident, and in the amount of $5,000 because of injury to or destruction of
property of others in any one accident.
History: 1941 c 213 s 2; 1947 c 166 s 1; 1994 c 536 s 6

168.055 SAFETY CHAINS; SPEED LIMIT.
In pulling or towing such motor vehicles, at least two safety chains shall be used in addition
to tow bars and all sets shall be not less than 500 feet apart and no person shall operate such
vehicle in excess of 35 miles per hour.
History: 1941 c 213 s 3

168.056 VIOLATION A MISDEMEANOR; EXCEPTIONS.
Any person violating the provisions of sections 168.053 to 168.055 shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor. The provisions of sections 168.053 to 168.057 shall not apply where such vehicle
is being towed as a temporary movement for the purpose of making repairs, or for the purpose of
pulling or towing such vehicle from one point to another point for the purpose of making repairs,
or on repossessed cars being towed by an agent or employee of any person or bona fide finance
company in the state where such towing is incidental to the repossession of such vehicle.
History: 1941 c 213 s 4; 1969 c 6 s 28

168.057 FEES CREDITED TO HIGHWAY USER FUND.
All fees derived from sections 168.053 to 168.057 shall be paid into the state treasury and
credited to the highway user tax distribution fund.
History: 1941 c 213 s 5; 1957 c 60 s 2

168.06 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.073 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.075 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.08 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.09 REGISTRATION; REREGISTRATION.
    Subdivision 1. Registration required. No trailer or motor vehicle, except as is exempted by
section 168.012, may be used or operated upon the public streets or highways of the state in any
calendar year until it is registered as provided in this section, the motor vehicle tax and fees as
provided in this chapter are paid, and the number plates issued for the trailer or motor vehicle are
displayed on it. No trailer or motor vehicle, except as provided by section 168.012, which for
any reason is not subject to taxation as provided in this chapter, may be used or operated upon
the public streets or highways of this state until it is registered as provided in this section and
displays number plates as required by this chapter, except that the purchaser of a new trailer
or motor vehicle may operate it without plates if the permit authorized by section 168.091 or
168.092 is displayed.
    Subd. 2. Reregistration. When a motor vehicle registered in Minnesota, has during the
calendar year for which it is so registered, been reregistered for the following year, the display
on such motor vehicle of the plates issued for such motor vehicle on its reregistration for the
following year shall on and after November 15 of the calendar year in which it was so reregistered
constitute compliance with subdivision 1 requiring display of plates except as provided in
subdivisions 3 and 4.
    Subd. 3. Proratable vehicles; other vehicles. (a) Plates or other insignia issued for a motor
vehicle registered under section 168.187 for a calendar year shall be displayed on the motor
vehicle not later than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the year unless extended by the registrar for the
period of time required for the issuance of the new plates or insignia. The commissioner of public
safety shall register all motor vehicles registered under section 168.187 for a period of 14 months
for the registration year 1994 to implement this subdivision. The registration year for vehicles
registered under section 168.187, as provided in this section, is from March 1 to the last day
of February for 1995 and succeeding years.
(b) Except for a motor vehicle registered under section 168.017 or 168.187, plates or
other insignia issued for a self-propelled motor vehicle registered for over 27,000 pounds shall
be displayed on the vehicle not later than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the year, and, except for
recreational equipment, not earlier than 12:01 a.m. on February 15 of the year, unless otherwise
extended by the registrar for the period of time required for issuing the new plates or insignia.
(c) Except for a motor vehicle registered under section 168.017 or 168.187, plates or other
insignia issued for a self-propelled vehicle registered for 27,000 pounds or less and all other
motor vehicles shall be displayed not later than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the year, and, except for
recreational equipment, not earlier than January 1 of the year unless otherwise extended by the
registrar for the period of time required for issuing the new plates or insignia. The registration
year for all vehicles as provided in this paragraph and paragraph (b) is from March 1 to the last
day of February for 1979 and succeeding years.
    Subd. 4. Display. A vehicle registered under the monthly series system of registration
shall display the plates and insignia issued within ten days of the first day of the month which
commences the registration period.
    Subd. 5. Defenses to failure to renew. No person may be charged with violating this section
by reason of failure to renew the registration of a previously registered motor vehicle, except
those vehicles registered under section 168.187, if:
(1) the person produces a statement from the registrar to the effect that the person was
not notified by the registrar of the annual renewal for the registration of the vehicle to which
a citation was issued; and
(2) the person renews the registration and pays the motor vehicle tax and fees due within ten
days of being cited for the violation.
    Subd. 6. Semitrailer. For a semitrailer, as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 14, a
number plate must be assigned to the registered owner as identification for the vehicle. This
number plate must not display a year designator. The registration card must indicate the number
plate for the number plate to be valid.
    Subd. 7. Display of temporary permit; special plates. (a) A vehicle that displays a special
plate issued under section 168.021; 168.12, subdivision 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, or 2d; 168.123; 168.124;
168.125; 168.126; 168.128; or 168.129, may display a temporary permit in conjunction with
expired registration if:
(1) the current registration tax and all other fees have been paid in full; and
(2) the plate requires replacement under section 168.12, subdivision 1, paragraph (d),
clause (3).
(b) A vehicle that is registered under section 168.10 may display a temporary permit in
conjunction with expired registration, with or without a registration plate, if:
(1) the plates have been applied for and the registration tax has been paid in full, as provided
for in section 168.10; and
(2) the vehicle is used solely as a collector vehicle while displaying the temporary permit and
not used for general transportation purposes.
(c) The permit is valid for a period of 60 days. The permit must be in a format prescribed
by the commissioner and whenever practicable must be posted upon the driver's side of the rear
window on the inside of the vehicle. The permit is valid only for the vehicle for which it was issued
to allow a reasonable time for the new plates to be manufactured and delivered to the applicant.
History: (2675) 1921 c 461 s 4; 1923 c 418 s 4; 1927 c 88; 1945 c 14 s 1; 1949 c 130;
1957 c 714 s 1; 1969 c 75 s 1; 1971 c 1 s 1; 1974 c 121 s 6; 1976 c 39 s 5; 1978 c 613 s 1,2;
1981 c 167 s 2,3; 1984 c 549 s 8,9; 1985 c 64 s 1; 1985 c 291 s 13; 1986 c 444; 1990 c 446 s
1; 1993 c 281 s 1,2; 1994 c 536 s 7; 2000 c 426 s 3; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 31; 2002 c 371 art 1 s
5,6; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 3

168.091 31-DAY TEMPORARY VEHICLE PERMIT.
    Subdivision 1. Nonresident buyer. (a) Upon payment of a fee of $1, the commissioner may
issue a permit to a nonresident purchasing a vehicle in this state for the sole purpose of allowing
the vehicle to be removed from this state.
(b) The permit is in lieu of any other registration or taxation for use of the highways and is
valid for a period of 31 days from the date of sale, trade, or gift.
(c) The permit must be available in an electronic format as determined by the commissioner.
(d) If the sale, gift, or trade information is electronically transmitted to the commissioner by
a dealer or deputy registrar of motor vehicles, the $1 fee is waived.
(e) The permit must be posted upon the left side of the inside rear window of the vehicle or,
if not practicable, where it is plainly visible to law enforcement. Each permit is valid only for
the vehicle for which the permit was issued.
    Subd. 2. Dealer. The registrar may issue a quantity of permits in booklet form to licensed
dealers upon payment of the proper fee for each permit contained in said booklet. When issuing a
permit, the dealer shall immediately forward to the registrar information on forms supplied by
the registrar showing to whom the permit was issued, the vehicle description, date of issue and
expiration, and such other information as the registrar may require.
    Subd. 3. Proceeds to highway user fund. All payments received for such permits shall be
paid into the state treasury and credited to the highway user tax distribution fund.
History: 1969 c 357 s 1; 1976 c 94 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 53 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 31

168.092 21-DAY TEMPORARY VEHICLE PERMIT.
    Subdivision 1. Resident buyer. The motor vehicle registrar may issue a permit to a person
purchasing a new or used motor vehicle in this state for the purpose of allowing the purchaser a
reasonable time to register the vehicle and pay fees and taxes due on the transfer. The permit is
valid for a period of 21 days. The permit must be in a form as the registrar may determine and,
whenever practicable must be posted upon the left side of the inside rear window of the vehicle.
Each permit is valid only for the vehicle for which issued.
    Subd. 2. Dealer. The registrar may issue a quantity of permits to licensed dealers. When
issuing a permit, the dealer shall complete the permit in the manner prescribed by the department.
One copy of the permit shall be retained in sequential order in the dealer's files.
History: 1971 c 853 s 14; 1976 c 94 s 2; 1983 c 68 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1994 c 536 s 8

168.093 [Renumbered 168.098]

168.094 ONE-WAY TRIP PERMIT.
    Subdivision 1. Application, fee, requirements. Whenever a person seeks to operate a motor
vehicle or tow a manufactured home owned by a nonresident upon the highways of this state
solely for the purpose of transporting it from a point outside the state to another point outside
the state, and such vehicle is not otherwise exempt from registration and taxation as provided by
law, such owner shall not be required to register the vehicle and pay the tax but in lieu thereof
shall apply to the registrar for a one-way trip permit and pay a fee of $10. Unless such act of
transportation also requires approval by the commissioner of transportation as provided in section
169.86, such person may be permitted to proceed with such vehicle into the state, not to exceed 35
miles, to the nearest city wherein a deputy registrar is located before securing such permit. The
application for permit shall be in such form and contain such information as the registrar may
determine. Any motor vehicle operated under such permit shall carry no load. As used in this
section, "person" includes a natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation.
    Subd. 2. Proceeds to highway user fund. Fees collected pursuant to subdivision 1 shall be
paid into the state treasury and credited to the highway user tax distribution fund.
History: 1963 c 53 s 1,2; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1976 c 166 s 7; 1981 c 365 s 9; 1999 c 70 s 2

168.098 REGISTRATION OF PARK TRAILER.
The motor vehicle registrar shall issue a registration receipt for a park trailer on payment of
annual registration tax but may not issue license plates or other insignia. The receipt must be in
the form prescribed by the commissioner and must provide the name and address of the owner,
the dimensions of the park trailer, and other information required by the registrar.
History: 1989 c 342 s 10

168.10 REGISTRATION; COLLECTOR VEHICLE.
    Subdivision 1. Application. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g, and 1h,
every owner of any motor vehicle in this state, not exempted by section 168.012 or 168.26, shall
as soon as registered ownership of a motor vehicle is acquired and annually thereafter during the
period provided in section 168.31, file with the commissioner of public safety on a blank provided
by the commissioner a listing for taxation and application for the registration of such vehicle,
stating the first, middle and last names, the date of birth, and the address of the primary residence
of each registered owner thereof who is a natural person or mailing address if the address of
the primary residence has been classified as private data under this chapter, the full name and
address of any other registered owner, the name and address of the person from whom purchased,
make of motor vehicle, year and number of the model, manufacturer's identification number or
serial number, type of body, the weight of the vehicle in pounds, for trailers only, its rated load
carrying capacity and for buses only, its seating capacity, and such other information as the
commissioner may require. Any false statement willfully and knowingly made in regard thereto
shall be deemed perjury and punished accordingly. The listing and application for registration
by dealers or manufacturers' agents within the state, of motor vehicles received for sale or use
within the state shall be accepted as compliance with the requirements of this chapter, imposed
upon the manufacturer.
(b) Registration shall be refused a motor vehicle if the original identification or serial number
has been destroyed, removed, altered, covered, or defaced. However, if the commissioner is
satisfied on the sworn statements of the registered owner or registered owners or such other
persons as the commissioner may deem advisable that the applicant is the legal owner, a special
identification number in the form prescribed by the commissioner shall be assigned to the motor
vehicle. When it has been determined that the number had been affixed to such vehicle in a manner
prescribed by the commissioner, the vehicle may thereafter be registered in the same manner as
other motor vehicles. In the case of a new or rebuilt motor vehicle manufactured or assembled
without an identification or serial number, the commissioner may assign an identification number
to the motor vehicle in the same manner as prescribed heretofore.
    Subd. 1a. Collector's vehicle, pioneer license. (a) Any motor vehicle manufactured prior
to 1936 and owned and operated solely as a collector's item shall be listed for taxation and
registration as follows: An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the owner,
the name and address of the person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year
and number of the model, the manufacturer's identification number and that the vehicle is owned
and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes. If the
registrar is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax, the registrar
shall list such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
(b) The number plate so issued shall bear the inscription "Pioneer," "Minnesota" and
the registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
subdivision 2a , but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is
in existence. The registrar has the power to revoke said plate for failure to comply with this
subdivision.
    Subd. 1b. Collector's vehicle, classic car license. (a) Any motor vehicle manufactured
between and including the years 1925 and 1948, and designated by the registrar of motor vehicles
as a classic car because of its fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship,
and owned and operated solely as a collector's item shall be listed for taxation and registration as
follows: An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the owner, the name and
address of the person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year and number of
the model, the manufacturer's identification number and that the vehicle is owned and operated
solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes. If the registrar is satisfied
that the affidavit is true and correct and that the motor vehicle qualifies to be classified as a classic
car, and the owner pays a $25 tax, the registrar shall list such vehicle for taxation and registration
and shall issue a single number plate.
(b) The number plate so issued shall bear the inscription "Classic Car," "Minnesota," and
the registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
subdivision 2a , but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is
in existence. The registrar has the power to revoke said plate for failure to comply with this
subdivision.
(c) The following cars built between and including 1925 and 1948 are classic:

	A.C.
	Adler
	Alfa Romeo
	Alvis	Speed 20, 25, and 4.3 litre.
	Amilcar
	Aston Martin
	Auburn	All 8-cylinder and 12-cylinder models.
	Audi
	Austro-Daimler
	Avions Voisin 12
	Bentley
	Blackhawk
	B.M.W.	Models 327, 328, and 335 only.
	Brewster (Heart-front Ford)
	Bugatti
	Buick	1931 through 1942: series 90 only.
	Cadillac	All 1925 through 1935.
		All 12's and 16's.
		1936-1948: Series 63, 65, 67,
		70, 72, 75, 80, 85 and 90 only.
		1938-1947: 60 special only.
		1940-1947: All 62 Series.
	Chrysler	1926 through 1930: Imperial 80.
		1929: Imperial L.
		1931 through 1937: Imperial Series CG,
		CH, CL, and CW.
		All Newports and Thunderbolts.
		1934 CX.
		1935 C-3.
		1936 C-11.
		1937 through 1948: Custom Imperial,
		Crown Imperial Series C-15, C-20, C-24,
		C-27, C-33, C-37, and C-40.
	Cord
	Cunningham
	Dagmar	Model 25-70 only.
	Daimler
	Delage
	Delahaye
	Doble
	Dorris
	Duesenberg
	du Pont
	Franklin	All models except 1933-34 Olympic Sixes.
	Frazer Nash
	Graham	1930-1931: Series 137.
	Graham-Paige	1929-1930: Series 837.
	Hispano Suiza
	Horch
	Hotchkiss
	Invicta
	Isotta Fraschini
	Jaguar
	Jordan	Speedway Series 'Z' only.
	Kissel	1925, 1926 and 1927: Model 8-75.
		1928: Model 8-90, and 8-90 White Eagle.
		1929: Model 8-126, and 8-90 White Eagle.
		1930: Model 8-126.
		1931: Model 8-126.
	Lagonda
	Lancia
	La Salle	1927 through 1933 only.
	Lincoln	All models K, L, KA, and KB.
		1941: Model 168H.
		1942: Model 268H.
	Lincoln Continental	1939 through 1948.
	Locomobile	All models 48 and 90.
		1927: Model 8-80.
		1928: Model 8-80.
		1929: Models 8-80 and 8-88.
	Marmon	All 16-cylinder models.
		1925: Model 74.
		1926: Model 74.
		1927: Model 75.
		1928: Model E75.
		1931: Model 88, and Big 8.
	Maybach
	McFarlan
	Mercedes Benz	All models 2.2 litres and up.
	Mercer
	M.G.	6-cylinder models only.
	Minerva
	Nash	1931: Series 8-90.
		1932: Series 9-90,
		Advanced 8, and Ambassador 8.
		1933-1934: Ambassador 8.
	Packard	1925 through 1934: All models.
		1935 through 1942: Models 1200,
		1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1207,
		1208, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404,
		1405, 1407, 1408, 1500, 1501, 1502,
		1506, 1507, 1508, 1603, 1604, 1605,
		1607, 1608, 1705, 1707, 1708, 1806,
		1807, 1808, 1906, 1907, 1908, 2006,
		2007, and 2008 only.
		1946 and 1947: Models 2106 and
		2126 only.
	Peerless	1926 through 1928: Series 69.
		1930-1931: Custom 8.
		1932: Deluxe Custom 8.
	Pierce Arrow
	Railton
	Renault	Grand Sport model only.
	Reo	1930-1931: Royale Custom 8, and
		Series 8-35 and 8-52 Elite 8.
		1933: Royale Custom 8.
	Revere
	Roamer	1925: Series 8-88, 6-54e, and 4-75.
		1926: Series 4-75e, and 8-88.
		1927-1928: Series 8-88.
		1929: Series 8-88, and 8-125.
		1930: Series 8-125.
	Rohr
	Rolls Royce
	Ruxton
	Salmson
	Squire
	Stearns Knight
	Stevens Duryea
	Steyr
	Studebaker	1929-1933: President, except model 82.
	Stutz
	Sunbeam
	Talbot
	Triumph	Dolomite 8 and Gloria 6.
	Vauxhall	Series 25-70 and 30-98 only.
	Voisin
	Wills Saint Claire

