1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to transportation; abolishing vehicle registration taxes; transferring money;
1.3 amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 168.002, subdivision 13; 168.012;
1.4 168.013, subdivisions 8, 20, 22; 168.0135, subdivision 1; 168.017, subdivision 5;
1.5 168.018; 168.04, subdivisions 1, 2; 168.09, subdivisions 1, 5, 7; 168.092,
1.6 subdivision 1; 168.10, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1h, 1i, 2; 168.101, subdivision
1.7 2a; 168.105, subdivision 2; 168.11, subdivisions 1, 3; 168.12, subdivisions 1, 2,
1.8 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 5; 168.123, subdivision 1; 168.1235, subdivision 1; 168.1255,
1.9 subdivision 1; 168.1256, subdivision 1; 168.1258, subdivision 1; 168.1259,
1.10 subdivision 2; 168.127, subdivisions 2, 5; 168.128, subdivision 2; 168.1282,
1.11 subdivision 1; 168.1284, subdivisions 1, 5; 168.1285, subdivisions 1, 5; 168.1286,
1.12 subdivision 1; 168.1287, subdivision 1; 168.1288, subdivision 1; 168.129,
1.13 subdivision 1; 168.1294, subdivisions 1, 6; 168.1295, subdivisions 1, 5; 168.1296,
1.14 subdivisions 1, 5; 168.1298, subdivisions 1, 5; 168.13; 168.15, subdivision 1;
1.15 168.17; 168.181, subdivisions 1, 2; 168.187, subdivisions 7, 27; 168.221; 168.27,
1.16 subdivision 28; 168.301, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5; 168.33, subdivisions 1, 2, 7;
1.17 168.34; 168.61, subdivision 2; 168.62, subdivision 1; 168.64; 168.65, subdivision
1.18 2; 168.842; 168.843; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 168.002,
1.19 subdivision 33; 168.013, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1k, 1l, 1m,
1.20 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 23; 168.016; 168.022; 168.032; 168.033; 168.041,
1.21 subdivision 8; 168.11, subdivision 2; 168.16; 168.183; 168.28; 168.31, subdivisions
1.22 1, 4, 4a, 5, 6; 168.35; 168.62, subdivision 2; 168.63, subdivision 5.
1.23BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.24 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.002, subdivision 13, is amended to read:
1.25 Subd. 13.Gross weight.(a) "Gross weight" means the actual unloaded weight of the
1.26vehicle, either a truck or tractor, or the actual unloaded combined weight of a truck-tractor
1.27and semitrailer or semitrailers, or of the truck-tractor, semitrailer and one additional
1.28semitrailer, fully equipped for service, plus the weight of the maximum load which the
1.29applicant has elected to carry on such vehicle or combined vehicles.
1Section 1.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 601NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: LIESKE, Wesenberg, Jasinski, Bahr and Drazkowski)
OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
Introduction and first reading01/27/2025
Referred to Transportation 2.1 (b) The term gross weight applied to a truck used for towing a trailer means the unloaded
2.2weight of the truck, fully equipped for service, plus the weight of the maximum load which
2.3the applicant has elected to carry on such truck, including the weight of such part of the
2.4trailer and its load as may rest upon the truck.
2.5 (c) The term gross weight applied to school buses means the weight of the vehicle fully
2.6equipped with all fuel tanks full of fuel, plus the weight of the passengers and their baggage
2.7computed at the rate of 100 pounds per passenger seating capacity, including that for the
2.8driver. The term gross weight applied to other buses means the weight of the vehicle fully
2.9equipped with all fuel tanks full of fuel, plus the weight of passengers and their baggage
2.10computed at the rate of 150 pounds per passenger seating capacity, including that for the
2.11driver. For bus seats designed for more than one passenger, but which are not divided so as
2.12to allot individual seats for the passengers that occupy them, allow two feet of its length
2.13per passenger to determine seating capacity.