(d) No commercial vehicles such as hearses, ambulances, or trucks are considered to be
classic cars.
    Subd. 1c. Collector's vehicle, collector plate. (a) The owner of any motor vehicle, including
any truck, (1) that is (i) at least 20 model years old, or (ii) at least ten model years old and with
a body or engine style of which not more than 500 were manufactured in or imported into the
United States in any model year, (2) that was manufactured after 1935, and (3) that is owned
and operated solely as a collector's vehicle, shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration as
provided in paragraph (b).
(b) The owner shall execute an affidavit stating (1) the name and address of the person from
whom purchased and of the new owner, (2) the make of the motor vehicle, (3) the year and number
of the model, (4) the manufacturer's identification number, (5) in the case of a vehicle described in
paragraph (a), clause (1)(ii), that the vehicle has a body or engine style of which not more than 500
were manufactured or imported into the United States in any model year, and (6) that the vehicle
is owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes.
(c) The owner shall provide a statement of the manufacturer or importer regarding the
number of vehicles manufactured or imported during the model year.
(d) The owner shall also prove that the owner also has one or more vehicles with regular
license plates.
If the registrar is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax, the
registrar shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
(e) The number plate issued shall bear the inscription "Collector," "Minnesota," and
the registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
subdivision 2a , but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle
is in existence. The registrar has the power to revoke the plate for failure to comply with this
subdivision.
    Subd. 1d. Collector's vehicle, street rod license. Any modernized motor vehicle
manufactured prior to the year 1949 or designed and manufactured to resemble such vehicle shall
be listed for taxation and registration as follows:
An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the person from whom
purchased and of the new owner, the make of the motor vehicle, year number of model, and the
manufacturer's identification number. The affidavit shall further state that the vehicle is owned
and operated solely as a street rod and not for general transportation purposes. The owner must
also prove that the owner has one or more vehicles with regular license plates. If the registrar is
satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax, the registrar shall list
such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
The number plate issued shall bear the inscription "Street Rod", "Minnesota" and the
registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
subdivision 2a , but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is
in existence. The registrar has the power to revoke such plate for failure to comply with this
subdivision.
    Subd. 1e. Outdoor storage. Pioneer, classic, collector vehicles, collector military vehicles,
or street rods, licensed or unlicensed, operable or inoperable, may be stored in compliance with
local government zoning and ordinances on their owners' property, provided that the vehicles
and any outdoor storage areas they may require are maintained in such a manner that they do
not constitute a health or environmental hazard and are screened from ordinary public view by
means of a fence, shrubbery, rapidly growing trees or other appropriate means. The appropriate
local agency or authority may inform an owner of the owner's failure to comply with these
requirements, and may order the vehicles removed from the outdoor storage area if the owner
fails to comply with these requirements within 20 days after the warning.
    Subd. 1f. Equipment. Any pioneer, classic, collector vehicle, collector military vehicle, or
street rod shall have all equipment, in operating condition, which was specifically required by law
as a condition for its first sale after manufacture.
No law requiring any particular equipment or specifying any standards to be met by motor
vehicles shall apply to pioneer, classic, collector vehicles, collector military vehicles, or street
rods unless it specifically so states.
    Subd. 1g. Original plates. A vehicle registered pursuant to subdivision 1a, 1b, 1c or 1d may
in lieu of being issued number plates by the registrar display original Minnesota number plates
issued in the same year as the model year of the car on which they are displayed. The number of
the original plates must be provided to the registrar. The original plates must be in good condition
and shall be used in pairs one to be displayed in the front of the car and one in the rear, except for
an original plate issued in 1911, 1944, 1945, or 1946 which may be used singly and displayed
at the rear of the vehicle. Original Minnesota number plates shall not be used if the number on
the original plate is identical to a number on any current street rod plate or any other plate in a
numbering system used by the registrar. Any person currently using plates issued pursuant to
subdivision 1a, 1b, 1c or 1d shall return those plates to the registrar before substituting original
plates. The registrar may charge a fee for registering the number on original plates.
    Subd. 1h. Collector military vehicle. (a) A motor vehicle, including a truck, shall be listed
and registered under this section if it meets the following conditions:
(1) it is at least 20 years old;
(2) its first owner following its manufacture was a branch of the armed forces of the United
States and it presently conforms to the vehicle specifications required during the time of military
ownership, or it has been restored and presently conforms to the specifications required by a
branch of the armed forces for the model year that the restored vehicle could have been owned by
that branch of the armed forces; and
(3) it is owned by a nonprofit organization and operated solely as a collector's vehicle. For
purposes of this subdivision, "nonprofit organization" means a corporation, society, association,
foundation, or institution organized and operated exclusively for historical or educational
purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of a private individual.
(b) The owner of the vehicle shall execute an affidavit stating the name and address of the
person from whom purchased and of the new owner; the make, year, and model number of
the motor vehicle; the manufacturer's identification number; and the collector military vehicle
identification number, if any, located on the exterior of the vehicle. The affidavit must affirm
that the vehicle is owned by a nonprofit organization and is operated solely as a collector's
item and not for general transportation purposes. If the registrar is satisfied that the affidavit is
true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax, the registrar shall list the vehicle for taxation
and registration and shall issue number plates. The number plates shall bear the inscriptions
"Collector" and "Minnesota" and the registration number, but no date. The number plates are
valid without renewal as long as the vehicle is in existence. The registrar may revoke the plates
for failure to comply with this subdivision.
(c) Notwithstanding section 168.09, 168.12, or other law to the contrary, the owner of a
registered collector military vehicle is not required to display registration plates on the exterior of
the vehicle if the vehicle has an exterior number identification that conforms to the identifying
system for military vehicles in effect when the vehicle was last owned by the branch of the
armed forces of the United States or in effect in the year to which the collector military vehicle
has been restored. However, the state registration plates must be carried in or on the collector
military vehicle at all times.
(d) The owner of a registered collector military vehicle that is not required to display
registration plates under paragraph (c) may tow a registered trailer behind it. The trailer is not
required to display registration plates if the trailer:
(1) does not exceed a gross weight of 15,000 pounds;
(2) otherwise conforms to registration, licensing, and safety laws and specifications;
(3) conforms to military specifications for appearance and identification;
(4) is intended to represent and does represent a military trailer; and
(5) carries registration plates on or in the trailer or the collector military vehicle towing
the trailer.
    Subd. 1i. Collector plate transfer. Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, on
payment of a transfer fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another
vehicle owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the special plates were issued or the plate
may be assigned to another owner. In addition to the transfer fee a new owner must pay the $25
plate tax or any fee required by section 168.12, subdivision 2a. The $5 fee must be paid into the
state treasury and credited to the highway user tax distribution fund. License plates issued under
this section may not be transferred to a vehicle not eligible for the collector's vehicle license plates.
    Subd. 2. New body; application. Upon the installation of a new body or the addition to or
change of type of any body in or upon any registered motor vehicle, the owner shall file with
the registrar a new application setting forth such change, together with the payment of any
additional tax to which the motor vehicle by such change has become subject, and shall apply for
a revision of the registration made.
    Subd. 3. Offenses. It shall be unlawful for any person:
(1) to display or cause to be displayed or to possess any canceled, revoked, suspended or
fraudulently obtained or stolen registration plates;
(2) to lend the person's registration plates to another or knowingly to permit the use thereof
by another;
(3) to display or represent as the person's own any registration plates not issued to that
person; provided, however, this shall not apply to any legal change of ownership of the motor
vehicle to which the plates are attached, nor shall this apply to any transfer of collector plates
under subdivision 1i;
(4) to fail or refuse to surrender to the department upon its lawful demand any registration
plates which have been revoked, canceled, or suspended by proper authority;
(5) to use a false or fictitious name or address or description of the motor vehicle,
identification number, or serial number in any application for registration of a motor vehicle or to
knowingly make a false statement or to knowingly conceal a material fact or otherwise commit a
fraud in any such application;
(6) to destroy, alter, remove, cover or deface the identification or serial number of any motor
vehicle or to knowingly operate any motor vehicle the identification or serial number of which
has been destroyed, altered, removed, covered or defaced without first making application for
assignment of a special identification number as provided by law.
    Subd. 4. Violation. It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to violate any of the provisions
of this chapter unless such violation is by this chapter or other laws of this state declared to
be a felony or gross misdemeanor.
History: (2676) 1921 c 461 s 5; 1923 c 418 s 5; 1937 c 436 s 1; 1941 c 515 s 2; 1951 c 211 s
1,2; 1953 c 88 s 1; 1955 c 59 s 1; 1957 c 714 s 2; 1959 c 74 s 1; 1959 c 315 s 1; 1963 c 579 s 1;
1965 c 107 s 1; 1975 c 55 s 1,2; 1976 c 73 s 1; 1977 c 370 s 1; 1979 c 329 s 1; 1981 c 199 s 1;
3Sp1981 c 1 art 2 s 8; 1984 c 549 s 10-14; 1986 c 336 s 2-5; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 647 s 4; 1990 c
446 s 2; 1991 c 333 s 1-4; 1992 c 581 s 5; 1993 c 85 s 1; 1995 c 132 s 1-7; 1996 c 345 s 1; 1996 c
435 s 6; 1997 c 240 s 1-4; 2002 c 371 art 1 s 7; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 32

168.101 OWNERSHIP AND REGISTRATION BY MINOR; PROHIBITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Ownership by minor unlawful; exceptions. Except as provided in this
subdivision it is unlawful for a person under the age of 18 to own a passenger automobile or
truck. A person who is under the age of 18 may own a passenger automobile or truck only if any
of the following conditions exist:
(1) the person has completed a driver training course approved by the commissioner of
public safety and has attained the age of 17;
(2) the person is a high school graduate and has attained the age of 17;
(3) the person is an employed, emancipated minor who holds a Minnesota driver's license;
(4) the person, before January 1, 1964, owns a passenger automobile or truck which is
registered in the person's name with the registrar of motor vehicles;
(5) the person became the owner of the passenger automobile or truck which the person
seeks to register in Minnesota while a resident of a foreign state, district, territory, or country,
and which passenger automobile or truck is duly registered in the person's name in such foreign
state, district, territory, or country.
    Subd. 2. Unlawful transfer to minor. Any person who knowingly sells or in any manner
knowingly transfers title of a passenger automobile or truck to a person who is prohibited from
owning a passenger automobile or truck under the provisions of subdivision 1 shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 2a. Failure to send to registrar within ten days. Any person who fails to mail in the
application for registration or transfer with appropriate taxes and fees to the registrar of motor
vehicles or otherwise fails to submit said forms and remittance to the registrar within ten days
following date of sale shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 3. Proof by registrant of eligibility to own vehicle. The registrar of motor vehicles
shall refuse to register a passenger automobile or truck unless the owner submits to the registrar, at
the time the owner files the first application for registration or transfer of a passenger automobile
or truck, a written and verified statement that the owner is 18 years of age or over or, if under
the age 18, is permitted by the provisions of subdivision 1 to own a passenger automobile or
truck. The statement of an applicant under the age of 18 also shall set forth the number of the
applicant's driver's license, or if the applicant has no driver's license the applicant shall so state.
The applicant shall make an oath or affirmation before an officer authorized by law to administer
oaths and affirmations that the statements made are correct and true. The registrar may prescribe a
form for the statement required by this subdivision, which form the registrar may make a part
of the application for registration or transfer.
    Subd. 4. Misdemeanor violation. A person who violates the provisions of this section is
guilty of a misdemeanor. The commissioner of public safety shall suspend, for not less than one
year, the driver's license of a person who, while under the age of 18, misrepresents the person's
age on the statement required by subdivision 3.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 1989 c 140 s 14]
History: 1963 c 580 s 1; 1965 c 178 s 1; 1967 c 55 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 18; 1984 c 549
s 15; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 135 s 1

168.102 SCHOOL BUS; PREREGISTRATION INSPECTION.
No school bus, as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 6, shall be registered for the first
time in this state unless the application for registration is accompanied by a certificate from either
the Minnesota State Patrol or the dealer showing that the school bus conforms with all rules
promulgated by the Department of Public Safety and with all other applicable provisions of law.
History: 1975 c 283 s 1; 1981 c 37 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 16 s 13; 1Sp2003
c 9 art 10 s 13

168.105 CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. A "classic motorcycle" is a motorcycle that is at least 20 years old,
original in appearance, and owned solely as a collector's item and used in a classic motorcycle
club activity, exhibition, tour, parade, or similar use. A classic motorcycle may not be used
for general transportation purposes.
    Subd. 2. Affidavit for registration and taxation. (a) A classic motorcycle must be taxed
and registered by the vehicle owner submitting an affidavit to the commissioner stating (1) the
name and address of the owner, (2) the name and address of the person from whom purchased, (3)
the make of the classic motorcycle, (4) the year and number of the model, (5) the manufacturer's
vehicle identification number, (6) that the motorcycle is owned and operated solely as a collector's
item and will not be used for general transportation purposes, and (7) that the owner has one
or more motor vehicles with regular plates.
(b) When the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true, correct, and complete and
the owner has paid a $10 registration tax, the commissioner shall register the vehicle and issue
special plates.
    Subd. 3. Classic plates. The commissioner shall issue plates of the same size as standard
motorcycle plates and inscribed "collector" and "Minnesota" with the registration number or
other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12, subdivision 2a, but without a
date. The plates are valid without renewal as long as the classic motorcycle exists and may be
issued for the applicant's use only for the classic motorcycle. The commissioner may revoke the
plates for noncompliance with this subdivision.
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1985 c 291 s 27]
    Subd. 5. Original plates. (a) Instead of being issued classic motorcycle plates, a classic
motorcycle registered under this section may display original Minnesota plates issued in the same
year as the model year of the motorcycle on which they are displayed. The number on the original
plates must be provided to the commissioner.
(b) Original Minnesota plates may not be used if the number on the original plate is identical
to the number on a current collector's plate issued by the commissioner.
(c) If the vehicle is not registered as a collector vehicle, the commissioner shall charge a fee
of $10 for registering the number on the original plates.
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 48]
History: 1983 c 173 s 1; 1991 c 333 s 5; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 4-6

168.11 REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.
    Subdivision 1. Issuance; contents; retention requirement; other use. The registrar shall
file such application and, upon approval thereof and upon payment of the motor vehicle tax, as
herein provided, together with all arrears and penalties, if any, and upon the delivery to the
registrar of the duly endorsed certificate of title of the former owner, as provided in chapter
168A, shall assign to it a distinctive number and issue to the registered owner a registration
certificate, which shall contain the full name and date of birth, place of residence, with street and
number, if in a city, and post office address of the registered owner, a specific description of the
vehicle, and the number assigned, together with a place on the face of the certificate in which the
registered owner shall, immediately upon receipt thereof, place the registered owner's signature.
The registration certificate shall be retained by the registered owner until expiration. When in
administering this chapter convenience or necessity requires, the registration certificate shall be
used in lieu of the certificate of title on vehicles exempt from chapter 168A.
    Subd. 2. Immediate possession required. In the case of motor vehicles taxed under the
provisions of section 168.013, subdivision 1e, a nonnegotiable copy of the registration card shall
be issued. The owner or driver shall carry said copy in immediate possession at all times when
operating the vehicle and shall display the same upon demand of a peace officer, and authorized
representative of the department or an officer authorized by law to enforce the laws relating to
the operation of motor vehicles upon the public streets and highways. Nothing herein shall be
construed to vary the terms or conditions of section 168.013, subdivision 3.
    Subd. 3. Renewal. If the registrar fails to mail to the registered owner of a motor vehicle a
notification of renewal for the motor vehicle at least 30 days before the expiration of the vehicle's
registration, and all past due taxes and fees have been paid, the registrar must provide at no charge
a written statement to that effect to the registered owner at the owner's request. The registrar must
retain in the registrar's files a record sufficient to demonstrate whether any owner of a registered
motor vehicle has been notified by mail of the renewal of the registration.
History: (2677) 1921 c 461 s 6; 1923 c 418 s 6; 1959 c 81 s 1; 1974 c 406 s 33; 1985 c
64 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 647 s 5

168.12 PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance. (a) The commissioner,
upon approval and payment, shall issue to the applicant the plates required by this chapter,
bearing the state name and an assigned vehicle registration number. The number assigned by the
commissioner may be a combination of a letter or sign with figures. The color of the plates and the
color of the abbreviation of the state name and the number assigned must be in marked contrast.
The plates must be lettered, spaced, or distinguished to suitably indicate the registration of the
vehicle according to the rules of the commissioner.
(b) When a vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the plates issued must
clearly indicate by letters or other suitable insignia the maximum gross weight for which the tax
has been paid.
(c) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the conventional
painted number plates. When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, the plates, when viewed
from a vehicle equipped with standard headlights, must be visible for a distance of not less than
1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 feet.
(d) The commissioner shall issue plates for the following periods:
(1) New plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, subdivision 1, must be issued to a
vehicle for as long as the vehicle is owned by the exempt agency and the plate shall not be
transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle from
one tax-exempt agency to another.
(2) Plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period. All plates
issued under this paragraph must be replaced if they are seven years old or older at the time of
registration renewal or will become so during the registration period.
(3) Plates issued under sections 168.053 and 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, must be for
a seven-year period.
(4) Plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and section 168.123 must be issued for
the life of the veteran under section 169.79.
(5) Plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3), except for trailers as hereafter
provided, must be issued for the life of the vehicle. Beginning with plates issued for the year 1981,
plates issued for trailers with a total gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less must be issued for the
life of the trailer and must be not more than seven inches in length and four inches in width.
(e) In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner shall issue for each registration
a sticker to designate the year of registration. This sticker must show the year or years for which
the sticker is issued, and is valid only for that period. The plates and stickers issued for a vehicle
may not be transferred to another vehicle during the period for which the sticker is issued, except
when issued for a vehicle registered under section 168.187.
(f) Despite any other provision of this subdivision, plates issued to a vehicle used for
behind-the-wheel instruction in a driver education course in a public school may be transferred
to another vehicle used for the same purpose without payment of any additional fee. The
public school shall notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this paragraph. The
commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.
    Subd. 2. Amateur radio licensee; special plates, rules. (a) The commissioner shall issue
amateur radio plates to an applicant who:
(1) is an owner of a passenger automobile or recreational motor vehicle;
(2) is a resident of this state;
(3) holds an official amateur radio station license or a citizens radio service class D license,
in good standing, issued by the Federal Communications Commission;
(4) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(5) pays a fee of $10 for each set of special plates and any other fees required by this
chapter; and
(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers;
(b) In lieu of the registration number required for identification under subdivision 1, the
plates must indicate the official amateur call letters of the applicant, as assigned by the Federal
Communications Commission, and the words "AMATEUR RADIO."
(c) This provision for the issue of special plates applies only if the applicant's motor vehicle
is already registered in Minnesota so that the applicant has valid regular Minnesota plates issued
for that motor vehicle under which to operate it during the time that it will take to have the
necessary special plates made.
(d) If owning more than one motor vehicle of the type specified in this subdivision, the
applicant may apply for special plates for each of not more than two motor vehicles and, if each
application complies with this subdivision, the commissioner shall furnish the applicant with the
special plates, indicating the official amateur call letters and other distinguishing information as
the commissioner considers necessary, for each of the two motor vehicles.
(e) The commissioner may make reasonable rules governing the use of the special plates as
will assure the full compliance by the owner of the special plates, with all existing laws governing
the registration of motor vehicles and the transfer and use of the plates.
(f) Despite any contrary provision of subdivision 1, the special plates issued under this
subdivision may be transferred by an owner to another motor vehicle listed in paragraph (a) and
registered to the same owner, upon the payment of a fee of $5. The commissioner must be notified
before the transfer and may prescribe a format for the notification.
    Subd. 2a. Personalized plates; rules. (a) The commissioner shall issue personalized plates
or, if requested for special plates issued under section 168.123 for veterans, 168.124 for medal
of honor recipients, or 168.125 for former prisoners of war, applicable personalized special
veterans plates, to an applicant who:
(1) is an owner of a passenger automobile including a passenger automobile registered as
a classic car, pioneer car, collector car, or street rod; any truck with a manufacturer's nominal
rated capacity of one ton or less and resembling a pickup truck; a motorcycle, including a classic
motorcycle; or a recreational motor vehicle;
(2) pays a onetime fee of $100 and any other fees required by this chapter;
(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and
(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The commissioner shall charge a replacement fee for personalized license plates and
personalized special veterans plates issued under section 168.123 as specified in subdivision
5. This fee must be paid by the applicant whenever the personalized plates are required to
be replaced by law, except that as provided in section 168.124, subdivision 3, and 168.125,
subdivision 1b , no fee may be charged to replace plates issued under those sections.
(c) In lieu of the registration number assigned as provided in subdivision 1, personalized
plates and personalized special veterans plates must have imprinted on them a series of not more
than seven numbers and letters, or five numbers and letters for personalized special veterans
plates, in any combination and, as applicable, satisfy the design requirements of section 168.123,
168.124, or 168.125. When an applicant has once obtained personalized plates or personalized
special veterans plates, the applicant shall have a prior claim for similar personalized plates or
personalized special veterans plates in the next succeeding year as long as current motor vehicle
registration is maintained.
(d) The commissioner shall adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, regulating the
issuance and transfer of personalized plates and personalized special veterans plates. No words
or combination of letters placed on these plates may be used for commercial advertising, be of
an obscene, indecent, or immoral nature, or be of a nature that would offend public morals or
decency. The call signals or letters of a radio or television station are not commercial advertising
for the purposes of this subdivision.
(e) Despite the provisions of subdivision 1, personalized plates and personalized special
veterans plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle listed in
paragraph (a) and owned by the applicant, upon the payment of a fee of $5.
(f) The commissioner may by rule specify the format for notification.
(g) A personalized plate or personalized special veterans plate issued for a classic car,
pioneer car, collector car, street rod, or classic motorcycle may not be transferred to a vehicle
not eligible for such a plate.
(h) Despite any law to the contrary, if the personalized license plates are lost, stolen, or
destroyed, the applicant may apply and must be issued duplicate license plates bearing the same
combination of letters and numbers and the same design as (1) the former personalized plates or
personalized special veterans plates under section 168.123 upon the payment of the fee required
by section 168.29 or (2) the former personalized special veterans plates issued under section
168.124 or 168.125, without charge.
    Subd. 2b. Firefighters; special plates, rules. (a) The commissioner shall issue special plates,
or a single license plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, to any applicant who:
(1) is both a member of a fire department receiving state aid under chapter 69 and an owner
of a passenger automobile, a truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one ton and
resembling a pickup truck, or a motorcycle;
(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;
(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and
(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) In lieu of the identification required under subdivision 1, the special plates must bear
an emblem of a Maltese Cross together with any numbers or characters prescribed by the
commissioner. No applicant shall receive more than two sets of plates for motor vehicles owned
by the applicant.
(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the
owner of the motor vehicle is a member of a fire department as specified in this subdivision. When
the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer a member of a fire department
or when the motor vehicle ownership is transferred, the owner shall remove the special plates
from the motor vehicle. Upon removal of the special plates, or special motorcycle plate, either
the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle is entitled to receive regular plates or a regular
motorcycle plate for the motor vehicle without cost for the remainder of the registration period for
which the special plate or plates were issued.
(d) A special motorcycle license plate issued under this subdivision must be the same size as
a standard motorcycle license plate.
(e) Upon payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under this subdivision for a passenger
automobile or truck may be transferred to another passenger automobile or truck owned or jointly
owned by the person to whom the plates were issued. On payment of a fee of $5, a plate issued
under this subdivision for a motorcycle may be transferred to another motorcycle owned or jointly
owned by the person to whom the plate was issued.
(f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, sections
14.001 to 14.69, to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized in this subdivision.
    Subd. 2c. National Guard; special plates, rules. (a) The commissioner shall issue special
plates to any applicant who:
(1) is a regularly enlisted, commissioned, or retired member of the Minnesota National
Guard, other than an inactive member who is not a retired member, and is an owner of a passenger
automobile;
(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;
(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and
(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The adjutant general shall design the emblem for these special plates subject to the
approval of the commissioner.
(c) An applicant must not be issued more than two sets of plates for motor vehicles registered
to the applicant.
(d) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the
owner of the motor vehicle is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard as
specified in this subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no
longer an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, the special plates must be
removed from the vehicle by the owner. Upon removal of the special plates, either the owner or
purchaser of the motor vehicle is entitled to receive regular plates for the motor vehicle without
cost for the remainder of the registration period for which the special plates were issued.
(e) While the person is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, plates
issued pursuant to this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that
individual upon payment of a fee of $5.
(f) For purposes of this subdivision, "retired member" means an individual placed on the
roll of retired officers or roll of retired enlisted members in the Office of the Adjutant General
under section 192.18 and who is not deceased.
(g) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern the
issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.
    Subd. 2d. Ready Reserve; special plates, rules. (a) The commissioner shall issue special
plates to an applicant who:
(1) is not eligible for special National Guard plates under subdivision 2c, is a member of the
United States armed forces ready reserve as described in United States Code, title 10, section
10142 or 10143, and is an owner of a passenger automobile;
(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;
(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and
(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the emblem for these special plates
subject to the approval of the commissioner.
(c) An applicant must not be issued more than two sets of plates for motor vehicles owned
by the applicant.
(d) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the
owner of the motor vehicle is a member of the ready reserve. When the owner is no longer a
member, the special plates must be removed from the motor vehicle by the owner. On removing
the special plates, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle is entitled to receive regular
plates for the motor vehicle without cost for the rest of the registration period for which the
special plates were issued. While the owner is a member of the ready reserve, plates issued
under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that individual
on paying a fee of $5.
(e) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern the
issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.
    Subd. 2e. Volunteer ambulance attendants; special plates. (a) The commissioner shall
issue special license plates to an applicant who:
(1) is a volunteer ambulance attendant as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 15, and
owns a motor vehicle taxed as a passenger automobile;
(2) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle;
(3) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter; and
(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The commissioner shall not issue more than two sets of these plates to each qualified
applicant.
(c) An individual may use special plates issued under this subdivision only during the period
that the individual is a volunteer ambulance attendant. When the individual to whom the special
plates were issued ceases to be a volunteer ambulance attendant, the individual shall remove each
set of special plates issued. When ownership of the motor vehicle is transferred, the individual
shall remove the special plates from that motor vehicle. On removal of each set of plates, the
owner of the motor vehicle, or new owner in case of a transferred motor vehicle, is entitled to
receive regular plates for the motor vehicle without cost for the rest of the registration period for
which the set of special plates were issued. Special plates issued under this subdivision may be
transferred to another motor vehicle owned by the volunteer ambulance attendant on payment
of a fee of $5.
(d) The commissioner may adopt rules governing the design, issuance, and sale of the special
plates authorized by this subdivision.
    Subd. 2f. Original license plates. (a) On application of the owner and in lieu of issuing
plates under subdivision 1 to a motor vehicle registered and taxed as a passenger automobile,
the commissioner may assign to the motor vehicle original Minnesota registration plates issued
in the same year as the model year of the motor vehicle, if (1) the original plates are at least 20
years old, (2) the owner of the motor vehicle has the original plates in possession at the time of
the application, and (3) the owner provides the plate number to the commissioner.
(b) Plates displayed under this subdivision, including stickers applied to the plates, must
be clearly legible and must be displayed on the motor vehicle.
(c) The commissioner shall not assign the registration number on the original plates to the
motor vehicle if the commissioner determines that the number on the original plate is identical to
the number on any plate in the current or reserved numbering system used by the commissioner.
(d) Despite subdivision 1, an original plate whose number has been assigned under this
subdivision may be displayed for as long as the plates, including tabs and stickers on the plates,
are clearly legible and the number is not subsequently used by the commissioner as a plate
number in a registration numbering system.
(e) Despite subdivision 1, original plates assigned under this subdivision need not bear a tab
or sticker to indicate the month or year of registration if the motor vehicle carries the registration
certificate issued under section 168.11 at all times when the motor vehicle is operated on the
public highways.
(f) The commissioner may charge a fee for receiving an application and assigning original
plate numbers.
    Subd. 3.[Repealed, 1990 c 497 s 13]
    Subd. 4.[Repealed, 1990 c 497 s 13]
    Subd. 5. Additional fee. (a) In addition to any fee otherwise authorized or any tax otherwise
imposed upon any vehicle, the payment of which is required as a condition to the issuance of any
plate or plates, the commissioner shall impose the fee specified in paragraph (b) that is calculated
to cover the cost of manufacturing and issuing the plate or plates, except for plates issued to
disabled veterans as defined in section 168.031 and plates issued pursuant to section 168.124,
168.125, or 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, for passenger automobiles. The commissioner
shall issue graphic design plates only for vehicles registered pursuant to section 168.017 and
recreational vehicles registered pursuant to section 168.013, subdivision 1g.
(b) Unless otherwise specified or exempted by statute, the following plate and validation
sticker fees apply for the original, duplicate, or replacement issuance of a plate in a plate year:

	Sequential Regular Double Plate		$	4.25
	Sequential Special Plate-Double		$	7.00
	Sequential Regular Single Plate		$	3.00
	Sequential Special Plate-Single		$	5.50
	Utility Trailer Self-Adhesive Plate		$	2.50
	Nonsequential Double Plate		$	14.00
	Nonsequential Single Plate		$	10.00
	Duplicate Sticker		$	1.00

History: (2678) 1921 c 461 s 7; 1923 c 418 s 7; 1951 c 628 s 1; 1955 c 396 s 1-3; Ex1961 c
5 s 1; 1963 c 125 s 1,2; 1965 c 149 s 1; 1967 c 46 s 1; 1971 c 716 s 1; 1973 c 218 s 7; 1975 c 245
s 1; 1975 c 248 s 1; 1976 c 343 s 5; 1977 c 108 s 2; 1977 c 347 s 27; 1978 c 636 s 1; 1980 c 372 s
1; 1981 c 357 s 55,56; 1981 c 363 s 21,22; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1982 c 467 s 1; 1983 c 19 s 1,2;
1983 c 195 s 1; 1983 c 318 s 1; 1984 c 549 s 16-18; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1Sp1985 c 10 s 76,77; 1986
c 444; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1; 1988 c 636 s 3; 1988 c 647 s 6-8; 1989 c 140 s 8,9; 1990 c 422 s 10;
1990 c 497 s 5; 1991 c 274 s 2,3; 1991 c 333 s 6,7; 1992 c 581 s 6,7; 1993 c 214 s 2; 1993 c 281 s
3; 1994 c 443 s 1; 1994 c 465 art 3 s 16; 1994 c 536 s 9; 1995 c 145 s 1; 1996 c 435 s 7,8; 1996 c
455 art 4 s 3; 1997 c 199 s 14; 1998 c 405 s 1; 1999 c 8 s 4; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 32; 1Sp2003 c
19 art 2 s 21,22; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 31; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 7

168.123 VETERANS; SPECIAL PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements; fees. (a) On payment of a fee of $10 for each set of
two plates, or for a single plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, payment of the registration tax
required by law, and compliance with other applicable laws relating to vehicle registration and
licensing, as applicable, the commissioner shall issue:
(1) special veteran's plates to an applicant who served in the active military service in a
branch of the armed forces of the United States or of a nation or society allied with the United
States in conducting a foreign war, was discharged under honorable conditions, and is a registered
owner of a passenger automobile, recreational motor vehicle, or truck resembling a pickup truck
and having a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one ton, but which is not a commercial
motor vehicle as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 75; or
(2) a veteran's special motorcycle plate as described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h),
or (i), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant who is a registered
owner of a motorcycle and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph and in subdivision 2,
paragraph (a), (f), (h), or (i). Plates issued under this clause must be the same size as regular
motorcycle plates. Special motorcycle license plates issued under this clause are not subject
to section 168.1293.
(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable for each set of veteran's plates, is payable only when
the plates are issued, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued instead of plates.
(c) The veteran must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers, indicating
character of discharge, at the time of application. If an applicant served in the active military
service in a branch of the armed forces of a nation or society allied with the United States in
conducting a foreign war and is unable to obtain a record of that service and discharge status, the
commissioner of veterans affairs may certify the applicant as qualified for the veterans' plates
provided under this section.
(d) For license plates issued for one-ton trucks described in paragraph (a), clause (1), the
commissioner shall collect a surcharge of $5 on each $10 fee collected under paragraph (a). The
surcharge must be deposited in the vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund.
    Subd. 2. Design. The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the emblem for the
veterans' special plates, subject to the approval of the commissioner, that satisfy the following
requirements:
(a) For a Vietnam veteran who served after July 1, 1961, and before July 1, 1978, in the
active military service in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or a nation or society
allied with the United States the special plates must bear the inscription "VIETNAM VET" and
the letters "V" and "V" with the first letter directly above the second letter and both letters just
preceding the first numeral of the special plate number.
(b) For a veteran stationed on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, or offshore, during the attack
on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the special plates must bear the inscription "PEARL
HARBOR SURVIVOR" and the letters "P" and "H" with the first letter directly above the second
letter and both letters just preceding the first numeral of the special plate number.
(c) For a veteran who served during World War I or World War II, the plates must bear
the inscription "WORLD WAR VET" and:
(1) for a World War I veteran, the characters "W" and "I" with the first character directly
above the second character and both characters just preceding the first numeral of the special
plate number; or
(2) for a World War II veteran, the characters "W" and "II" with the first character directly
above the second character and both characters just preceding the first numeral of the special
plate number.
(d) For a veteran who served during the Korean Conflict, the special plates must bear the
inscription "KOREAN VET" and the letters "K" and "V" with the first letter directly above the
second letter and both letters just preceding the first numeral of the special plate number.
(e) For a combat wounded veteran who is a recipient of the purple heart medal, the plates
must bear the inscription "COMBAT WOUNDED VET" and have a facsimile on an emblem of
the official purple heart medal and the letters "C" over "W" with the first letter directly over the
second letter just preceding the first numeral of the special plate number.
(f) For a Persian Gulf War veteran, the plates must bear the inscription "GULF WAR VET"
and the letters "G" and "W" with the first letter directly above the second letter and both letters
just preceding the first numeral of the special plate number. For the purposes of this section,
"Persian Gulf War veteran" means a person who served on active duty after August 1, 1990, in a
branch of the armed forces of the United States or a nation or society allied with the United States
or the United Nations during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, or other military
operation in the Persian Gulf area combat zone as designated in United States Presidential
Executive Order No. 12744, dated January 21, 1991.
(g) For a veteran who served in the Laos War after July 1, 1961, and before July 1, 1978,
the special plates must bear the inscription "LAOS WAR VET" and the letters "L" and "V" with
the first letter directly above the second letter and both letters just preceding the first numeral
of the special plate number.
(h) For a veteran who is the recipient of:
(1) the Iraq Campaign Medal, the special plates must be inscribed with a facsimile of that
medal and must bear the inscription "IRAQ WAR VET" directly below the special plate number;
(2) the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the special plates must be inscribed with a facsimile
of that medal and must bear the inscription "AFGHAN WAR VET" directly below the special
plate number; or
(3) the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the special plates must be inscribed
with a facsimile of that medal and must bear the inscription "GWOT VETERAN" directly below
the special plate number.
(i) For a veteran who is the recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the
special plates must be inscribed with a facsimile of that medal and must bear the inscription
"GWOT VETERAN" directly below the special plate number. In addition, any member of the
National Guard or other military reserves who has been ordered to federally funded state active
service under United States Code, title 32, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5b, and who
is the recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, is eligible for the license plate
described in this paragraph, irrespective of whether that person qualifies as a veteran under
section 197.447.
    Subd. 2a. Temporary surcharge. For license plates issued under subdivision 2, paragraphs
(h) and (i), the commissioner shall collect a surcharge of $5 on each $10 fee collected under
subdivision 1, paragraph (a). The surcharge must be deposited in the vehicle services operating
account in the special revenue fund.
    Subd. 3.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 8]
    Subd. 4. Plates transfer. (a) On payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under subdivision 1,
paragraph (a), clause (1), may be transferred to another passenger automobile or recreational
motor vehicle, or one-ton truck described in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1), registered to
the individual to whom the plates were issued.
(b) On payment of a fee of $5, a plate issued under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2),
may be transferred to another motorcycle registered to the individual to whom the plate was issued.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 8]
    Subd. 6. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act
to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this section.
History: 1988 c 636 s 4; 1989 c 269 s 39; 1989 c 301 s 1; 1991 c 274 s 4; 1994 c 396 s 1,2;
1996 c 455 art 4 s 4,5; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 8

168.1235 VETERANS SERVICE GROUP EMBLEMS.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements; fees. (a) The commissioner shall issue a special plate
emblem for each plate to an applicant who:
(1) is a member of a congressionally chartered veterans service organization and is a
registered owner of a passenger automobile, pickup truck, van, or self-propelled recreational
vehicle;
(2) pays the registration tax required by law;
(3) pays a fee of $10 for each set of two plates, and any other fees required by this chapter; and
(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable at the time of initial application for the special plate
emblem and when the plates must be replaced or renewed. An applicant must not be issued more
than two sets of special plate emblems for motor vehicles listed in paragraph (a) and registered
to the applicant.
(c) The applicant must present a valid card indicating membership in the American Legion
or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
    Subd. 2. Design. (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs, after consultation with each
of the congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, shall design the special plate
emblems, subject to the approval of the commissioner. The emblem must be at least as large as
the letters and numerals on the plate and the commissioner shall allow for plates with spaces for
the emblem in place of a numeral or letter.
(b) Each congressionally chartered veterans service organization must arrange for any
applicable rules of the national organization to be changed or copyrights to be released before
the commissioner may issue special emblems to members of any particular service organization
under this section.
    Subd. 3.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 9]
    Subd. 4. Plate emblem transfer. Despite section 168.12 or other law to the contrary, on
payment of a fee of $5, the veterans service organization special plate emblems issued under
subdivision 1, may be transferred by the owner to other plates on a passenger automobile, pickup
truck, van, or self-propelled recreational vehicle registered to the person to whom the emblems
were issued.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 9]
History: 1997 c 159 art 2 s 13; 2000 c 426 s 4,5; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 9

168.124 SPECIAL PLATES FOR MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS.
    Subdivision 1. Issuance and design. (a) The commissioner shall issue special plates bearing
the inscription "MEDAL OF HONOR" to an applicant who:
(1) is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor;
(2) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, motorcycle, or recreational motor
vehicle; and
(3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The special plates must be of a design and size determined by the commissioner. Only
one set of plates, or a single plate in the case of a motorcycle, bearing the inscription "MEDAL
OF HONOR" may be issued for each qualified applicant.
    Subd. 2. Application. Application for issuance of these plates may be made only at the time
of renewal or first application for registration.
    Subd. 3. No fee. The commissioner shall issue a set of Medal of Honor plates to qualified
applicants free of charge and the plates must be replaced without charge if they become damaged.
In addition, no fee may be charged for a subsequent year when stickers are issued for a motor
vehicle listed in subdivision 1 on which the Medal of Honor plates are placed. The motor vehicle
must be for personal use, not commercial purposes.
    Subd. 4. Transfer. Despite the provisions of section 168.12, subdivision 1, Medal of Honor
plates issued under this section may be transferred to another personal motor vehicle registered to
the Medal of Honor recipient upon notification to the commissioner.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 10]
    Subd. 6.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 10]
History: 1983 c 267 s 1; 1989 c 140 s 10; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 10