2.14 (d) The term gross weight applied to a truck, truck-tractor or a truck used as a truck-tractor
2.15used exclusively by the owner thereof for transporting unfinished forest products or used
2.16by the owner thereof to transport agricultural, horticultural, dairy and other farm products
2.17including livestock produced or finished by the owner of the truck and any other personal
2.18property owned by the farmer to whom the license for such truck is issued, from the farm
2.19to market, and to transport property and supplies to the farm of the owner, as described in
2.20subdivision 8, shall be the actual weight of the truck, truck-tractor or truck used as a
2.21truck-tractor or the combined weight of the truck-tractor and semitrailer plus the weight of
2.22the maximum load which the applicant has elected to carry on such vehicle or combined
2.23vehicles and shall be licensed and taxed as provided by section 168.013, subdivision 1c
2.24registered.
2.25 (e) The term gross weight applied to a truck-tractor or a truck used as a truck-tractor
2.26used exclusively by the owner, or by a for-hire carrier hauling exclusively for one owner,
2.27for towing an equipment dolly shall be the actual weight of the truck-tractor or truck used
2.28as a truck-tractor plus the weight of such part of the equipment dolly and its load as may
2.29rest upon the truck-tractor or truck used as a truck-tractor, and shall be licensed registered
2.30separately and taxed as provided by section 168.013, subdivision 1e, and the equipment
2.31dolly shall be licensed registered separately and taxed as provided in section 168.013,
2.32subdivision 1d, which is applicable for the balance of the weight of the equipment dolly
2.33and the balance of the maximum load the applicant has elected to carry on such combined
2.34vehicles. The term "equipment dolly" as used in this subdivision means a heavy semitrailer
2.35used solely by the owner, or by a for-hire carrier hauling exclusively for one owner, to
2Section 1.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 3.1transport the owner's construction machinery, equipment, implements and other objects
3.2used on a construction project, but not to be incorporated in or to become a part of a
3.3completed project.
3.4 (f) The term gross weight applied to a tow truck or towing vehicle defined in section
3.5168B.011, subdivision 12a, means the weight of the tow truck or towing vehicle fully
3.6equipped for service, including the weight of the crane, winch and other equipment to control
3.7the movement of a towed vehicle, but does not include the weight of a wrecked or disabled
3.8vehicle towed or drawn by the tow truck or towing vehicle.
3.9 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.012, is amended to read:
3.10 168.012 VEHICLES EXEMPT FROM TAX OR LICENSE FEES.
3.11 Subdivision 1.Vehicles exempt from tax, fees, or plate display.(a) The following
3.12vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this chapter requiring payment of tax and
3.13registration fees, except as provided in subdivision 1c:
3.14 (1) vehicles owned and used solely in the transaction of official business by the federal
3.15government, the state, or any political subdivision;
3.16 (2) vehicles owned and used exclusively by educational institutions and used solely in
3.17the transportation of pupils to and from those institutions;
3.18 (3) vehicles used solely in driver education programs at nonpublic high schools;
3.19 (4) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively to transport disabled
3.20persons for charitable, religious, or educational purposes;
3.21 (5) vehicles owned by nonprofit charities and used exclusively for disaster response and
3.22related activities;
3.23 (6) vehicles owned by ambulance services licensed under section 144E.10 that are
3.24equipped and specifically intended for emergency response or providing ambulance services;
3.25and
3.26 (7) vehicles owned by a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, or
3.27an employee of a commercial driving school licensed under section 171.34, and the vehicle
3.28is used exclusively for driver education and training.
3.29 (b) Provided the general appearance of the vehicle is unmistakable, the following vehicles
3.30are not required to register or display number plates:
3.31 (1) vehicles owned by the federal government;
3Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 4.1 (2) fire apparatuses, including fire-suppression support vehicles, owned or leased by the
4.2state or a political subdivision;
4.3 (3) police patrols owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision; and
4.4 (4) ambulances owned or leased by the state or a political subdivision.