168.125 SPECIAL PLATES FOR FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR.
    Subdivision 1. Issuance and design. (a) The commissioner shall issue special plates bearing
the inscription "EX-POW" to any applicant who:
(1) is both a former prisoner of war and a registered owner of a passenger automobile,
motorcycle, or recreational motor vehicle; and
(2) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The special plates must be of a design and size to be determined by the commissioner.
Only one set of plates, or a single plate in the case of a motorcycle, bearing the "EX-POW"
inscription may be issued for each qualified applicant.
    Subd. 1a. Application. Application for issuance of these plates must be made at the time of
renewal or first application for registration. The application must include a certification by the
commissioner of veterans affairs that the applicant was a member of the military forces of the
United States who was captured, separated, and incarcerated by an enemy of the United States
during a period of armed conflict.
    Subd. 1b. No fee. The commissioner shall issue a set of EX-POW plates, or a single plate for
a motorcycle, to qualified applicants, free of charge, and shall replace them without charge if they
become damaged. In addition, no fee may be charged for a subsequent year when stickers are
issued for that motor vehicle on which the EX-POW plates are placed.
    Subd. 1c. Plates transfer. Despite the provisions of section 168.12, subdivision 1, the
special plates issued under this section may be transferred to another motor vehicle registered to
the former prisoner of war upon notification to the commissioner.
    Subd. 1d. Surviving spouse. Upon the death of a former prisoner of war, the commissioner
shall continue to issue free of charge, upon renewal, the special plates to a motor vehicle owned
by the surviving spouse of the former prisoner of war. Special plates issued to a surviving spouse
may be transferred to another motor vehicle registered to the surviving spouse as provided in
subdivision 1c. No fee may be charged for replacement plates issued to a surviving spouse or
for stickers issued for the motor vehicle on which the special "EX-POW" plates are placed. A
surviving spouse is not exempt from the motor vehicle registration tax.
    Subd. 1e.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 11]
    Subd. 2. Plates; EX-POW and disability emblems. The commissioner shall issue special
plates bearing both the "EX-POW" and disability emblem to any applicant who is entitled to
the special plates provided under this section and who is also entitled to special plates for the
physically disabled under section 168.021 upon compliance with the provisions of both sections.
The plates must be of a design and size determined by the commissioner.
    Subd. 3. Rules; commissioner of public safety. The commissioner of public safety may
adopt by rule, in accordance with chapter 14, the procedures for issuance or transfer of the special
plates authorized under this section.
    Subd. 4. Rules; commissioner of veterans affairs. The commissioner of veterans affairs
shall establish the procedure for obtaining the certification of former prisoner of war status.
    Subd. 5. Savings provision. Nothing in this section alters the exemption for disabled war
veterans provided for in section 168.031.
History: 1982 c 424 s 130; 1982 c 593 s 1; 1988 c 636 s 5; 1989 c 140 s 11; 1989 c 301 s 2;
1990 c 497 s 6; 1993 c 214 s 3; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 11

168.1251 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAN PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. Issuance and design. The commissioner shall issue special license plates
bearing the inscription "DISABLED AMERICAN VETERAN" to an applicant who is certified in
writing by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the state commissioner of veterans
affairs as having a permanent and total service-connected disability, who complies with all laws
relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles and drivers, and who pays a fee of $10
for each set of license plates applied for. The special license plates must be of a design and size
determined by the commissioner.
    Subd. 2. Application. Application for issuance of these plates may be made only at the time
of renewal or first application for registration.
    Subd. 3. Transfer. On payment of a fee of $5, special plates issued under this section may be
transferred to another personal motor vehicle owned or jointly owned by the disabled veteran
upon notification to the commissioner.
    Subd. 4. Surcharge. For each set of special plates issued under this section, the commissioner
shall collect a surcharge of $5 on each $10 fee collected under subdivision 1.
    Subd. 5. Motor vehicle; special definition. For purposes of this section, "motor vehicle"
means a vehicle for personal use, not used for commercial purposes, and may include a passenger
automobile, van, pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle.
    Subd. 6. Fees credited. Fees, including surcharges, collected under this section must be
credited to the vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund.
History: 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 33

168.1255 VETERANS WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTION PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements and procedures. The commissioner shall issue
special veteran contribution plates to an applicant who:
(1) is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447;
(2) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile;
(3) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;
(4) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(5) pays the fees required under this chapter;
(6) pays an additional onetime World War II memorial contribution of $30, which the
department shall retain until all start-up costs associated with the development and issuing of
the plates have been recovered, after which the commissioner shall deposit contributions in the
World War II donation match account; and
(7) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
    Subd. 2. Design. The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design an emblem for the
special plates, subject to the approval of the commissioner of public safety, that satisfies the
requirements in this subdivision:
(1) the special veteran contribution plates must bear the inscription "PROUD TO BE A
VETERAN" on the bottom of the plate; and
(2) the flag of the United States of America must appear on the left side of the plate just
preceding the first letter or numeral of the special plate number.
    Subd. 3. Plate transfers. Despite section 168.12, subdivision 1, on payment of a transfer
fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger automobile
registered to the individual to whom the veteran contribution plates were issued.
    Subd. 4. Fees credited. Fees collected under this section do not include the contributions
collected for the World War II memorial donation match account.
    Subd. 5. Record. The commissioner shall maintain a record of the number of special plates
issued under this section.
History: 2002 c 371 art 1 s 8; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 12

168.126 COMMUTER VANS; REGISTRATION, SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. Unique registration category. A unique vehicle registration category is
established for vehicles known as commuter vans. "Commuter van" means a vehicle having a
capacity of seven to 16 persons that meets the criteria set forth in section 221.011, subdivision 27.
    Subd. 2. Special plates. The registrar shall issue special license plates for a commuter van
as defined in section 221.011, subdivision 27, upon the applicant's compliance with the laws of
Minnesota relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and drivers.
    Subd. 3. Eligibility criteria established by commissioner. (a) The commissioner of public
safety, in cooperation with the commissioner of transportation, shall establish criteria and
procedures governing applications for and issuance of plates permitted by this section. The
criteria and procedures may include:
(1) certification of vehicle use as a commuter van;
(2) provision for transfer of special license plates; and
(3) deposit of fees for the registration, sale, and transfer of commuter vans.
(b) The special plate must be designed to specifically identify the vehicle as a commuter van.
History: 1983 c 311 s 2; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 32; 1989 c 140 s 12; 1994 c 536 s 10

168.127 FLEET VEHICLES; REGISTRATION, FEE.
    Subdivision 1. Unique registration category. A unique registration category is established
for vehicles and trailers of a fleet. Vehicles registered in the fleet must be issued a distinctive
license plate. The design and size of the fleet license plate must be determined by the
commissioner.
    Subd. 2. Annual registration period. The annual registration period for vehicles in the fleet
will be determined by the commissioner. The applicant must provide all information necessary to
qualify as a fleet registrant including a list of all vehicles in the fleet. On initial registration, all
taxes and fees for vehicles in the fleet must be reassessed based on the expiration date.
    Subd. 3. Registration cards issued. On approval of the application for fleet registration the
commissioner must issue a registration card for each qualified vehicle in the fleet. The registration
card must be carried in the vehicle at all times and be made available to a peace officer on demand.
The registered gross weight must be indicated on the license plate.
    Subd. 4. Filing registration applications. Initial fleet applications for registration and
renewals must be filed with the registrar or authorized deputy registrar.
    Subd. 5. Renewal of fleet registration. On the renewal of a fleet registration the registrant
shall pay full licensing fees for every vehicle registered in the preceding year unless the vehicle
has been properly deleted from the fleet. In order to delete a vehicle from a fleet, the fleet
registrant must surrender to the commissioner the registration card and license plates. The
registrar may authorize alternative methods of deleting vehicles from a fleet, including destruction
of the license plates and registration cards. If the card or license plates are lost or stolen, the fleet
registrant shall submit a sworn statement stating the circumstances for the inability to surrender
the card, stickers, and license plates. The commissioner shall assess a penalty of 20 percent of the
total tax due on the fleet against the fleet registrant who fails to renew the licenses issued under
this section or fails to report the removal of vehicles from the fleet within 30 days. The penalty
must be paid within 30 days after it is assessed.
    Subd. 6. Fee. Instead of the filing fee described in section 168.33, subdivision 7, the
applicant for fleet registration shall pay an equivalent administrative fee to the commissioner
for each vehicle in the fleet.
History: 1986 c 453 s 2; 1996 c 435 s 9; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 13

168.128 LIMOUSINE PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. Limousine registration. A unique vehicle registration category is established
for limousines.
    Subd. 2. Plates. (a) A person who operates a limousine for other than personal use shall
register the motor vehicle as provided in this section.
(b) A person who operates a limousine for personal use may apply. The commissioner shall
issue limousine plates to the registered owner of a limousine who:
(1) certifies that an insurance policy under section 65B.135 in an aggregate amount of
$300,000 per accident is in effect for the entire period of the registration;
(2) provides the commissioner with proof that the passenger automobile license tax and a
$10 fee have been paid for each limousine receiving limousine plates; and
(3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(c) The limousine plates must be designed to specifically identify the vehicle as a limousine
and must be clearly marked with the letters "LM." Limousine plates may not be transferred upon
sale of the limousine, but may be transferred to another limousine owned by the same person
upon notifying the commissioner and paying a $5 transfer fee.
    Subd. 3. Insurance. (a) The application must include a certificate of insurance verifying that
a valid commercial insurance policy is in effect and giving the name of the insurance company
and the number of the insurance policy. The policy must provide stated limits of liability,
exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to each motor vehicle for which coverage is granted,
of not less than $100,000 because of bodily injury to one person in any one accident and, subject
to that limit for one person, of not less than $300,000 because of injury to two or more persons in
any one accident and of not less than $100,000 because of injury to or destruction of property.
The insurance company must notify the commissioner if the policy is canceled or if the policy
no longer provides the coverage required by this subdivision.
(b) The commissioner shall immediately notify the commissioner of transportation if the
policy of a person required to have a permit under section 221.84 is canceled or no longer
provides the coverage required by this subdivision.
    Subd. 4.[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 14]
History: 1988 c 636 s 6; 1989 c 318 s 5; 1991 c 284 s 3,4; 1992 c 581 s 8; 1Sp2005 c
6 art 2 s 14; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 6

168.1281 [Repealed, 1999 c 238 art 2 s 92]

168.129 SPECIAL COLLEGIATE PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements and procedures. The commissioner shall issue
special collegiate plates to an applicant who:
(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile;
(2) pays a fee as specified in section 168.12, subdivision 5, to cover the costs of handling and
manufacturing the plates;
(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;
(5) contributes at least $25 annually to the scholarship account established in subdivision
6; and
(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
    Subd. 2. Design. (a) After consultation with each participating college, university, or
postsecondary system, the commissioner shall design an emblem for each special collegiate plate.
(b) In consultation with the commissioner, a participating college or university annually shall
indicate the anticipated number of plates needed.
    Subd. 3. No refund. Contributions under this section must not be refunded.
    Subd. 4. Plates transfer. Despite section 168.12, subdivision 1, on payment of a transfer
fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger automobile
registered to the individual to whom the special collegiate plates were issued.
    Subd. 5. Fees credited. Fees collected under this section do not include the contributions
collected for the scholarship account.
    Subd. 6. Scholarship account. A scholarship account is created in the state treasury.
Except for one percent that may be retained by the commissioner for administrative costs,
all contributions received under this section must be deposited by the commissioner in the
scholarship account. Money in the scholarship account is appropriated to the governing board of
the institution to which it is attributable, as provided in subdivision 7.
    Subd. 7. Record. The commissioner shall maintain a record of the number of plates issued
for each postsecondary institution or system to determine the amount of scholarship funds
available to that institution or system.
History: 1991 c 356 art 7 s 2; 1992 c 513 art 1 s 19,20; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 78; 1Sp2005 c 6
art 2 s 15

168.1291 CERTAIN SPECIAL PLATES; UNIFORM DESIGN, UNIQUE EMBLEMS.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section "special plates" means plates issued
under sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b and 2e; 168.1235; and 168.129.
    Subd. 2. Uniform design of special plates. (a) The commissioner shall design a single
special plate that will contain a unique number and a space for a unique emblem for plates issued
under sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b and 2e; 168.1235; and 168.129. The commissioner shall
design a unique emblem related to the purpose of each special plate.
(b) Any provision of sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b to 2e; 168.123; and 168.129, that
requires the placement of a specified letter or letters on a special plate applies to those plates only
to the extent that the commissioner includes the letter or letters in the design.
(c) If a law authorizing a special plate contains a specific requirement for graphic design of
that plate, that requirement applies to the appropriate unique emblem.
    Subd. 3. Issuance of special plates with unique emblems. Despite section 168.12,
subdivisions 2b to 2e ; 168.123; or 168.129, beginning with special plates issued in calendar year
1996, the commissioner shall issue each class of special plates permanently marked with specific
designs under those laws only until the commissioner's supply of those plates is exhausted.
Thereafter the commissioner shall issue under those laws only the plate authorized under
subdivision 2, with the appropriate unique emblem attached.
    Subd. 4. Fees. Despite section 168.12, subdivisions 2b to 2e; 168.123; or 168.129, the
commissioner shall charge a fee of $10 for each set of plates issued under this section.
    Subd. 5. Applicability. This section does not apply to a special motorcycle plate designed by
the commissioner under section 168.123, subdivision 1, clause (2).
History: 1996 c 455 art 4 s 6; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 14; 1997 c 226 s 42; 2000 c 426 s 6;
1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 33; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 16

168.1292 [Repealed, 2000 c 426 s 32]

168.1293 CERTAIN SPECIAL PLATES; AUTHORIZATION, DISCONTINUANCE.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section and section 168.1297, "special plate"
means a plate authorized by sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b and 2e; 168.1235; and 168.129, to
have wording and graphics that differ from a Minnesota passenger vehicle plate.
    Subd. 2. Submissions to commissioner. (a) A person, legal entity, or other requester,
however organized, that plans to seek legislation establishing a new plate shall submit the
following information and fee to the commissioner:
(1) The requester shall submit a request for the special plate being sought, describing the
proposed plate in general terms, the purpose of the plate, and the proposed fee or minimum
contribution required for the plate.
(2) The requester shall submit the results of a scientific sample survey of Minnesota motor
vehicle owners that indicates that at least 10,000 motor vehicle owners intend to purchase the
proposed plate with the proposed fee or minimum contribution. The requester's plan to undertake
the survey must be reported to the commissioner before the survey is undertaken. The survey must
be performed independently of the requester by another person or legal entity, however organized,
that conducts similar sample surveys in the normal course of business.
(3) The requester shall submit an application fee of $20,000, to cover the cost of reviewing
the application for a new plate and developing the new special plate if authorized by law. State
funds may not be used to pay the application fee.
(4) The requester shall submit a marketing strategy that contains (i) short-term and long-term
marketing plans for the requested plate, and (ii) a financial analysis showing the anticipated
revenues and the planned expenditures of any fee or contribution derived from the requested plate.
(b) The requester shall submit the information required under paragraph (a) to the
commissioner at least 120 days before the convening of the next regular legislative session at
which the requester will submit the proposal.
    Subd. 3. Design; redesign. (a) If the proposed new special plate sought by the requester is
approved by law, the requester shall submit the proposed design for the plate to the commissioner
as soon as practicable, but not later than 120 days after the effective date of the law authorizing
issuance of the plate. The commissioner is responsible for selecting the final design for the special
plate.
(b) The requester that originally requested a special plate subsequently approved by law may
not submit a new design for the plate within the five years following the date of first issuance of
the plate unless the inventory of those plates has been exhausted. The requester may deplete the
remaining inventory of the plates by reimbursing the commissioner for the cost of the plates.
    Subd. 4. Refund of fee. If the special plate requested is not authorized in the legislative
session at which authorization was sought, the commissioner shall refund $17,500 of the
application fee to the requester.
    Subd. 5. Discontinuance of plate. (a) The commissioner shall discontinue the issuance or
renewal of any special plate authorized by sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b and 2e; 168.1235;
and 168.129, if (1) fewer than 1,000 sets of those plates are currently registered at the end of the
first six years during which the plates are available, or (2) fewer than 1,000 sets of those plates
are currently registered at the end of any subsequent two-year period following the first six
years of availability.
(b) The commissioner shall discontinue the issuance or renewal of any special plate
authorized by sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b and 2e; 168.1235; and 168.129, and distribution of
any contributions resulting from that plate, if the commissioner determines that (1) the fund or
requester receiving the contributions no longer exists, (2) the requester has stopped providing
services that are authorized to be funded from the contribution proceeds, (3) the requester has
requested discontinuance, or (4) contributions have been used in violation of subdivision 6.
(c) Nothing in this subdivision applies to plates issued under section 168.123, 168.124,
168.125, 168.1251, or 168.1255.
    Subd. 6. Use of contributions. Contributions made as a condition of obtaining a special
plate authorized by sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b and 2e; 168.1235; and 168.129, and interest
earned on the contributions, may not be spent for commercial or for-profit purposes.
    Subd. 7. Deposit of fee; appropriation. The commissioner shall deposit the application fee
under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (3), in the vehicle services operating account of the
special revenue fund under section 299A.705. An amount sufficient to pay the department's cost
in implementing and administering this section, including payment of refunds under subdivision
4, is appropriated to the commissioner.
History: 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 23; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 17

168.1296 CRITICAL HABITAT PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements and procedures. (a) The commissioner shall issue
critical habitat plates to an applicant who:
(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile or recreational vehicle;
(2) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;
(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;
(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota critical habitat private sector
matching account established in section 84.943; and
(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
(b) The critical habitat plate application must indicate that the annual contribution specified
under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that the
applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.
(c) Owners of recreational vehicles under paragraph (a), clause (1), are eligible only for
special critical habitat license plates for which the designs are selected under subdivision 2,
on or after January 1, 2006.
(d) Special critical habitat license plates, the designs for which are selected under subdivision
2, on or after January 1, 2006, may be personalized according to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.
    Subd. 2. Design. After consultation with interested groups, the commissioner of natural
resources and the commissioner shall jointly select a suitable symbol for use by the commissioner
to design the plates.
    Subd. 3. No refund. Contributions under this section must not be refunded.
    Subd. 4. Plate transfers. Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, on payment of
a transfer fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger
automobile registered to the person to whom the plates were issued.
    Subd. 5. Contribution and fees credited. Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph
(a), clause (5), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the Minnesota critical habitat
private sector matching account established in section 84.943. The fees collected under this
section must be deposited in the vehicle services operating account of the special revenue fund
under section 299A.705.
    Subd. 6. Record. The commissioner shall maintain a record of the number of plates issued
under this section.
History: 1995 c 220 s 112; 1996 c 455 art 4 s 8; 1997 c 226 s 43; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 138;
1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 18; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 23

168.1297 SPECIAL "ROTARY MEMBER" PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements and procedures. The commissioner shall issue
special "Rotary member" plates to an applicant who:
(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile;
(2) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;
(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;
(5) submits proof to the commissioner that the applicant is a member of Rotary International;
and
(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.
    Subd. 2. Design. A special plate under this section consists of a plate as described in section
168.1291 with a unique emblem that is the recognized emblem of Rotary International.
    Subd. 3. Compliance with other law. The commissioner shall take no action under this
section unless the commissioner determines that Rotary International, or one or more districts of
Rotary International, has complied with section 168.1293, subdivision 2, paragraph (a). Issuance
and renewal of plates under this section are subject to section 168.1293, subdivisions 3 to 6.
History: 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 24; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 19

168.1298 SPECIAL "SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. General requirements and procedures. (a) The commissioner shall issue
special "Support Our Troops" license plates to an applicant who:
(1) is an owner of a passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, recreational vehicle, or
motorcycle;
(2) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;
(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;
(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" account
established in section 190.19; and
(6) complies with laws and rules governing registration and licensing of vehicles and drivers.
(b) The license application under this section must indicate that the annual contribution
specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plates and that
the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.
    Subd. 2. Design. After consultation with interested groups, the adjutant general and the
commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the special plate, subject to the approval of the
commissioner.
    Subd. 3. No refund. Contributions under this section must not be refunded.
    Subd. 4. Plate transfers. Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, on payment of
a transfer fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger
automobile, one-ton pickup truck, recreational vehicle, or motorcycle owned by the individual to
whom the special plates were issued.
    Subd. 5. Contribution and fees credited. Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph (a),
clause (5), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the Minnesota "Support Our Troops"
account established in section 190.19. The fees collected under this section must be deposited in
the vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund.
    Subd. 6. Record. The commissioner shall maintain a record of the number of plates issued
under this section.
History: 2005 c 156 art 2 s 30

168.13 PROOF OF OWNERSHIP.
(a) The registrar shall not approve an application and shall not issue number plates for any
motor vehicle, unless and until the title certificate issued under chapter 168A, or registration
certificate if not titled, is delivered to the registrar. The registrar must be satisfied from the records
that all taxes and fees due have been paid and that endorsements upon the certificate are in writing
and have been signed by the seller and purchaser.
(b) The registrar shall not register and shall not issue number plates for a motor vehicle
brought into Minnesota from another state until:
(1) a registration certificate or other evidence of title as may reasonably be required from the
registrant within that state is surrendered to the registrar in the same manner as certificates of
this state; or in lieu thereof
(2) the registrar receives evidence of the chain of ownership as will assure the payment of
the proper tax so long as the motor vehicle is in the state.
History: (2679) 1921 c 461 s 8; 1923 c 418 s 8; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 647 s 9; 2000 c 426 s 7

168.14 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.15 RIGHTS AS TO REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE AND PLATES.
    Subdivision 1. Transfer of ownership. (a) Upon the transfer of ownership, destruction,
theft, dismantling, or permanent removal by the owner from this state of any vehicle registered in
accordance with this chapter, the right of the owner of the vehicle to use the registration certificate
and plates assigned to the vehicle expires.
(b) When the ownership of a vehicle is transferred to another person required to register
the vehicle in this state, the transferor shall assign the registration tax paid to the credit of the
transferee unless the registration stickers are surrendered to the commissioner before the first
day of the new registration period.
(c) When seeking to become the owner by gift, trade, or purchase of any vehicle for which a
registration certificate has been issued under this chapter, a person shall join with the registered
owner in transmitting with the application for transfer of ownership, the registration certificate,
with the assignment and notice of sale duly executed.
(d) In case of loss of the title or certificate of registration of a vehicle not subject to section
325E.15, the person shall make application to the commissioner with proof of loss of the title
as specified in section 168A.09 and assign a notice of sale of the vehicle on the application for
title as specified in section 168A.04.
(e) Upon the transfer of any vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, for use within the state,
whether by sale, lease, or otherwise, the transferor shall, within ten days after the transfer, file
with the commissioner (1) a notice containing the date of transfer, a description of the vehicle,
and the transferee's name and residence address in the state or if not a natural person then the
transferee's business and mailing address, and (2) the transferee's application for registration.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 108]
History: (2681) 1921 c 461 s 10; 1923 c 418 s 10; 1927 c 89; 1984 c 489 s 1; 1986 c 444;
1996 c 455 art 4 s 9,15; 1997 c 135 s 2; 2000 c 426 s 8; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 20

168.16 REGISTRATION TAX REFUND; APPROPRIATION.
(a) After the registration tax upon any vehicle has been paid for any registration period,
refund must be made for errors made in computing the registration tax or fees and for the error on
the part of an owner who may in error have registered a vehicle that was not before, nor at the
time of registration, nor at any time thereafter during the preceding registration period, subject
to registration tax in this state as provided by section 168.012.
(b) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, a claim for a refund of an overpayment of
registration tax must be filed within 3-1/2 years from the date of payment.
(c) The former registered owner of a transferred vehicle, by an assignment in writing
endorsed upon the registration certificate and delivered to the commissioner within the time
provided in this subdivision, shall assign, except for vehicles registered under section 168.187,
to the new owner the right to have the tax paid by the former registered owner accredited to the
new owner who duly registers the vehicle unless the registration stickers are surrendered to the
commissioner before the first day of the new registration period.
(d) Any owner is entitled to a refund of the unused portion of the registration tax paid on the
owner's vehicle upon filing a claim, verified by the commissioner, if the vehicle is:
(1) declared by an insurance company to be permanently destroyed due to accident, fire, or
an Act of God as defined in section 115B.02; or
(2) sold to the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.
(e) The refund must be equal to the sum of the remaining registration tax attributable for
the registration period after the month in which the plates and certificate of registration or title
were returned to the commissioner.
(f) There is hereby appropriated to the persons entitled to a refund, from the fund or account
in the state treasury to which the money was credited, an amount sufficient to make the refund and
payment.
History: (2682) 1921 c 461 s 11; 1923 c 418 s 11; 1931 c 174 s 1; 1935 c 142 s 1; 1945 c
600 s 1; 1953 c 42 s 1; 1957 c 895 s 1; 1959 c 157 s 6; 1963 c 147 s 1; 1965 c 148 s 1; 1973 c 6 s
3; 1973 c 492 s 14; 1981 c 363 s 23; 1986 c 444; 1995 c 28 s 1; 1996 c 455 art 4 s 10,15; 1997 c
250 s 2; 1998 c 383 s 33; 2000 c 426 s 9; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 21

168.163 [Repealed, 1949 c 694 s 5]

168.165 [Repealed, 1973 c 218 s 9]

168.17 SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION.
(a) All registrations and issue of number plates shall be subject to amendment, suspension,
modification or revocation by the registrar summarily for any violation of or neglect to comply
with the provisions of this chapter or when the transferee fails to comply with section 168A.10,
subdivision 2 , within 30 days of the date of sale.
(b) The registrar may suspend the registration of a motor vehicle if the tax on the vehicle
was paid by means of a dishonored check to a deputy motor vehicle registrar. The registrar may
continue a suspension under this paragraph until the registrar is informed by the deputy motor
vehicle registrar that the dishonored check has been paid in full.
(c) In any case where the proper registration of a motor vehicle is dependent upon procuring
information entailing such delay as to unreasonably deprive the owner of the use of the motor
vehicle, the registrar may issue a tax receipt and plates conditionally.
(d) In any case when revoking a registration for cause, the registrar shall have authority to
demand the return of the number plates and registration certificates, and, if necessary, to seize
the number plates issued for such registration.
History: (2683) 1921 c 461 s 12; 1923 c 418 s 12; 1986 c 444; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 7; 2000 c
479 art 1 s 15

168.18 [Repealed, 1953 c 698 s 7]

168.181 NONRESIDENT OWNERS, RECIPROCITY AGREEMENTS OR
ARRANGEMENTS.
    Subdivision 1. Authority; conditions and limitations. Notwithstanding any provision of
law to the contrary or inconsistent herewith, the registrar of motor vehicles with the approval
of the attorney general is hereby empowered to make agreements with the duly authorized
representatives of the other states, District of Columbia, territories and possessions of the United
States, or arrangements with foreign countries or provinces exempting the residents of such other
states, districts, territories and possessions, and foreign countries or provinces using the public
streets and highways of this state from the payment of any or all motor vehicle taxes or fees
imposed by this chapter, subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(1) upon condition that the exemption provided herein shall be operative as to a motor
vehicle owned by a nonresident only to the extent that under the laws of the state, district, territory
or possession, or foreign country or province of residence like exemptions are granted to motor
vehicles registered under the laws and owned by residents of Minnesota;
(2) upon condition that any such motor vehicle so operated in this state by any such
nonresident shall at all times carry and display all license number plates or like insignia required by
the laws of the state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or province of residence;
(3) upon condition that the exemptions provided herein shall not apply to a passenger
automobile or travel trailer owned by a resident of any state, district, territory or possession, or
foreign country or province temporarily residing in this state while gainfully employed on the
same job for a period of six months or more;
(4) upon condition that the exemptions provided herein shall not apply to motor vehicles
owned by nonresidents including any foreign corporation and used for carrying on intrastate
commerce within this state. Such nonresident or foreign corporation shall be required to register
each such vehicle and pay the same tax and penalties if any therefor as is required with reference
to like vehicles owned by residents of Minnesota;
(5) upon condition that the exemption provided herein shall not apply to a truck, tractor,
truck-tractor, or semitrailer, except two-wheeled trailers of less than 3,000 pounds carrying
capacity, if (i) the class of its registration does not permit to it a statewide operation in the state
of its registration, or if (ii) the registration fee or tax for which it is registered is computed on a
mileage basis, or if (iii) its gross weight exceeds the gross weight for which it is registered in the
state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or province of its registration;
(6) upon condition that nonresident owners of commercial vehicles, including trucks,
truck-tractors, trailers, semitrailers, and buses domiciled in a foreign state, district, territory or
possession, or foreign country or province, and bringing such vehicles into the state of Minnesota
for the purpose of doing interstate business shall be required to comply with all the laws and
regulations as to payment of taxes applicable to like vehicles owned by Minnesota residents unless
the state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or province grants full reciprocity
privileges comparable to that extended by this section and sections 168.183 to 168.221. In the
event a state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or province is not fully reciprocal
as to taxes or fees on commercial vehicles or buses operated in interstate commerce, then in that
event such owners of foreign commercial vehicles or buses shall be required to pay a tax in an
amount similar to the tax of whatever character assessed by such other state, district, territory
or possession, or foreign country or province against vehicles registered in Minnesota and
operated in interstate commerce in that state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or
province. It is further provided that such owners of foreign commercial vehicles and buses subject
to registration under the provisions of this clause shall make application for a permit in which
shall be set forth the conditions for operation of such vehicles in this state.
    Subd. 2. Exemption from tax or fee. Agreements made pursuant to this section may also
include exemption from taxes or fees on a vehicle owned by a person, firm, or corporation
licensed as a motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle manufacturer in another state or country
when such vehicle is operated displaying the dealer plates or manufacturer plates issued to such
dealer or manufacturer by the jurisdiction of residence; provided, however, that such operation
is not for the purpose of soliciting the sale of vehicles within this state other than at an auction
conducted by a motor vehicle auctioneer licensed under section 168.27. Greater privileges shall
not be granted to such dealer or manufacturer than permitted by the laws of the jurisdiction
of residence. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to apply to or vary the terms and
conditions of sections 168.053 to 168.057.
    Subd. 3. Vehicle in foreign state and owned by Minnesotan. The provisions of this section
shall be operative as to motor vehicles actually domiciled in a foreign state, district, territory or
possession or foreign country or province and legally licensed in that state, district, territory or
possession or foreign country or province and owned by a Minnesota resident.
History: 1953 c 698 s 1,2; 1963 c 63 s 1; 1980 c 478 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 342 s 11;
1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 47

168.183 MOTOR VEHICLES OF CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS.
    Subdivision 1. Payment of taxes. All trucks, truck-tractors, trailers and semitrailers, which
comply with all of the provisions of section 168.181 but are excluded from the exemptions
provided therein solely because of the intrastate nature of their movement in this state, owned
by nonresidents owning or operating circuses, carnivals or similar amusement attractions or
concessions shall be required to comply with all laws and rules as to the payment of taxes
applicable to like vehicles owned by Minnesota residents but such nonresidents may make
application to pay such tax for each vehicle proportionate to the number of months or fraction
thereof such vehicles are in this state.
    Subd. 2. Contents of application. The application shall contain such information and shall
be executed in such manner as the registrar may require and shall include a complete itinerary
of the applicant and shall be accompanied by such evidence of ownership as the registrar shall
deem necessary.
    Subd. 3. Permit. Upon payment of the required tax the registrar shall issue, in lieu of
registration plates, a permit for each vehicle so taxed. The permit shall contain the name and
address of the owner, the make, type, serial number and year model of the vehicle, the expiration
date and any other information deemed necessary by the registrar. The permit must be carried in
the vehicle at all times while being operated in this state.
History: 1957 c 88 s 1-3; 1985 c 248 s 70

168.185 USDOT NUMBERS.
(a) An owner of a truck or truck-tractor having a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000
pounds, as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 46, other than a farm truck that is not used in
interstate commerce, shall report to the registrar at the time of registration its USDOT carrier
number. A person subject to this paragraph who does not have a USDOT number shall apply for
the number at the time of registration by completing a form MCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification
Report, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or comparable document as
determined by the registrar. The registrar shall not assign a USDOT carrier number to a vehicle
owner who is not subject to this paragraph.
(b) Assigned USDOT numbers need not be displayed on the outside of the vehicle, but
must be made available upon request of an authorized agent of the registrar, peace officer,
other employees of the State Patrol authorized in chapter 299D, or employees of the Minnesota
Department of Transportation. The vehicle owner shall notify the registrar if there is a change to
the owner's USDOT number.
(c) If an owner fails to report or apply for a USDOT number, the registrar shall suspend the
owner's registration.
(d) Until October 1, 2003, paragraphs (a) to (c) do not apply to an agricultural fertilizer or
agricultural chemical retailer while exclusively engaged in delivering fertilizer or agricultural
chemicals to a farmer for on-farm use.
History: 2002 c 364 s 9; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 34