4.5 (c) Unmarked vehicles used in general police work, liquor investigations, or arson
4.6investigations, and passenger automobiles, pickup trucks, and buses owned or operated by
4.7the Department of Corrections or by conservation officers of the Division of Enforcement
4.8and Field Service of the Department of Natural Resources, must be registered and must
4.9display appropriate license number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and
4.10renewal applications for these license plates authorized for use in general police work and
4.11for use by the Department of Corrections or by conservation officers must be accompanied
4.12by a certification signed by the appropriate chief of police if issued to a police vehicle, the
4.13appropriate sheriff if issued to a sheriff's vehicle, the commissioner of corrections if issued
4.14to a Department of Corrections vehicle, or the appropriate officer in charge if issued to a
4.15vehicle of any other law enforcement agency. The certification must be on a form prescribed
4.16by the commissioner and state that the vehicle will be used exclusively for a purpose
4.17authorized by this section.
4.18 (d) Unmarked vehicles used by the Departments of Revenue and Labor and Industry,
4.19fraud unit, in conducting seizures or criminal investigations must be registered and must
4.20display passenger vehicle classification license number plates, furnished at cost by the
4.21registrar. Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must
4.22be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner of revenue or the
4.23commissioner of labor and industry. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the
4.24commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the purposes authorized
4.25by this section.
4.26 (e) Unmarked vehicles used by the Division of Disease Prevention and Control of the
4.27Department of Health must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification
4.28license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and
4.29renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a
4.30certification signed by the commissioner of health. The certification must be on a form
4.31prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the
4.32official duties of the Division of Disease Prevention and Control.
4.33 (f) Unmarked vehicles used by staff of the Gambling Control Board in gambling
4.34investigations and reviews must be registered and must display passenger vehicle
4Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 5.1classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar.
5.2Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be
5.3accompanied by a certification signed by the board chair. The certification must be on a
5.4form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively
5.5for the official duties of the Gambling Control Board.
5.6 (g) Unmarked vehicles used in general investigation, surveillance, supervision, and
5.7monitoring by the Department of Human Services' Office of Special Investigations' staff;
5.8the Minnesota Sex Offender Program's executive director and the executive director's staff;
5.9and the Office of Inspector General's staff, including, but not limited to, county fraud
5.10prevention investigators, must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification
5.11license number plates, furnished by the registrar at cost. Original and renewal applications
5.12for passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the
5.13commissioner of human services. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the
5.14commissioner and state that the vehicles must be used exclusively for the official duties of
5.15the Office of Special Investigations' staff; the Minnesota Sex Offender Program's executive
5.16director and the executive director's staff; and the Office of the Inspector General's staff,
5.17including, but not limited to, contract and county fraud prevention investigators.
5.18 (h) Each state hospital and institution for persons who are mentally ill and
5.19developmentally disabled may have one vehicle without the required identification on the
5.20sides of the vehicle. The vehicle must be registered and must display passenger vehicle
5.21classification license number plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar.
5.22Original and renewal applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be
5.23accompanied by a certification signed by the hospital administrator. The certification must
5.24be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used
5.25exclusively for the official duties of the state hospital or institution.
5.26 (i) Each county social service agency may have vehicles used for child and vulnerable
5.27adult protective services without the required identification on the sides of the vehicle. The
5.28vehicles must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number
5.29plates. These plates must be furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal
5.30applications for these passenger vehicle license plates must be accompanied by a certification
5.31signed by the agency administrator. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the
5.32commissioner and state that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the official duties of
5.33the social service agency.
5.34 (j) Unmarked vehicles used in general investigation, surveillance, supervision, and
5.35monitoring by tobacco inspector staff of the Department of Human Services' Alcohol and
5Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 6.1Drug Abuse Division for the purposes of tobacco inspections, investigations, and reviews
6.2must be registered and must display passenger vehicle classification license number plates,
6.3furnished at cost by the registrar. Original and renewal applications for passenger vehicle
6.4license plates must be accompanied by a certification signed by the commissioner of human
6.5services. The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and state that
6.6the vehicles will be used exclusively by tobacco inspector staff for the duties specified in
6.7this paragraph.