168.187 INTERSTATE REGISTRATION AND RECIPROCITY.
    Subdivision 1. Declaration of policy. It is the policy of this state to promote and encourage
the fullest possible use of its highway system by authorizing the making of agreements,
arrangements, and declarations with other jurisdictions, for reciprocal recognition of vehicle
registrations and/or for proportional registration, with respect to vehicles registered in this state
and such other jurisdictions, thus contributing to the economic and social development and
growth of this state. It is the policy of this state to agree with other states that no vehicle shall pay
more than the equivalent of one full registration fee per annum.
    Subd. 2. Definitions. (1) The words, terms and phrases defined in section 168.011, when
used in this section, shall have the same meanings herein as is ascribed to them in section 168.011,
unless the context otherwise requires, or unless a different definition is given in this section.
(2) The words and phrases hereafter defined in this section shall have the meanings
respectively ascribed to them when used in this section, except when the context otherwise
requires.
    Subd. 3. State. "State" means a state, territory or possession of the United States, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a foreign country and a state or province of a
foreign country.
    Subd. 4. Proratable vehicle. "Proratable vehicle" means any vehicle which is operated in
more than one state and used for the transportation of persons for hire, or designed, used or
maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
    Subd. 5. Fleet. "Fleet" means three or more proratable vehicles, at least two of which are
motor-powered vehicles. The motor vehicle reciprocity commission may by agreement with
another state provide that a fleet of this state and another state may consist of a lesser number
of vehicles.
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 1976 c 149 s 63]
    Subd. 7. Authority for registration agreements, arrangements or declarations. The
commissioner of public safety may enter into any agreement or arrangement with the duly
authorized representatives of other states or make any independent declaration, granting to
vehicles or to owners of vehicles which are properly registered or licensed in another state,
benefits, privileges, and exemptions from the payment, wholly, or partially, of any registration
taxes, fees, or other charges imposed upon such vehicles or owners with respect to the operation
or ownership of such vehicles under the laws of this state, upon such conditions as are specified
therein, provided the terms or conditions of such agreement, arrangement, or declaration are not
inconsistent with any law of this state.
Any such agreement or arrangement shall be made in writing and shall provide that vehicles
properly registered or licensed in this state, when operated upon highways of the other state, shall
receive exemptions, benefits, and privileges of a similar kind or to a similar degree as are extended
to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such state when operated in this state. Any such
declaration shall contemplate and provide for mutual benefits, reciprocal privileges or equitable
treatment of the owners of vehicles registered in this and the other state. Each such agreement,
arrangement, or declaration shall, in the judgment of the commissioner of public safety, be in the
best interest of this state and the citizens thereof and shall be fair and equitable with respect to the
benefits which the agreement brings to the economy of this state.
    Subd. 8. Base state reciprocity. (a) Any agreement, arrangement, or declaration made under
the authority of this section may contain provisions authorizing the registration or licensing in
another state of vehicles based in the other state, which vehicles otherwise would be required to be
registered or licensed in this state, except that those provisions shall not apply to passenger cars.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the owner of a vehicle shall declare the state in which it
is based, but the commissioner of public safety shall make the final determination of the state
in which the vehicle is based for the purpose of determining liability for registration and other
fees and penalties due this state. The commissioner of public safety is governed, to the extent
possible, by the criteria specified in this section, and agreement with the administrator of any
other interested state.
(c) Any agreement, arrangement, or declaration made under this section may grant
exemptions, benefits, and privileges for vehicles in accordance with its terms.
    Subd. 9. Required provisions. (1) Every agreement, arrangement, and declaration, and
amendment thereto and cancellation thereof, shall be in writing and shall be filed in the office of
the commissioner of public safety. A copy of each agreement, arrangement or declaration, and of
each amendment thereto and cancellation thereof, shall be filed in the office of the commissioner
of public safety within ten days after execution or the effective date of the instrument, whichever
is later. The commissioner of public safety shall provide copies for public distribution upon
request and the payment of a reasonable charge.
(2) Every agreement, arrangement and declaration made under authority of this section
shall contain a provision authorizing the commissioner of public safety to cancel and revoke the
agreement with respect to this state upon 30 days' notice to the other party or parties thereto.
(3) All agreements, arrangements, and declarations made under authority of this section
shall contain a provision specifying that no registration, permit privilege or exemption issued or
accruing thereunder, shall excuse the operator or owner of any vehicle from compliance with the
laws of this state, except those requiring registration.
    Subd. 10. Fees for proportional registration. (1) "Total fleet miles" means the total number
of miles operated in all states during the preceding year by the motor vehicles in a fleet during
such year.
(2) "In-state miles" means the total number of miles operated in this state during the
preceding year by the motor vehicles in a fleet during such year.
(3) The registration fees for proratable vehicles of a fleet based in another state shall be
determined as follows:
(A) Divide in-state miles by total fleet miles.
(B) Determine the total amount which would be required under the laws of this state for full
registration of each and every vehicle in the fleet, at the regular annual or applicable fees, for
the unexpired portion of the registration year.
(C) Multiply the sum obtained under clause (3)(B) by the quotient obtained under clause
(3)(A).
(4) The registration fees for proratable vehicles of a fleet based in this state shall be
determined as follows:
(A) Divide in-state miles plus all other fleet miles not subjected to charges in other states nor
declared for other prorate agreement states by total fleet miles.
(B) Determine the total amount which would be required under the laws of this state for full
registration of each and every vehicle in the fleet, at the regular annual or applicable fees for
the unexpired portion of the registration year.
(C) Multiply the sum obtained under clause (4)(B) by the quotient under clause (4)(A).
(5) The provisions of this section shall constitute complete authority for the registration of
the proratable vehicles of a fleet upon a proportional registration basis without reference to or
application of any other statutes of this state except as in this section expressly provided.
    Subd. 11. Application for proportional registration. (1) Any owner of one or more fleets
may file an application for proportional registration of the vehicles of one or more of such fleets
with the commissioner of public safety, in lieu of registration of such vehicles under other
sections of this chapter. The application shall be in such form and shall contain such information
as the commissioner shall require.
(2) Applications for proportional registration shall be filed annually at such time or times
as the commissioner establishes by rule. Every application for proportional registration shall at
the time and in the manner required by the commissioner be supported by the payment of the
registration fees in the amount determined in the manner provided in subdivision 10.
    Subd. 12. Registration of proratable vehicles. (1) The commissioner of public safety
shall register proratable vehicles of a fleet upon application and payment of registration fees as
provided in subdivision 11. Payment of an additional fee for each vehicle so registered may be
required by the commissioner in an amount not to exceed $5 per motor powered vehicle, for
issuance of a plate, sticker, or other suitable identification for each vehicle. A registration card
shall be issued for each vehicle registered, which shall appropriately identify the vehicle for which
it is issued. Such registration card shall be carried in or upon the vehicle for which it has been
issued, at all times, except that the registration cards for all vehicles in a combination of vehicles
may be carried in or upon the vehicle supplying the motive power.
(2) Fleet vehicles registered as provided in (1) shall be deemed fully registered in this state
for any type of movement or operation, except that when a state grant of authority is required for
any movement or operation, no such vehicle shall be operated in this state unless the owner or
operator thereof has been granted authority or rights therefor by the state and unless said vehicle
is being operated in conformity with such authority or rights. No registration under this section
shall excuse the owner or operator of any vehicle from compliance with the laws of this state,
except those requiring registration and licensing.
    Subd. 13. No proportional registration in only one state. The right of proportional
registration of fleet vehicles authorized by this section, or by any agreement, arrangement, or
declaration made under the authority of this section, shall be subject to the condition that each
vehicle proportionally registered shall be proportionally or otherwise properly registered in at
least one other state during the period for which it is proportionally registered in this state.
    Subd. 14. Registration of additional fleet vehicles. Vehicles acquired by the owner after
the commencement of the registration year and added to a proportionally registered fleet shall
be proportionally registered by applying the mileage percentage used in the original application
for such fleet for such registration period to the regular registration fees due with respect to such
vehicles for the remainder of the registration year.
    Subd. 15. Withdrawal of fleet vehicle; credits, accounting. If any vehicle is withdrawn
from a proportionally registered fleet during the period for which it is registered, the owner of
such fleet shall so notify the commissioner of public safety. The commissioner of public safety
may require the owner to surrender cab cards and such other identification devices with respect to
such vehicle. If a vehicle is permanently withdrawn from a proportionally registered fleet because
it has been destroyed, sold or otherwise completely removed from the service of the owner, the
unused portion of the fees paid with respect to such vehicle shall be applied against liability of
such owner for subsequent additions to such fleet during such registration year or for additional
fees upon audit. If at the end of such registration year there remains an unused portion of fees
paid with respect to such permanently withdrawn vehicles, such unused fees shall be applied
against registration fees for the registration year immediately following the year during which
such vehicles were permanently withdrawn. The unused portion of fees of a vehicle permanently
withdrawn from a fleet shall be a sum equal to the amount paid with respect to such vehicle
when it was first proportionally registered in such registration year, reduced by 1/12 of the total
annual proportional registration fee applicable to such vehicle for each calendar month of the
registration year including the month the notice of withdrawal is received by the commissioner of
public safety, except that no unused portion of fees of less than $5 shall be considered or applied.
If an unused portion of fees cannot be applied against registration fees for the registration year
immediately following, an application for refund of the unused portion may be made to the
commissioner, who shall make such rules as may be required for payment of such refund.
    Subd. 16. New fleets. The initial application for proportional registration of a fleet shall state
the mileage data with respect to such fleet for the preceding year in this and other states. If no
operations were conducted with such fleet during the preceding year, the application shall contain
a full statement of the proposed method of operation and estimates of annual mileage in this
and other states. The commissioner of public safety shall determine the in-state and total fleet
miles to be used in computing the proportional registration fee for the fleet. The commissioner
of public safety may adjust the estimate in the application if the commissioner is not satisfied
with its correctness.
    Subd. 17. Trip permit. Subject to agreements or arrangements made or entered into pursuant
to subdivision 7, the commissioner may issue trip permits for use of Minnesota highways by
individual vehicles, on an occasional basis, for periods not to exceed 120 hours in compliance
with rules promulgated pursuant to subdivision 23 and upon payment of a fee of $15.
    Subd. 18. Refusal of proportional registration. The commissioner of public safety may
refuse proportional registration of vehicles based in another state on finding that such other
state does not grant similar registration privileges to fleet vehicles based in this state and that
such refusal is in the best interest of this state.
    Subd. 19. Preservation of records; audit. Any owner whose application for proportional
registration has been accepted shall preserve the records on which it is based for a period of four
years following the date of its filing. Each acceptance shall be conditioned upon agreement of the
owner to make such records available to the commissioner of public safety, at the commissioner's
request, for audit as to accuracy of computations and payments and assessments of deficiencies or
allowances for credit. If any owner fails to make records available to the commissioner of public
safety upon request or fails to maintain records from which the owner's true liability may be
determined, the commissioner may, 30 days after a written demand for availability of records
or notification of insufficient records, impose an arbitrary assessment of liability based on the
commissioner's estimate of the true liability of such owner as determined from information
furnished by the owner, information gathered by the commissioner at the commissioner's own
instance, information available to the commissioner concerning operations by similar owners and
such other pertinent information as may be available to the commissioner.
    Subd. 20. Joint or reciprocal audits. The commissioner of public safety may make
arrangements with the commissioner of transportation and with agencies of other states
administering motor vehicle registration laws for joint or reciprocal audits of any owner.
    Subd. 21. Assessment or claim upon audit. Upon audit, the commissioner of public safety
shall assess for any deficiencies found to be due. No assessment for deficiency or claim for credit
may be made for any period for which records are not longer required. Any sums found to be
due and owing upon audit shall bear annual interest of six percent from the date when they
should have been paid until the date of actual payment. If in the judgment of the commissioner of
public safety the deficiencies are the result of bad faith or an attempt to evade payment under this
section, a penalty of 25 percent shall be added to the deficiency.
    Subd. 22. Relation to other state laws. The provisions of this section shall constitute
complete authority for the registration of fleet vehicles upon a proportional registration basis
without reference to or application of any other statutes of this state except as in this section
expressly provided.
    Subd. 23. Proportional registration not exclusive. Nothing contained in this section
relating to proportional registration of fleet vehicles shall be construed as requiring any vehicle to
be proportionally registered; if it is otherwise registered in this state for the operation in which it
is engaged including, but not by way of limitation, regular registration, temporary registration, or
trip permit or registration.
    Subd. 24. Proportional registration; administrative agreement or arrangement. The
commissioner of public safety may enter into agreements or arrangements with other states on
behalf of this state for proportional registration of proratable vehicles in the manner provided in
this section for the purpose of facilitating the administration thereof. In addition, the commissioner
may make arrangements or agreements with other states for the exchange of information for audit
and enforcement activities in connection with such proportional registration. The registration of
fleet vehicles under this section shall be subject to the rights, terms and conditions granted or
contained in any applicable agreement or arrangement made by the commissioner under the
authority of this section.
    Subd. 25. Appeal procedure. Any fleet owner operating under license and fee procedures of
this section, upon disagreement with the commissioner of public safety in the commissioner's
administration of this section, may petition in writing to the commissioner stating clearly the
rationale for disagreement with any procedure or decision. The commissioner shall rule on the
reconsideration petition after a hearing held as a contested case pursuant to chapter 14.
    Subd. 26. Delinquent filing or payment. If a fleet owner or owner-operator licensed under
this section and chapter 168D is delinquent in either filing or paying the international fuel tax
agreement reports for more than 30 days, or paying the international registration plan billing for
more than 30 days, the fleet owner or owner-operator, after ten days' written notice, is subject to
suspension of the apportioned license plates and the international fuel tax agreement license.
    Subd. 27. Prohibited operation. The commissioner of public safety shall refuse to issue a
vehicle registration, license plate, or permit to a vehicle licensed under this section if the vehicle
is assigned to a commercial motor carrier who has been prohibited from operating in interstate
commerce by a federal agency with authority to do so under federal law.
The commissioner of public safety may revoke the registration of a vehicle licensed under
this section if the vehicle is assigned to a commercial motor carrier who has been prohibited from
operating in interstate commerce by a federal agency with authority to do so under federal law.
If the prohibition by the federal agency is rescinded, the commissioner of public safety may
reinstate a vehicle registration under this section if registration taxes and fees have been paid.
History: 1971 c 457 s 1; 1973 c 582 s 3; 1974 c 522 s 1; 1976 c 149 s 35-43; 1980 c 614 s
123; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 383 s 2; 1989 c 195 s 1; 1992 c 581 s
9,10; 1993 c 13 art 1 s 29; 1993 c 281 s 4; 1997 c 230 s 1; 1998 c 299 s 30; 2000 c 426 s 10;
2002 c 371 art 2 s 20; 2004 c 295 art 1 s 8; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 7

168.19 [Repealed, 1953 c 698 s 7]

168.191 [Renumbered 168.181, subd 3]

168.20 [Repealed, 1953 c 698 s 7]

168.201 DENIAL OR WITHDRAWAL OF BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES.
Such agreements or arrangements as limited by section 168.181 may also provide for the
denial or withdrawal of the benefits and privileges granted under such agreement or arrangement
as to any person, corporation, or association of any kind if in the opinion of the registrar such
person, corporation, or association should not be granted such benefits or privileges.
History: 1953 c 698 s 3

168.21 [Repealed, 1953 c 698 s 7]

168.211 SUBJECTION TO STATE LAWS GENERALLY.
All vehicles operated in Minnesota pursuant to sections 168.181 to 168.221 shall be subject
to all provisions of law applicable to vehicles owned or operated by Minnesota residents except to
the extent that exemption is provided from said laws by such sections.
History: 1953 c 698 s 4; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 47

168.22 [Repealed, 1953 c 698 s 7]

168.221 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES; TAXES OR FEES.
The registrar may promulgate such rules as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose of
section 168.181, subdivision 1, clause (6), as to the payment of partial taxes collectible under
sections 168.181 to 168.211 and this section and may waive any reciprocal agreement required
thereunder with any state, district, territory, or possession or arrangements with foreign countries
or provinces if under the laws of such state, district, territory, or possession or foreign country or
province residents of Minnesota are privileged to operate motor vehicles upon the streets and
highways of such state, district, territory, or possession or foreign country or province without the
payment of taxes or fees of any character whatsoever.
History: 1953 c 698 s 5; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 47

168.23 [Repealed, 1953 c 698 s 7]

168.231 [Repealed, 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 48]

168.25 VEHICLES USED FOR TESTING.
    Subdivision 1. Plates. The registrar shall, on request, issue to a first-stage manufacturer of
motor vehicles one or more manufacturer test plates that display a general distinguishing number.
The fee for each of the first four plates is $40 per calendar year, of which $25 must be paid to the
registrar and the remaining $15 is payable as sales tax on motor vehicles under section 297B.035.
For each additional plate, the manufacturer shall pay the registrar a fee of $10 and a tax on motor
vehicles under section 297B.035 of $15 per calendar year. The registrar shall deposit the tax in the
state treasury to be credited under section 297B.09.
    Subd. 2. Permitted uses. A motor vehicle owned by a first-stage manufacturer and bearing
the number plate issued under subdivision 1 may be operated on public streets and highways by
the manufacturer or an employee or agent of the manufacturer, for the purpose of conducting
specialized cold weather testing, and for transportation to and from a bona fide cold weather
testing station.
History: 1995 c 74 s 2

168.26 CERTAIN MANUFACTURERS NEED NOT REGISTER.
Manufacturers within the state of motor vehicles which shall not use the public highways,
and manufacturers or dealers distributing motor vehicles which shall not have used the public
highways in the state and are not for sale in the state from points in this state to other states, shall
be exempt from the provisions of this chapter requiring the listing and registration thereof.
History: (2685) 1921 c 461 s 14; 1923 c 418 s 14