6.8 (k) All other motor vehicles must be registered and display tax-exempt exempt number
6.9plates, furnished by the registrar at cost, except as provided in subdivision 1c. All vehicles
6.10required to display tax-exempt exempt number plates must have the name of the state
6.11department or political subdivision, nonpublic high school operating a driver education
6.12program, licensed commercial driving school, or other qualifying organization or entity,
6.13plainly displayed on both sides of the vehicle. This identification must be in a color giving
6.14contrast with that of the part of the vehicle on which it is placed and must endure throughout
6.15the term of the registration. The identification must not be on a removable plate or placard
6.16and must be kept clean and visible at all times; except that a removable plate or placard
6.17may be utilized on vehicles leased or loaned to a political subdivision or to a nonpublic high
6.18school driver education program.
6.19 Subd. 1a.Special markings on conservation officer vehicle.Notwithstanding the
6.20provisions of this section, or any other law to the contrary, motor vehicles of the conservation
6.21officer service need not be specially marked in any way.
6.22 Subd. 1c.Payment of administrative, plate, and filing fee.The annual administrative
6.23fee for a tax-exempt an exempt vehicle under this section is $5. The license plate fee for a
6.24tax-exempt an exempt vehicle, except a trailer, is $10 for two plates per vehicle, payable
6.25only on the first tax-exempt exempt registration of the vehicle. The registration period for
6.26a tax-exempt an exempt vehicle is biennial. The administrative fee is due on March 1
6.27biennially and payable the preceding January 1, with validating stickers issued at time of
6.28payment. Replacement plates are subject to the fees in section 168.12.
6.29 Subd. 1d.State Lottery vehicle.Unmarked passenger vehicles used by the State Lottery
6.30for the purpose of conducting security or criminal investigations or ensuring that lottery
6.31retailers are in compliance with law and with their contracts are not required to display
6.32tax-exempt exempt number plates, but must be registered and must display passenger vehicle
6.33license plates. The registrar shall furnish the license plates to the director of the State Lottery
6.34at cost. On applying for initial registration or renewal of a registration under this subdivision,
6Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 7.1the director of the State Lottery must certify, on a form prescribed by the registrar and signed
7.2by the director, that the vehicles will be used exclusively for the purposes of this subdivision.
7.3 Subd. 2.Farm vehicle.Implements of husbandry, as defined in section 168A.01,
7.4subdivision 8, and tractors used solely for agricultural purposes or tractors, together with
7.5trailers or wagons thereto attached, occasionally hauling agricultural products or necessary
7.6commodities used on the farm from said farm to and from the usual marketplace of the
7.7owner, tractors for drawing threshing machinery and implements of husbandry temporarily
7.8moved upon the highway, shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and
7.9highways and shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
7.10 Subd. 2a.Small farm trailer.Farm trailers with a gross weight of less than 10,000
7.11pounds, drawn by a passenger automobile or farm truck and used exclusively for transporting
7.12agricultural products from farm to farm and to and from the usual marketplace of the owner,
7.13shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways and shall be
7.14exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
7.15 Subd. 2b.Fertilizer trailer.A trailer used exclusively to carry liquid or dry fertilizer
7.16for use on a farm shall not be taxed as a motor vehicle using the public streets and highways
7.17and shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
7.18 Subd. 2d.Electric-assisted bicycles.Electric-assisted bicycles must not be taxed as
7.19motor vehicles using the public streets and highways, and are exempt from the provisions
7.20of this chapter.
7.21 Subd. 3.Special mobile equipment, snowmobile.Special mobile equipment and
7.22snowmobiles shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways,
7.23and shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
7.24 Subd. 3a.Special permits.Motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles
7.25operated under permit and on roadways designated pursuant to section 169.045 are exempt
7.26from the provisions of this chapter.
7.27 Subd. 4.Camp equipment.Bunkhouses, supply cars, shop cars, and other similar camp
7.28equipment mounted on trailers and used by highway construction contractors exclusively
7.29at construction camp sites shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and
7.30highways and shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. Such trailers with such
7.31mounted bunkhouses, supply cars, shop cars, and other similar camp equipment thereon
7.32shall be listed and taxed as personal property.
7Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 8.1 Subd. 5.Carrier of certain equipment.Motor vehicles, which are used primarily for
8.2the purpose of carrying sawing machines; well-drilling machines, pump hoists, and other
8.3equipment registered under chapter 103I; barn sprayers or corn shellers permanently attached
8.4to them, shall not be subject to the registration tax as herein provided, but shall be listed for
8.5taxation as personal property as provided by law. The exemption in this subdivision for
8.6well-drilling machines, pump hoists, and other equipment registered under chapter 103I
8.7applies regardless of whether the well-drilling machine, pump hoist, or other equipment is
8.8also carrying materials related to its operation.
8.9 Subd. 5a.Vehicle used for testing.Motor vehicles operated for testing under section
8.10168.25 are not subject to registration taxes under this chapter.
8.11 Subd. 6.Fire truck or ambulance operated without profit.All motor vehicle fire
8.12apparatuses and ambulances operated without profit while owned by a farmers' cooperative
8.13association, a body of farmers, a volunteer fire department or association, or a group of
8.14citizens, and used solely for the extinguishment of fire in the community in which it is so
8.15owned and employed or, in the case of an ambulance used only for the benefit of the
8.16community in which it is owned or employed, shall be exempt from taxation.
8.17 Subd. 7.Vehicle not used; domiciled in another state.(a) The owner of a motor vehicle
8.18that during any calendar year, or in the case of a vehicle registered under section 168.017
8.19during the registration period provided for in that section, is not operated on a public highway
8.20is exempt from the provisions of this chapter requiring registration, payment of tax, and
8.21penalties for tax nonpayment, but only if the owner of the vehicle first files a verified written
8.22application with the registrar, correctly describing the vehicle and certifying that it has not
8.23been operated upon a public highway.
8.24 (b) A motor vehicle domiciled in a foreign state, legally licensed in that state, and owned
8.25by a Minnesota resident is exempt from this chapter; except that it is subject to section
8.26168.181, subdivision 3, provided, that this exemption does not conflict with any existing
8.27reciprocal agreement with the state in which the vehicle is domiciled.
8.28 Subd. 8.60-day exemption for vehicle of new resident.Every passenger automobile,
8.29travel trailer, other than manufactured homes, or passenger car utility trailer duly registered
8.30in any foreign state, district, territory, or country and displaying all license number plates
8.31or like insignia required by the laws of such state, district, territory, or country shall be
8.32exempt from the provisions of this chapter during the first 60 days of residence of the owner
8.33in this state; provided that if the 60-day period expires after the 15th day of any month, the
8.34remainder of that month shall be deemed to be within the 60-day period and provided further
8Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 9.1that any such vehicles shall become subject to the provisions of this chapter immediately
9.2upon transfer of the ownership of such vehicles or upon expiration of the registration.
9.3 Subd. 9.Manufactured homes and park trailers.Manufactured homes and park trailers
9.4shall not be taxed as motor vehicles using the public streets and highways and shall be
9.5exempt from the motor vehicle tax provisions of this chapter. Except as provided in section
9.6273.125, manufactured homes and park trailers shall be taxed as personal property. The
9.7provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1957, section 272.02 or any other act providing for tax
9.8exemption shall be inapplicable to manufactured homes and park trailers, except such
9.9manufactured homes as are held by a licensed dealer or limited dealer, as defined in section
9.10327B.04, and exempted as inventory under subdivision 9a. Travel trailers not conspicuously
9.11displaying current registration plates on the property tax assessment date shall be taxed as
9.12manufactured homes if occupied as human dwelling places.
9.13 Subd. 9a.Manufactured home as dealer inventory.Manufactured homes, as defined
9.14in section 327.31, subdivision 6, shall be considered as dealer inventory on the January 2
9.15assessment date, if the home is:
9.16 (1) listed as inventory and held by a licensed or limited dealer;
9.17 (2) unoccupied and not available for rent;
9.18 (3) connected or not connected to utilities when located in a manufactured home park;
9.19and
9.20 (4) connected or not connected to utilities when located at a dealer's sales center.