168.27 MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS; VIOLATIONS, PENALTIES.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in paragraphs (b) to
(o) have the meanings given them.
(b) "Auctioning motor vehicles" means arranging for and handling the sale of motor vehicles,
not the property of the auctioneer, to the highest bidder.
(c) "Brokering motor vehicles" means arranging sales or leases between buyers and sellers,
or lessees and lessors, of motor vehicles and receiving a fee for those services.
(d) "Commercial building" means a permanent, enclosed building that is on a permanent
foundation and connected to local sewer and water facilities or otherwise complying with
local sanitary codes, is adapted to commercial use, and conforms to local government zoning
requirements. "Commercial building" may include strip office malls or garages if a separate
entrance and a separate address are maintained and the dealership is clearly identified as a
separate business.
(e) "Commercial office space" means office space occupying all or part of a commercial
building.
(f) "Dealer" includes licensed new motor vehicle dealers, used motor vehicle dealers, motor
vehicle brokers, wholesalers, auctioneers, lessors of new or used motor vehicles, scrap metal
processors, used vehicle parts dealers, and salvage pools.
(g) "Horse trailer" is a trailer designed and used to carry horses and other livestock, which has
not more than three axles and a maximum gross weight capacity of not more than 24,000 pounds.
(h) "Junked vehicle" means a vehicle that is declared unrepairable under section 168A.151.
(i) "Leasing motor vehicles" means furnishing a motor vehicle for a fee under a bailor-bailee
relationship where no incidences of ownership are intended to be transferred other than the right
to use the vehicle for a stated period of time.
(j) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning given it in section 168.011, subdivision 4, and also
includes a park trailer as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 8a.
(k) "Motor vehicle broker" means a person who arranges the sale of a motor vehicle between
a buyer and a seller, or the lease of a motor vehicle between a lessee and a lessor, for which
service the broker receives a fee.
(l) "New motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle other than described in paragraph (j).
(m) "Registration year" means the 12-month period for which a dealer license is issued.
(n) "Used motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle for which title has been transferred from the
person who first acquired it from the manufacturer, distributor, or dealer. A new motor vehicle
will not be considered a used motor vehicle until it has been placed in actual operation and not
held for resale by an owner who has been granted a certificate of title on the motor vehicle and has
registered the motor vehicle in accordance with this chapter and chapters 168A and 297B, or the
laws of the residence of the owner.
(o) "Wholesaling motor vehicles" means selling new or used motor vehicles to dealers for
resale to the public.
    Subd. 1a. Dealer license categories. (a) No person shall engage in the business of selling
new motor vehicles or shall offer to sell, solicit, deliver, or advertise the sale of new motor
vehicles without first acquiring a new motor vehicle dealer license.
(b) No person shall engage in the business of selling used motor vehicles or shall offer to
sell, solicit, deliver, or advertise the sale of used motor vehicles without first acquiring a used
motor vehicle dealer license.
(c) No person shall engage in the business of buying or otherwise acquiring vehicles other
than hulks; or offering to buy or otherwise acquire, or soliciting or advertising the buying or
acquiring of, vehicles other than hulks for processing and selling the metal for remelting without
first acquiring a scrap metal processor license.
For purposes of this paragraph, a "hulk" is a motor vehicle that is incapable, under its own
power, of moving and is incapable of transporting persons or property and has had valuable used
parts removed. Its sole value is its metallic content.
(d) No person shall be primarily engaged in the business of buying or otherwise acquiring
vehicles for the purpose of dismantling the vehicles and selling used parts and the remaining scrap
metals without first acquiring a used vehicle parts dealer license.
(e) No person shall engage in the business of storing and displaying, offering to store or
display, or soliciting or advertising the storing or displaying, for sale, of damaged or junked
vehicles as an agent or escrow agent of an insurance company without first acquiring a vehicle
salvage pool license.
(f) No person shall engage in the business of leasing motor vehicles or shall offer to lease,
solicit or advertise to lease motor vehicles without first acquiring a motor vehicle lessor license.
(g) No person shall engage in the business of wholesaling motor vehicles to dealers for resale
or shall offer to sell, solicit or advertise the sale of motor vehicles to dealers for resale without
first acquiring a motor vehicle wholesaler license.
(h) No person shall engage in the business of auctioning motor vehicles for more than one
owner at an auction or shall offer to sell, solicit or advertise the sale of motor vehicles at auction
without first acquiring a motor vehicle auctioneer license.
(i) No person shall engage in the business of brokering motor vehicles without first acquiring
a motor vehicle broker's license.
    Subd. 2. New motor vehicle dealer. (a) A new motor vehicle dealer licensee may sell,
broker, wholesale, or auction and solicit and advertise the sale, brokerage, wholesale, or auction
of new motor vehicles covered by the franchise and any used motor vehicles, and may lease and
solicit and advertise the lease of new motor vehicles and any used motor vehicles. New motor
vehicle dealer sales or leases may be either for consumer use at retail or for resale to a dealer. A
new motor vehicle dealer may engage in the business of buying or otherwise acquiring vehicles
for dismantling the vehicles and selling used parts and remaining scrap materials under chapter
168A, except that a new motor vehicle dealer may not purchase a junked vehicle from a salvage
pool, insurance company, or its agent unless the dealer is also licensed as a used vehicle parts
dealer. Nothing in this subdivision requires an applicant for a dealer license who proposes to deal
in: (1) new and unused motor vehicle bodies; or (2) type A, B, or C motor homes as defined in
section 168.011, subdivision 25, to have a bona fide contract or franchise in effect with either the
first-stage manufacturer of the motor home or the manufacturer or distributor of any motor vehicle
chassis upon which the new and unused motor vehicle body is mounted. The modification or
conversion of a new van-type vehicle into a multipurpose passenger vehicle which is not a motor
home does not constitute dealing in new or unused motor vehicle bodies, and a person engaged in
the business of selling these van-type vehicles must have a bona fide contract or franchise with
the appropriate manufacturer under subdivision 10. A van converter or modifier who owns these
modified or converted van-type vehicles may sell them at wholesale to new motor vehicle dealers
having a bona fide contract or franchise with the first-stage manufacturer of the vehicles.
(b) The requirements pertaining to franchises do not apply to persons who remodel or
convert motor vehicles for medical purposes. For purposes of this subdivision, "medical purpose"
means certification by a licensed physician that remodeling or conversion of a motor vehicle is
necessary to enable a disabled person to use the vehicle.
(c) A new motor vehicle dealer shall not deliver a manufacturer's or importer's certificate of
origin for a passenger automobile, pickup truck, or van requiring a certificate of title according to
chapter 168A to any person in conjunction with the sale of a vehicle except to the department,
another new motor vehicle dealer licensed to sell the same line or make, or a person whose
primary business is picking up and delivering motor vehicle title documents.
(d) If a new motor vehicle dealer agrees to sell or lease a new motor vehicle using the
services of a motor vehicle broker, the new motor vehicle dealer may not refuse to deliver
possession of the vehicle to the buyer or lessee. This paragraph does not require delivery unless
all arrangements have been properly completed for payment, insurance required by law, titling,
transfer, and registration of the new vehicle and any trade-in vehicle. Delivery may take place at
or away from the dealership.
    Subd. 3. Used motor vehicle dealer. A used motor vehicle dealer licensee may sell, lease,
broker, wholesale, or auction and solicit and advertise the sale, lease, brokerage, wholesale, or
auction of any used motor vehicles for consumer use at retail or for resale to a dealer. A used
motor vehicle dealer may engage in the business of buying or otherwise acquiring vehicles for
dismantling the vehicles and selling used parts and remaining scrap materials under chapter 168A,
except that a used motor vehicle dealer may not acquire a junked vehicle from a salvage pool,
insurance company, or its agent, unless the dealer is also licensed as a used vehicle parts dealer.
    Subd. 3a. Scrap metal processor. A scrap metal processor licensee may buy or otherwise
acquire vehicles and solicit and advertise the buying or acquiring of vehicles for processing and
selling the metal for remelting. A scrap metal processor licensee may not acquire a junked vehicle
for the purpose of dismantling and selling used vehicle parts and remaining scrap materials unless
the scrap metal processor is also licensed as a used vehicle parts dealer.
    Subd. 3b.[Repealed by amendment, 2002 c 371 art 1 s 9]
    Subd. 3c. Vehicle salvage pool. A vehicle salvage pool licensee may store and display and
may solicit and advertise the storing and displaying, for sale, of damaged or junked vehicles as an
agent or escrow agent of an insurance company. A vehicle salvage pool licensee shall not sell
junked vehicles to any party other than a licensed used parts dealer.
    Subd. 4. Motor vehicle lessor. A motor vehicle lessor licensee may lease or rent either by
the hour, day, or longer period for a fee and may solicit and advertise the lease or rental of motor
vehicles. A motor vehicle lessor having leased motor vehicles, may sell the vehicles upon their
return to the lessor after termination or expiration of the lease without obtaining a used motor
vehicle dealer license.
    Subd. 4a. Limited used vehicle license. (a) A limited used vehicle license shall be provided
to a nonprofit charitable organization that qualifies for tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code whose primary business in the transfer of vehicles is to raise funds
for the corporation, who acquires vehicles for sale through donation, and who uses a licensed
motor vehicle auctioneer to sell vehicles to individuals, or who sells and reassigns vehicles to a
licensed motor vehicle dealer. This license does not apply to educational institutions whose
primary purpose is to train students in the repair, maintenance, and sale of motor vehicles. A
limited used vehicle license allows the organization to accept assignment of vehicles without the
requirement to transfer title as provided in section 168A.10 until sold or donated to an individual
or licensed motor vehicle dealer. Limited used vehicle license holders are not entitled to dealer
plates, and shall report all vehicles held for resale to the Department of Public Safety in a manner
and time prescribed by the department.
(b) A nonprofit charitable organization with a limited used vehicle license shall, within 90
days after a vehicle donation, send a donor a receipt for the donated vehicle which states its
model; age; level of use, including, but not limited to, the mileage; its condition, and whether a
visual inspection disclosed any readily apparent defects that would materially reduce the value of
the property. The receipt must include the date of the donation and must state whether the vehicle
was operable or inoperable at the time of the donation.
    Subd. 5.MS 1961 [Repealed, 1965 c 681 s 4]
    Subd. 5.MS 1982 [Repealed, 1984 c 549 s 34; 1984 c 654 art 3 s 153]
    Subd. 5a. Consignment sales. No person may solicit, accept, offer for sale, or sell motor
vehicles for consignment sale unless licensed as a new or used motor vehicle dealer, a motor
vehicle wholesaler, or a motor vehicle auctioneer. This requirement does not apply to a licensed
auctioneer selling motor vehicles at an auction if, in the ordinary course of the auctioneer's
business, the sale of motor vehicles is incidental to the sale of other real or personal property.
Incidental means up to a total of ten but no more than ten percent of the items in the posted
auction bill are motor vehicles.
    Subd. 6. Motor vehicle wholesaler. A motor vehicle wholesaler licensee may sell, solicit
or advertise the sale of motor vehicles at wholesale for resale; provided that a wholesaler may
sell, solicit, or advertise the sale of new motor vehicles only to dealers duly licensed to sell
the same make of motor vehicles.
    Subd. 7. Motor vehicle auctioneer. A motor vehicle auctioneer licensee may sell, solicit and
advertise the sale of used motor vehicles belonging to others at auction.
    Subd. 7a. Motor vehicle broker. (a) A motor vehicle broker shall provide each buyer or
lessee with a written disclosure stating whether the motor vehicle broker receives a fee from the
dealers with whom the broker does business. The new or used motor vehicle dealer is the seller of
record in all such transactions. The motor vehicle dealer may pay the motor vehicle broker a fee
for brokering services rendered. A motor vehicle broker may:
(1) advertise and solicit the brokering of new motor vehicles. A motor vehicle broker shall
not advertise or make any representations which state, imply, or suggest that the motor vehicle
broker itself sells vehicles, is authorized to sell vehicles, or obtains vehicles directly from the
motor vehicle manufacturer. All advertising or other solicitations by a motor vehicle broker shall
disclose that sales of new motor vehicles are arranged through franchised motor vehicle dealers;
(2) negotiate or quote the sale price or lease terms of motor vehicles;
(3) prepare and deliver documents necessary to the transaction;
(4) accept a down payment not to exceed $500, but otherwise may not accept payment in
full or in part for a motor vehicle unless the payment is in the form of a negotiable instrument
payable to the vehicle dealer;
(5) accompany a motor vehicle purchaser or lessee at the time of delivery by the selling
dealer of a new motor vehicle; and
(6) be present when warranties and safety features are described by the selling dealer in
conjunction with the delivery of a new motor vehicle.
(b) A motor vehicle broker shall not:
(1) engage in the business of selling new or used motor vehicles as described in subdivisions
2 and 3;
(2) execute contracts or official documents for the sale or lease of a new motor vehicle;
(3) describe a new vehicle's warranties or safety features in conjunction with the delivery of
a new motor vehicle;
(4) display motor vehicles available for sale or lease; or
(5) perform any dealer preparation of new motor vehicles.
All dealer preparation shall be performed only by a licensed new motor vehicle dealer.
(c) This subdivision does not apply to licensed motor vehicle lessors and shall not be
construed to restrict licensed motor vehicle lessors from brokering motor vehicle leases or
otherwise engaging in the leasing of motor vehicles in accordance with subdivisions 1 and 4.
    Subd. 8. Exemptions. (a) Salespeople and other employees of licensed dealers under this
section are not required to obtain individual licenses.
(b) Isolated or occasional sales or leases of new or used motor vehicles are exempt from
this section. A person who makes only isolated or occasional sales or leases is not required
to be licensed under this section, is not considered to be in the business of selling or leasing
motor vehicles, and does not qualify to receive dealer plates under subdivision 16. "Isolated or
occasional sales or leases" means: (1) the sale or lease of a motor vehicle with an actual cash value
of $1,000 or less made by a charitable organization; (2) the sale, purchase, or lease of not more
than five motor vehicles in a 12-month period, other than pioneer or classic motor vehicles as
defined in section 168.10, subdivisions 1a and 1b, or (3) sales by a licensed auctioneer selling
motor vehicles at an auction if, in the ordinary course of the auctioneer's business, the sale of
motor vehicles is incidental to the sale of other real or personal property. For purposes of this
subdivision, charitable organization means a nonprofit charitable organization that qualifies for
tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(c) A person whose sales of new and used motor vehicles consist solely of sales to political
subdivisions and their agencies of vehicles used solely as fire-fighting equipment is not required
to obtain a license under this section. The person may apply for and receive in-transit plates under
subdivision 17 in the same manner as licensed motor vehicle dealers for the purpose of allowing
fire-fighting equipment to be transported from the dealer's source of supply or other place of
storage to the dealer's place of business, to another place of storage, or directly to the purchaser.
    Subd. 9. Application. All license applications under this section and all license renewals
must be made to the registrar of motor vehicles and duly verified by oath. The applicant shall
submit such information as the registrar may require to administer this section in a manner and
format prescribed by the registrar.
    Subd. 10. Place of business. (a) All licensees under this section shall have an established
place of business which shall include as a minimum:
(1) For a new motor vehicle dealer, the following:
(i) a commercial building owned or under lease by the licensee. The lease must be for a
minimum term of one year. The building must contain office space where the books, records, and
files necessary to conduct the business are kept and maintained with personnel available during
normal business hours. Dealership business hours must be conspicuously posted on the place of
doing business and readily viewable by the public;
(ii) a bona fide contract or franchise (A) in effect with a manufacturer or distributor of the
new motor vehicles the dealer proposes to sell, broker, wholesale, or auction, or (B) in effect with
the first-stage manufacturer or distributor of new motor vehicles purchased from a van converter
or modifier which the dealer proposes to sell, broker, wholesale, or auction, or (C) in effect with
the final-stage manufacturer of the new type A, B, or C motor homes which the dealer proposes to
sell, broker, wholesale, or auction;
(iii) a facility for the repair and servicing of motor vehicles and the storage of parts and
accessories, not to exceed ten miles distance from the principal place of business. The service
may be provided through contract with bona fide operators actually engaged in the services;
(iv) an area either indoors or outdoors to display motor vehicles that is owned or under
lease by the licensee; and
(v) a sign readily viewable by the public that clearly identifies the dealership by name.
(2) For a used motor vehicle dealer, the following:
(i) a commercial building owned or under lease by the licensee. The lease must be for a
minimum term of one year. The building must contain office space where the books, records,
and files necessary to conduct the business are kept and maintained with personnel available
during normal business hours or automatic telephone answering service during normal business
hours. Dealership business hours must be conspicuously posted on the place of doing business
and readily viewable by the public;
(ii) an area either indoors or outdoors to display motor vehicles which is owned or under
lease by the licensee; and
(iii) a sign readily viewable by the public that clearly identifies the dealership by name.
(3) For a motor vehicle lessor, the following: a commercial office space where the books,
records, and files necessary to conduct the business are kept and maintained with personnel
available during normal business hours or an automatic telephone answering service during
normal business hours. Business hours must be conspicuously posted on the place of doing
business and readily viewable by the public. The office space must be owned or under lease for a
minimum term of one year by the licensee.
(4) For a motor vehicle wholesaler, the following: a commercial office space where the
books, records, and files necessary to conduct the business are kept and maintained with personnel
available during normal business hours or an automatic telephone answering service during
normal business hours. The office space must be owned or under lease for a minimum term
of one year by the licensee.
(5) For a motor vehicle auctioneer, the following: a permanent enclosed commercial
building, within or without the state, on a permanent foundation, owned or under lease by
the licensee. The lease must be for a minimum term of one year. The building must contain
office space where the books, records, and files necessary to conduct the business are kept and
maintained with personnel available during normal business hours or an automatic telephone
answering service during normal business hours.
(6) For a motor vehicle broker, the following: a commercial office space where books,
records, and files necessary to conduct business are kept and maintained with personnel available
during normal business hours, or an automatic telephone answering service available during
normal business hours. A sign, clearly identifying the motor vehicle broker by name and listing
the broker's business hours, must be posted in a location and manner readily viewable by a
member of the public visiting the office space. The office space must be owned or under lease for
a minimum term of one year by the licensee.
(b) If a new or used motor vehicle dealer maintains more than one place of doing business in
a county, the separate places must be listed on the application. If additional places of business are
maintained outside of one county, separate licenses must be obtained for each county.
(c) If a motor vehicle lessor, wholesaler, auctioneer, or motor vehicle broker maintains more
than one permanent place of doing business, either in one or more counties, the separate places
must be listed in the application, but only one license is required. If a lessor proposes to sell
previously leased or rented vehicles or if a broker proposes to establish an office at a location
outside the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, other
than cities of the first class, the lessor or broker must obtain a license for each nonmetropolitan area
county in which the lessor's sales are to take place or where the broker proposes to locate an office.
(d) If a motor vehicle dealer, lessor, wholesaler, or motor vehicle broker does not have direct
access to a public road or street, any privately owned roadway providing access to a public road
or street must be clearly identified and adequately maintained.
(e) A new or used motor vehicle dealer may establish a temporary place of business outside
the county where it maintains its licensed location to sell horse trailers exclusively without
obtaining an additional license.
(f) A new or used motor vehicle dealer may establish a temporary place of business outside
the county where it maintains its licensed location to sell recreational vehicles exclusively without
obtaining an additional license if:
(1) the dealer establishes a temporary place of business for the sale of recreational vehicles
not more than four times during any calendar year;
(2) each temporary place of business other than an official county fair or the Minnesota State
Fair within the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, is
established jointly with at least four other recreational vehicle dealers;
(3) each temporary place of business other than an official county fair outside the
seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, is established jointly
with at least one other recreational vehicle dealer;
(4) each establishment of a temporary place of business for the sale of recreational vehicles
is for no more than 12 consecutive days; and
(5) the dealer notifies the registrar of motor vehicles of each temporary place of business
for the sale of recreational vehicles.
    Subd. 11. Dealers' licenses; location change notice; fee. (a) Application for a dealer's
license or notification of a change of location of the place of business on a dealer's license must
include a street address, not a post office box, and is subject to the commissioner's approval.
(b) Upon the filing of an application for a dealer's license and the proper fee, unless the
application on its face appears to be invalid, the commissioner shall grant a 90-day temporary
license. During the 90-day period following issuance of the temporary license, the commissioner
shall inspect the place of business site and insure compliance with this section and rules adopted
under this section.
(c) The commissioner may extend the temporary license 30 days to allow the temporarily
licensed dealer to come into full compliance with this section and rules adopted under this section.
(d) In no more than 120 days following issuance of the temporary license, the dealer license
must either be granted or denied.
(e) A license must be denied under the following conditions:
(1) The license must be denied if within the previous ten years the applicant was enjoined
due to a violation of section 325F.69 or convicted of violating section 325E.14, 325E.15,
325E.16, or 325F.69, or convicted under section 609.53 of receiving or selling stolen vehicles,
or convicted of violating United States Code, title 15, sections 1981 to 1991 or pleaded guilty,
entered a plea of nolo contendere or no contest, or has been found guilty in a court of competent
jurisdiction of any charge of failure to pay state or federal income or sales taxes or felony charge
of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, theft by swindle, extortion,
conspiracy to defraud, or bribery.
(2) The license must also be denied if within the previous year the applicant has been denied
a dealer license.
(3) A license must also be denied if the applicant has had a dealer license revoked within
the previous ten years.
(f) If the application is approved, the commissioner shall license the applicant as a dealer for
one year from the date the temporary license is granted and issue a certificate of license that must
include a distinguishing number of identification of the dealer. The license must be displayed
in a prominent place in the dealer's licensed place of business.
(g) Each initial application for a license must be accompanied by a fee of $100 in addition to
the annual fee. The annual fee is $150. The initial fees and annual fees must be paid into the state
treasury and credited to the general fund except that $50 of each initial and annual fee must be paid
into the vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund under section 299A.705.
    Subd. 12. Grounds for suspension and revocation. (a) A license may be suspended or
revoked by the registrar of motor vehicles upon proof satisfactory to the registrar of any of
the following:
(1) violations of any of the provisions of this chapter or chapter 168A, 297B, 325E, or 325F;
(2) violation of or refusal to comply with the requests and order of the registrar;
(3) failure to make or provide to the registrar all listings, notices, and reports required by the
registrar;
(4) failure to pay to the registrar all taxes, fees, and arrears due from and by such dealer;
(5) failure to duly apply for renewal of license provided for in this section;
(6) revocation of previous license, of which the records of the registrar relating to the
revocation are prima facie evidence of the previous revocation;
(7) failure of continued occupancy of an established place of business;
(8) sale of a new and unused current model motor vehicle other than the make of motor
vehicle described in the franchise or contract filed with the original application or renewal thereof,
without permission from the registrar;
(9) sale of a new and unused current model motor vehicle to anyone except for consumer
use, or to a dealer duly licensed to sell the same make of motor vehicle;
(10) material misstatement or misrepresentation in application for license or renewal;
(11) having advertised, printed, displayed, published, distributed, broadcast, or televised or
caused or permitted to be advertised, printed, displayed, published, distributed, broadcast, or
televised in any manner whatsoever, or having made orally any statement or representation with
regard to the sale, lease, or financing of motor vehicles that is false, deceptive, or misleading;
(12) having been convicted of violating section 325F.69, or having been enjoined due to a
violation of section 325F.69;
(13) having been convicted of violating the Minnesota Odometer Law, section 325E.14,
325E.15, or 325E.16, or the federal odometer law, United States Code, title 15, sections 1981 to
1991;
(14) having been convicted of violating the sale of motor vehicles on Sunday law, section
168.275;
(15) having been convicted under section 609.53 of receiving or selling stolen vehicles; or
(16) having pleaded guilty, entered a plea of nolo contendere or no contest, or having been
found guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction of any charge of failure to pay state or federal
income or sales taxes or felony charge of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false
pretenses, theft by swindle, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or bribery.
(b) With respect to paragraph (a), clauses (12), (13), (15), and (16), the registrar may
suspend or revoke a license immediately upon receiving certification of conviction or permanent
injunction. A hearing is required under subdivision 13 within 30 days following a summary
suspension or revocation under this paragraph, if a hearing is requested by the licensee.
    Subd. 12a. Grounds for cancellation; notice required. (a) A license may be canceled by
the registrar after notice to the dealer, upon satisfactory proof that the dealer (1) has failed to
provide or maintain the required surety bond, (2) has failed to provide or maintain the insurance
required under chapter 65B, or (3) is no longer operating at the dealer's licensed location.
(b) Surety companies and insurers providing required coverages shall promptly notify the
registrar upon canceling any surety bond or required insurance. The registrar shall notify the
dealer of the reason or reasons for cancellation before the cancellation occurs.
    Subd. 13. Suspension and revocation; hearing. (a) The registrar of motor vehicles, upon
the registrar's own motion or upon the complaint of another, shall prepare and cause to be served
upon the licensee complained of, a written notice or complaint setting forth, in substance, the
violations charged, a statement of the deficiencies which exist and any corrective action deemed
appropriate. The notice must include a statement that in the event corrective action is deemed
appropriate and corrective action is not taken, the dealer's license may be suspended or revoked.
The notice must require the licensee to appear at the time and place fixed in the notice before the
registrar, and show cause why the license should not be suspended or revoked.
(b) The registrar shall, at the time and place fixed in the notice, proceed to hear and determine
the matter on its merits. All hearings must be conducted according to chapter 14, except that the
provisions of section 14.50, do not apply. The registrar may subpoena witnesses and administer
oaths. If the registrar finds the existence of any of the causes for suspension or revocation as set
forth in subdivision 12 and determines that corrective action has not been taken or that corrective
action will not prevent repetition of the violations charged or that the public interest will not be
served by corrective action and the licensee's license should be suspended or revoked, the registrar
shall issue a written order setting out the decision. A copy of the order must be served upon the
licensee in the manner provided by law for the service of summons in a civil action. On finding
that the dealer has violated any of the provisions of this section but that the nature of the violation
or the circumstances are such that a suspension of the license would be adequate, the registrar
may, instead of revoking the license suspend it for a period not exceeding 90 days. On finding
that the violation does not justify a suspension only, the registrar shall revoke the license. Upon
a suspension or revocation of the license of a new or used motor vehicle dealer, the licensee
shall immediately return to the registrar all number plates, including any "in-transit" plates and
temporary permits, in its possession and its dealer's license certificate.
    Subd. 14. Appeal. Any party or person aggrieved by an order of suspension, revocation or
imposition of a penalty may seek judicial review according to chapter 14.
    Subd. 15. Enforcement. The registrar shall enforce this section and may appoint at least
seven of the registrar's employees as inspectors and investigators. The inspectors and investigators
have full authority to enforce this section throughout the state. The registrar, the registrar's
inspectors or investigators, when traveling or otherwise pursuing their duties outside the office
of the registrar, shall be paid for their actual expenses incurred out of the same funds as other
employees of the registrar of motor vehicles. The inspectors shall assist licensees in compliance
with laws governing licensees.
    Subd. 16. Dealer plates: distinguishing number, fee, tax, use. (a) The registrar shall
issue to every motor vehicle dealer, upon a request from the motor vehicle dealer licensed as
provided in subdivision 2 or 3, one or more plates displaying a general distinguishing number.
This subdivision does not apply to a scrap metal processor, a used vehicle parts dealer, or a
vehicle salvage pool. The fee for each of the first four plates is $75 per registration year, of
which $60 must be paid to the registrar and the remaining $15 is payable as sales tax on motor
vehicles under section 297B.035. For each additional plate, the dealer shall pay the registrar a fee
of $25 and a sales tax on motor vehicles of $15 per registration year. The registrar shall deposit
the tax in the state treasury to be credited as provided in section 297B.09. Motor vehicles, new
or used, owned by the motor vehicle dealership and bearing the number plate, except vehicles
leased to the user who is not an employee of the dealer during the term of the lease, held for hire,
or customarily used by the dealer as a tow truck, service truck, or parts vehicle, may be driven
upon the streets and highways of this state:
(1) by the motor vehicle dealer or dealer's spouse, or any full-time employee of the motor
vehicle dealer for either private or business purposes;
(2) by a part-time employee when the use is directly related to a particular business
transaction of the dealer;
(3) for demonstration purposes by any prospective buyer for a period of 48 hours or in the
case of a truck, truck-tractor, or semitrailer, for a period of seven days; or
(4) in a promotional event that lasts no longer than four days in which at least three motor
vehicles are involved.
(b) A new or used motor vehicle sold by the motor vehicle dealer and bearing the motor
vehicle dealer's number plate may be driven upon the public streets and highways for a period of
72 hours by the buyer for either of the following purposes: (1) removing the vehicle from this
state for registration in another state, or (2) permitting the buyer to use the motor vehicle before
the buyer receives number plates pursuant to registration. Use of a motor vehicle by the buyer
under clause (2) before the buyer receives number plates pursuant to registration constitutes a
use of the public streets or highways for the purpose of the time requirements for registration of
motor vehicles.
    Subd. 17. In-transit plates; fee. Every licensed dealer in motor vehicles may make
application upon a blank provided by the registrar for that purpose for dealer in-transit license
plates for use upon all new or used motor vehicles being transported from the dealer's source of
supply, or other place of storage, to the dealer's place of business, or to another place of storage, or
from one dealer to another. The registrar shall then issue to the dealer the number of plates as the
dealer may request, upon the payment by the dealer to the registrar of the sum of $5 per plate per
registration year. The registrar may issue in-transit plates, upon the payment of the sum of $5 to
the registrar, to dealers duly licensed in other states or provinces upon information furnished in the
manner as the registrar may prescribe, and which satisfies the registrar that persons or companies
applying for the plates are duly licensed dealers under the laws of the states or provinces.
    Subd. 18. Testimonial powers. The registrar may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance
of witnesses before the registrar, production of books, papers, and other documents, articles, or
instruments, and compel the disclosure by witnesses of all facts known to them relative to the
matter under investigation, and may administer oaths and to take testimony. All parties disobeying
the orders of subpoenas of the registrar are guilty of contempt, as in proceedings in district courts
of the state and may be punished in like manner.
    Subd. 19. Violations. Any person, copartnership, or corporation, domestic or foreign, and
any officer, or director, or employee of a corporation, domestic or foreign, who violates this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 19a. Injunction. The commissioner or a county attorney may institute a civil action
in the name of the state in district court for an injunction prohibiting a violation of this section
and for civil penalties not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of subdivision 2, 3, 4, 5a, 6, 7, or
7a. The court, upon proper proof that the defendant has engaged in a practice prohibited by this
section, may enjoin the future commission of that practice and award civil penalties for violations
of subdivision 2, 3, 4, 5a, 6, 7, or 7a. It is not a defense to an action that the state may have
adequate remedies at law. Service of process must be as in any other civil suit, except that where
a defendant in the action is a natural person or firm residing outside the state, or is a foreign
corporation, service of process may also be made by personal service outside the state; in the
manner provided by section 5.25; or as the court may direct. Process is valid if it satisfies the
requirements of due process of law, whether or not the defendant is doing business in Minnesota
regularly or habitually. Nothing in this subdivision limits the rights or remedies otherwise
available to persons under common law or other statutes of this state.
    Subd. 20. Application to sale of other vehicles. (a) This section does not apply:
(1) to any person, copartnership, or corporation engaged in the business of selling vehicles
designed to operate exclusively over snow, motor scooters, motorized wheelchairs, utility trailers,
farm wagons, farm trailers, or farm tractors or other farm implements, whether self-propelled or
not and even though a vehicle listed in this clause may be equipped with a trailer hitch; or
(2) to any person licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson pursuant to chapter 82, who
engages in the business of selling, who offers to sell, or who solicits or advertises the sale of
manufactured homes affixed to land.
(b) However, this section does apply to a person, copartnership, or corporation described in
paragraph (a) who is also engaged in the business of selling other motor vehicles or manufactured
homes within the provisions of this section.
(c) As used in this subdivision, "utility trailer" means a motorless vehicle, other than a boat
trailer or snowmobile trailer, equipped with one or two wheels, having a gross vehicle weight
of 4,000 pounds or less, and used for carrying property on its own structure while being drawn
by a motor vehicle.
    Subd. 21.[Repealed, 1981 c 59 s 20]
    Subd. 22. Dealer license for trailers, motorized bicycles; plates, fees; exemptions. Any
person, copartnership, or corporation having a permanent enclosed commercial building or
structure either owned in fee or leased and engaged in the business, either exclusively or in
addition to any other occupation, of selling motorized bicycles, boat trailers, horse trailers, or
snowmobile trailers, may apply to the registrar for a dealer's license. Upon payment of a $10 fee
the registrar shall license the applicant as a dealer for the remainder of the calendar year in
which the application was received. The license may be renewed on or before the second day
of January of each succeeding year by payment of a fee of $10. The registrar shall issue to each
dealer, upon request of the dealer, dealer plates as provided in subdivision 16 upon payment of $5
for each plate, and the plates may be used in the same manner and for the same purposes as is
provided in subdivision 16. Except for motorized bicycle dealers, the registrar shall also issue
to the dealer, upon request of the dealer, "in-transit" plates as provided in subdivision 17 upon
payment of a fee of $5 for each plate. This subdivision does not abrogate any of the provisions of
this section relating to the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of persons, copartnerships,
or corporations engaged in the business, either exclusively or in addition to other occupations,
of selling motor vehicles or manufactured homes, except that a seller of boat trailers, utility
trailers, or snowmobile trailers who is licensed under this subdivision is not required to have a
contract or franchise with a manufacturer or distributor of new boat trailers, utility trailers, or new
snowmobile trailers the seller proposes to sell, broker, wholesale, or auction. This section does not
require a manufacturer of snowmobile trailers whose manufacturing facility is located outside
of the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121 to have a dealer's license to transport the
snowmobile trailers to dealers or retail outlets in the state.
    Subd. 23. Registrar may file charges. The registrar or the registrar's appointed inspectors
may file charges with the county attorney against any licensee who violates any of the provisions
of this section, including but not limited to, the grounds for suspension or revocation set out in
subdivision 12.
    Subd. 24. Bonds. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, all persons licensed
according to this section shall keep in full force and effect a bond with a corporate surety to
be approved by the registrar of motor vehicles in the following amounts; in the case of boat
trailer, snowmobile trailer, horse trailer or motorized bicycle dealers, or dealers in trailers with
a manufacturer's rated carrying capacity under 15,000 pounds designed to transport small
construction or farm equipment, in the amount of $5,000; and as to all other persons in the
amount of $50,000. The bond must be conditioned on the faithful performance by the licensee
of the obligations imposed on persons engaged in motor vehicle transactions by the laws of this
state, including the conduct required of a licensee by this section and other sections governing the
sale or transfer of motor vehicles, and the payment of all taxes, license fees, and penalties. The
bond must be for the benefit of the state of Minnesota and any transferor, seller, or purchaser of
a motor vehicle for any monetary loss caused by failure of the licensee to meet the obligations
enumerated above. Proceedings on the forfeiture of the bonds must be commenced in the district
court of the county wherein the business of the licensed person was carried on, or if in more than
one county, the county in which the offense occurred. This subdivision does not apply to a used
vehicle parts dealer or a scrap metal processor.
(b) This subdivision does not apply to:
(1) a dealer in new trailers designed to transport small construction or farm equipment in
any year following a year in which the dealer had less than $500,000 in gross receipts from
the sale of such trailers; or
(2) a dealer in new trailers designed to transport small construction or farm equipment who
has been a dealer in such trailers for less than one year and who the department reasonably
determines will have gross receipts of less than $500,000 during the first year of business.
    Subd. 25. Preemption of local ordinances. Subdivision 24 establishes a uniform statewide
system of bonding motor vehicle dealers. This subdivision supersedes and preempts all bonding
requirements imposed by any local government unit.
    Subd. 26. Advertising disclosure. All advertising by a motor vehicle dealer must disclose
that the vehicle is being offered for sale by a dealer through use of the dealership name, the term
"dealer," or the abbreviation "DLR." Unless the dealer's true name or properly filed commercial
assumed name as provided in chapter 333, is included, a classified advertisement in a print
medium must also include the dealer's license number.
    Subd. 27. Rules. The registrar may adopt rules under chapter 14 to govern the issuance and
regulation of dealer licenses and dealer plates.
    Subd. 28. Distribution of plates and stickers. The commissioner may distribute registration
plates and stickers to be held and issued by new and used motor vehicle dealers. A dealer may
issue registration plates and stickers only in conjunction with and at the time of the sale of a
vehicle by the dealer. A dealer permitted to hold and issue registration plates and stickers must
be equipped with electronic transmission technology and trained in its use. Before receiving
registration plates and stickers under this subdivision, a dealer must adopt and implement security
and record-keeping requirements satisfactory to the commissioner. The commissioner may revoke
the authority granted under this subdivision for any violation of law or rule governing the issuance
of registration plates and stickers, any violation of the dealer's security and record-keeping plan,
or any other action that in the commissioner's opinion adversely affects the registration system.
The dealer is financially responsible for the cost and tax value of any unaccounted inventory.
    Subd. 29. Flexible fuel vehicle notice. At the time a dealer delivers a new flexible fuel
vehicle, the dealer must provide written notice to the consumer that the vehicle is capable of using
alternative fuels, including E85 fuel.
History: (2686) 1921 c 461 s 15; 1923 c 418 s 15; 1931 c 217 s 2; 1935 c 143 s 1; 1935 c
271 s 1; 1939 c 209 s 1; 1941 c 176 s 1; 1943 c 265 s 1; 1947 c 58 s 1; 1949 c 476 s 1; 1953 c 43
s 2; 1955 c 331 s 1; 1955 c 626 s 1; 1955 c 820 s 16; 1961 c 75 s 1; 1961 c 650 s 1; 1963 c 52 s 1,
2; 1965 c 681 s 1; 1969 c 399 s 1; 1969 c 1148 s 27; 1971 c 444 s 1-2; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1974
c 54 s 1; 1974 c 273 s 10; 1976 c 342 s 3; 1977 c 27 s 1,2; 1977 c 168 s 1-9; 1977 c 214 s 4; 1977
c 347 s 28; 1978 c 570 s 1; 1980 c 427 s 2-6; 1980 c 478 s 2,3; 1981 c 196 s 1; 1981 c 357 s
57,58; 1981 c 363 s 24; 1981 c 365 s 9; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1984 c 549 s 19,20; 1984 c 654 art 3
s 59,60; 1985 c 63 s 6,7; 1985 c 186 s 1-4; 1985 c 291 s 14; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 14-16;
1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 24; 1987 c 383 s 3; 1988 c 496 s 1-10; 1988 c 634 s 1-8; 1989 c 323 s 2-4;
1989 c 342 s 12; 1990 c 497 s 7; 1991 c 333 s 8,9; 1992 c 367 s 1; 1993 c 259 s 1; 1994 c 465 art
3 s 14; 1994 c 500 s 1; 1994 c 536 s 11-16; 1994 c 587 art 2 s 21; 1995 c 128 art 1 s 4; 1997 c 92
s 1-8; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 15; 1998 c 267 s 1; 1998 c 285 s 1,2; 1998 c 405 s 2; 2000 c 479 art 1 s
16; 2001 c 151 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 34,35; 2002 c 288 s 1; 2002 c 371 art 1 s 9; 2003 c 94 s 1;
2003 c 127 art 1 s 1; 1Sp2003 c 21 art 8 s 1; 2004 c 295 art 1 s 9; 2005 c 45 s 1; 1Sp2005 c 1 art
1 s 81; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 22; 1Sp2005 c 7 s 35; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 23

168.2701 LIABILITY OF LESSORS FOR UNPAID TRAFFIC FINES.
When a motor vehicle lessor, licensed under section 168.27, subdivision 2, 3, or 4, is issued a
traffic violation citation for a violation committed by a lessee while operating the leased or rented
vehicle, the lessor shall convey to the issuing authority within 15 days of the lessor receiving
knowledge of the traffic violation, information to the extent available, including the driver's full
name, home address, local address, if any, license number, employer's name and address, post
office box, and form of payment. Upon compliance with this section, the lessor is not liable for the
amount of fine, penalty assessment, late payment penalty, or cost of warrants issued in connection
with the violation. However, action on the part of the issuing authority relieving the lessor of
liability does not absolve the person incurring the violation of responsibility for the infraction.
History: 1986 c 332 s 1

168.2702 MOTOR VEHICLE LEASES; INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS.
Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, a provision in a motor vehicle lease agreement
that indemnifies the lessor against any claims or liabilities arising out of the use, operation, or
maintenance of the vehicle by the lessee includes the right to indemnity for traffic violations,
penalties, and punitive damages caused by the lessee and is enforceable in accordance with its
terms. This section does not relieve the lessor of any liability, penalty, or damages arising out of
its own acts or omissions.
History: 1991 c 280 s 1

168.271 INFORMATIONAL LABELS ON PICKUP TRUCKS; PENALTY.
    Subdivision 1. Requirement. Every manufacturer of new trucks having a gross vehicle
weight of 9,000 pounds or less which are sold or offered for sale for use upon the public streets
or highways within this state shall, prior to the delivery of the new truck to a Minnesota dealer,
or at or prior to the introduction date of new models delivered to a Minnesota dealer prior to
introduction date, securely affix to the windshield or side window of the truck a label upon which
the manufacturer shall endorse clearly, distinctly and legibly true and correct entries disclosing
information identical to and in the same manner as required on new automobiles. The label shall
remain affixed to the truck until delivery of the truck to the ultimate purchaser. Any manufacturer
who shall willfully fail to affix a proper label required by this section or any person who shall
willfully remove, alter or mutilate a label prior to delivery of the truck to the ultimate purchaser
is guilty of a misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to trucks for which the annual sales in
Minnesota of the previous model year were less than 200.
    Subd. 2. Applicability. This section shall apply to new trucks having a gross vehicle weight
of 9,000 pounds or less built after December 31, 1978.
History: 1977 c 385 s 1,2

168.274 DEFINITIONS.
(a) The following definitions shall apply for the words or terms used in sections 168.274 to
168.276 unless other meaning is clearly apparent from the language or context.
(b) "Motor vehicle" means and includes all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular
power, excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks.
(c) "New motor vehicle" means only newly manufactured motor vehicles and includes but is
not limited to motorcycles, trailers, trucks, passenger cars and tractors.
(d) "Used motor vehicle" means every motor vehicle, title to, or possession of, which has
been transferred from the person who first acquired it from the manufacturer or dealer and has
been so used as to become or is commonly known as secondhand within the ordinary meaning
thereof, and includes every motor vehicle other than a new motor vehicle, including but not
limited to motorcycles, trailers, tractors, trucks and passenger cars.
(e) "Person" includes natural persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, associations or
other artificial bodies, trustees, receiver and officers, employees, agents, and others acting for
or on behalf of any person.
History: 1957 c 386 s 3

168.275 SALE OF MOTOR VEHICLE ON SUNDAY FORBIDDEN.
Any person who shall carry on or engage in the business of buying, selling, exchanging,
dealing in or trading in new or used motor vehicles; or who shall open any place of business or lot
wherein the person attempts to or does engage in the business of buying, selling, exchanging,
dealing or trading in new or used motor vehicles; or who does buy, sell, exchange, deal or trade
in new or used motor vehicles as a business on the first day of the week, commonly known and
designated as Sunday, is guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense, and a gross misdemeanor
for each succeeding offense. This section does not apply to the sale of (1) trailers designed
and used primarily to transport watercraft, as defined in section 86B.005, subdivision 18, (2)
trailers designed and used primarily to transport all-terrain vehicles, as defined in section 84.92,
subdivision 8 , (3) trailers designed and used primarily to transport snowmobiles as defined in
section 84.81, subdivision 3, or (4) utility trailers as defined in section 168.27, subdivision 20.
History: 1957 c 386 s 1; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1998 c 267 s 2; 2004 c 228 art 1
s 72; 2005 c 10 art 3 s 10

168.276 SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF DEALER LICENSE.
Every court having jurisdiction over offenses committed in violation of the provisions of
section 168.275 hereof shall forward to the registrar of motor vehicles of this state within ten days
following a conviction, a record thereof. If a person so convicted holds a license as a dealer for
the sale of new or used motor vehicles under the provisions of section 168.27, upon the receipt by
the registrar of motor vehicles of a second record of conviction of such dealer, the registrar of
motor vehicles shall suspend such dealer's license for a period of 30 days, and upon receipt of a
third record of conviction of any such dealer, the registrar of motor vehicles shall permanently
revoke such dealer's license.
History: 1957 c 386 s 2

168.277 MOTOR VEHICLE PURCHASES; DISCLOSURE.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
(a) The term "seller" means a person selling more than five motor vehicles in a calendar year
and in the business of selling or leasing motor vehicles.
(b) The term "contract" means a written agreement between a seller and a purchaser for the
sale of a motor vehicle, but not including a conditional sales contract entered into pursuant to a
separate purchase agreement that contains the disclosures contained in this section.
    Subd. 2. Disclosure. A seller of motor vehicles shall include in any contract with a
purchaser or prospective purchaser of a motor vehicle a statement in ten-point, bold-faced,
all-capital type located by a blank for the purchaser's signature stating: "IMPORTANT: THIS
MAY BE A BINDING CONTRACT AND YOU MAY LOSE ANY DEPOSITS IF YOU DO
NOT PERFORM ACCORDING TO ITS TERMS". If a forfeiture is not possible that part of the
disclosure may be crossed out at the time of the purchaser's signature.
    Subd. 3. Effect of omission. Any contract not meeting the requirements of subdivision 2
is voidable at the option of the purchaser prior to the purchaser taking possession of the motor
vehicle.
History: 1981 c 176 s 1

168.28 VEHICLES SUBJECT TO TAX; EXCEPTIONS.
Every motor vehicle (except those exempted in section 168.012, and except those which
are being towed upon the streets and highways and which shall not be deemed to be using the
streets and highways within the meaning of this section) shall be deemed to be one using the
public streets and highways and hence as such subject to taxation under this chapter if such motor
vehicle has since April 23, 1921, used such public streets or highways, or shall actually use them,
or if it shall come into the possession of an owner other than as a manufacturer, dealer, warehouse
operator, mortgagee or pledgee. New and unused motor vehicles in the possession of a dealer
solely for the purpose of sale, and used or secondhand motor vehicles which have not theretofore
used the public streets or highways of this state which are in the possession of a dealer solely
for the purpose of sale and which are duly listed as herein provided, shall not be deemed to be
vehicles using the public streets or highways. The driving or operating of a motor vehicle upon the
public streets or highways of this state by a motor vehicle dealer or any employee of such motor
vehicle dealer for demonstration purposes or for any purpose incident to the usual and customary
conduct and operation of the business in which licensed under section 168.27 to engage, or solely
for the purpose of moving it from points outside or within the state to the place of business or
storage of a licensed dealer within the state or solely for the purpose of moving it from the place of
business of a manufacturer, or licensed dealer within the state to the place of business or residence
of a purchaser outside the state, shall not be deemed to be using the public streets or highways in
the state within the meaning of this chapter or of the Constitution of the state of Minnesota, article
XIV, and shall not be held to make the motor vehicle subject to taxation under this chapter as one
using the public streets or highways, if during such driving or moving the dealer's plates herein
provided for shall be duly displayed upon such vehicle. Any dealer or distributor may register a
motor vehicle prior to its assessment or taxation as personal property, and pay the license fee and
tax thereon for the full calendar year as one using the public streets and highways, and thereafter
such vehicle shall be deemed to be one using the public streets and highways and shall not be
subject to assessment or taxation as personal property during the calendar year for which it is so
registered, whether or not such vehicle shall actually have used the streets or highways.
History: (2687) 1921 c 461 s 16; 1923 c 418 s 16; 1941 c 176 s 2; 1953 c 315 s 1; 1961 c
611 s 1; 1976 c 2 s 172; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 17