9.21The exemption under this subdivision is allowable for up to five assessment years after the
9.22date a home is initially claimed as dealer inventory.
9.23 Subd. 10.Exemption determined by use.If a vehicle is used for a purpose which would
9.24make it exempt pursuant to subdivision 1 but title is held by a seller or a vendor or is assigned
9.25to a third party under a lease agreement or a lease purchase agreement or installment sale
9.26permitted under section 465.71, exemption shall be determined by the use rather than the
9.27holder of the title.
9.28 Subd. 11.Semitrailer.Semitrailers as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 30, shall
9.29not be taxed as a motor vehicle using the public streets and highways and shall display a
9.30number plate for identification purposes only.
9.31 Subd. 13.Vehicles registered by certain veterans.(a) A passenger automobile, one-ton
9.32pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle registered by a veteran with a total
9.33service-connected disability, as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 51, is not subject to:
9Sec. 2.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 10.1 (1) registration taxes under this chapter;
10.2 (2) (1) administrative fees imposed under subdivision 1c;
10.3 (3) (2) filing fees and surcharges imposed under section 168.33, subdivision 7; or
10.4 (4) (3) plate and validation sticker fees imposed under this chapter, including but not
10.5limited to:
10.6 (i) fees under section 168.12, subdivision 5;
10.7 (ii) fees identified in any section authorizing special plates; and
10.8 (iii) transfer fees.
10.9 (b) The exemptions under this subdivision apply to a motor vehicle that is jointly
10.10registered by a qualifying veteran and a spouse or domestic partner.
10.11 (c) The fees identified under paragraph (a), clause (4), do not include:
10.12 (1) a fee for personalized plates under section 168.12, subdivision 2a; or
10.13 (2) a required contribution or donation for a special plate, including but not limited to
10.14a contribution under sections 168.1255, subdivision 1, clause (6) (5); 168.1258, subdivision
10.151, clause (4) (3); 168.1259, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (5) (4); 168.1287, subdivision
10.161, clause (5) (4); 168.129, subdivision 1, clause (5) (4); 168.1295, subdivision 1, paragraph
10.17(a), clause (5) (4); 168.1296, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (5) (4); and 168.1299,
10.18subdivision 1, clause (3).
10.19 (d) A qualifying veteran may register no more than two motor vehicles at the same time
10.20with the exemptions under this subdivision. Nothing in this paragraph prevents registration
10.21of additional motor vehicles as otherwise provided in this chapter.
10.22Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.013, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
10.23 Subd. 8.Tax proceeds to highway user fund; Fee proceeds to driver and vehicle
10.24services operating account.(a) Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, the net proceeds
10.25of the registration tax imposed under this chapter must be collected by the commissioner,
10.26paid into the state treasury, and credited to the highway user tax distribution fund.
10.27 (b) All fees collected under this chapter, unless otherwise specified, must be deposited
10.28in the driver and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705, subdivision
10.291.
10Sec. 3.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 11.1 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.013, subdivision 20, is amended to read:
11.2 Subd. 20.Federal heavy vehicle use tax; proof of payment.No person may register
11.3a motor vehicle that, along with the trailers and semitrailers customarily used with the same
11.4type of motor vehicle, has a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds and is subject
11.5to the use tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, section 4481, unless proof
11.6of payment of the use tax, if required and in a form as may be prescribed by the secretary
11.7of the treasury, is presented.
11.8 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.013, subdivision 22, is amended to read:
11.9 Subd. 22.Optional donation for education on anatomical gifts.As part of procedures
11.10for payment of the vehicle registration tax fees under this section chapter, the commissioner
11.11shall allow a vehicle owner to add to the tax fee a $2 donation for the purposes of public
11.12information and education on anatomical gifts under section 171.075, for in-person
11.13transactions conducted by a deputy registrar appointed under section 168.33, subdivision
11.142. This subdivision applies to annual renewal registrations only, and does not apply to
11.15registrations authorized under sections 168.053 to 168.057, 168.127, 168.187, and 168.27.
11.16Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.0135, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
11.17 Subdivision 1.Authorization.(a) The commissioner, in consultation with deputy
11.18registrars, must establish a process to implement, locate, and install self-service kiosks that
11.19may be used for passenger vehicle and motorcycle registration renewals. The commissioner
11.20must establish reasonable performance, security, technical, and financial standards to approve
11.21a vendor. Self-service kiosks authorized by this section must:
11.22 (1) allow a customer to renew a passenger vehicle or motorcycle registration pursuant
11.23to section 168.013 without assistance of a deputy registrar;
11.24 (2) collect the appropriate annual contribution for a special license plate;
11.25 (3) process requests for duplicate license plates, except that the self-service kiosk must
11.26not process any request for a special plate that requires documentation to prove eligibility
11.27to receive that type of plate;
11.28 (4) dispense license plate registration renewal stickers to the applicant at the time of the
11.29application; and
11.30 (5) display the contact phone number and email address of the deputy registrar's office
11.31that is responsible for the self-service kiosk.
11Sec. 6.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 12.1 (b) This section only applies to deputy registrars appointed pursuant to section 168.33,
12.2subdivision 2.
12.3 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.017, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
12.4 Subd. 5.Registration period extension for leased vehicle.(a) Notwithstanding
12.5subdivisions 3 and 4, a person leasing for at least one year a vehicle registered under this
12.6section may obtain an extension of the motor vehicle's registration period for the unexpired
12.7portion of the lease period, for a period not to exceed 11 months beyond the expiration of
12.8the registration period.
12.9 (b) In order to obtain an extension under this subdivision a lessee must:
12.10 (1) apply to the registrar on a form the registrar prescribes;
12.11 (2) submit to the registrar a copy of the lease; and
12.12 (3) pay an administrative fee of $5; and.
12.13 (4) pay a tax of 1/12 of the tax for the registration period being extended for each month
12.14of the extension.
12.15 (c) On an applicant's compliance with paragraph (b) the registrar shall issue the applicant
12.16a license plate tab or sticker designating the new month of expiration of the registration.
12.17The extended registration expires on the tenth day of the month following the month
12.18designated on the tab or sticker.
12.19 (d) All fees collected under paragraph (b), clause (3), must be deposited in the driver
12.20and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705, subdivision 1. Taxes
12.21collected under paragraph (b), clause (4), must be deposited in the highway user tax
12.22distribution fund.
12.23Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.018, is amended to read:
12.24 168.018 QUARTERLY REGISTRATION OF FARM TRUCKS.
12.25 (a) The owner of (1) any farm truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 8, or (2)
12.26a truck owned by a retailer who is engaged in the intrastate transportation of fertilizer or
12.27agricultural chemicals directly to a farm for on-farm use within a radius of 50 miles of the
12.28retailer's business location, may elect to register and license the truck only for one or more
12.29quarters of a registration year, at a tax of one-fourth of the annual tax on the vehicle plus
12.30upon payment of $5 for each quarterly registration. The owner may not apply for quarterly
12.31registration or renewal until seven days before the selected quarter or concurrent quarters.
12Sec. 8.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 13.1The expiration date of a registration shall be displayed on the license plate in such a manner
13.2as the registrar shall direct. No truck registered on a quarterly basis shall be operated on the
13.3public streets and highways more than ten days beyond the end of the quarter for which it
13.4is registered unless the registration has been renewed for another quarter or for the remainder
13.5of the registration year.
13.6 (b) For purposes of this section registration quarters shall begin on March 1, June 1,
13.7September 1, and December 1.
13.8 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
13.9 Subdivision 1.Licensed in other states.The provisions of this chapter, requiring the
13.10registration and taxation of motor vehicles and the display of license number plates shall
13.11not apply to a motor vehicle operated by an owner who is not a resident of this state or the
13.12owner's authorized agent while the owner is serving in the armed forces of the United States,
13.13subject to the following conditions and limitations:
13.14 (1) the vehicle is properly registered in another state in the name of the owner and
13.15displays the license number plates or other insignia required by the laws of the other state;
13.16 (2) the owner is a resident of the state in which the vehicle is registered;
13.17 (3) the vehicle is used only for personal transportation or for transportation of the owner
13.18or authorized agent's personal property; and
13.19 (4) the vehicle is subject to all provisions of law applicable to vehicles owned by
13.20Minnesota residents except to the extent exemption from law is provided by this section.
13.21Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
13.22 Subd. 2.Licensed by armed forces.The provisions of this chapter, requiring the
13.23registration and taxation of motor vehicles and the display of license number plates shall
13.24not apply to a motor vehicle operated by the owner or authorized agent while the owner is
13.25engaged in active service in the armed forces of the United States, subject to the following
13.26conditions and limitations:
13.27 (1) that such vehicle is properly registered with, and displays the license number plates
13.28of, the armed forces of the United States in a foreign country;
13.29 (2) that such vehicle is used only for personal transportation or for transportation of the
13.30owner or authorized agent's personal property;
13Sec. 10.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 14.1 (3) that such vehicle shall be subject to all provisions of law applicable to vehicles owned
14.2by Minnesota residents except to the extent that exemption from said law is provided by
14.3this section; and
14.4 (4) that the exemption provided by this subdivision shall be valid only for a period of
14.530 days after a vehicle has arrived in this state.
14.6 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
14.7 Subdivision 1.Registration required.No trailer or motor vehicle, except as is exempted
14.8by section 168.012, may be used or operated upon the public streets or highways of the state
14.9in any calendar year until it is registered as provided in this section, the motor vehicle tax
14.10and fees as provided in this chapter are paid, and the number plates issued for the trailer or
14.11motor vehicle are displayed on it. No trailer or motor vehicle, except as provided by section
14.12168.012, which for any reason is not subject to taxation as provided in this chapter, may be
14.13used or operated upon the public streets or highways of this state until it is registered as
14.14provided in this section and displays number plates as required by this chapter, except that
14.15the purchaser of a new trailer or motor vehicle may operate it without plates if the permit
14.16authorized by section 168.091 or 168.092 is displayed.
14.17Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.09, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
14.18 Subd. 5.Defenses to failure to renew.No person may be charged with violating this
14.19section by reason of failure to renew the registration of a previously registered motor vehicle,
14.20except those vehicles registered under section 168.187, if:
14.21 (1) the person produces a statement from the registrar to the effect that the person was
14.22not notified by the registrar of the annual renewal for the registration of the vehicle to which
14.23a citation was issued; and
14.24 (2) the person renews the registration and pays the motor vehicle tax and fees due within
14.25ten days of being cited for the violation.
14.26Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.09, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
14.27 Subd. 7.Display of temporary permit.(a) The commissioner may issue a temporary
14.28permit under this subdivision in conjunction with the conclusion of a registration period or
14.29a recently expired registration if:
14.30 (1) the current registration tax and all other fees and taxes have been paid in full; and
14.31 (2) special plates have been applied for.
14Sec. 13.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 15.1 (b) The permit is valid for a period of 60 days. The permit must be in a format prescribed
15.2by the commissioner, affixed to the rear of the vehicle where a license plate would normally
15.3be affixed, and plainly visible. The permit is valid only for the vehicle for which it was
15.4issued to allow a reasonable time for the new plates to be manufactured and delivered to
15.5the applicant. The permit may be issued only by the commissioner or by a deputy registrar
15.6under section 168.33.
15.7 Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.092, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
15.8 Subdivision 1.Resident buyer.The commissioner may issue a permit to a person
15.9purchasing a new or used motor vehicle in this state for the purpose of allowing the purchaser
15.10a reasonable time to register the vehicle and pay fees and taxes due on the transfer. The
15.11permit is valid for a period of 60 days. The permit must be in a format prescribed by the
15.12commissioner, affixed to the rear of the vehicle where a license plate would normally be
15.13affixed, and plainly visible. Each permit is valid only for the vehicle for which issued.
15.14Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
15.15 Subdivision 1.Application.(a) Except as provided in subdivisions 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g,
15.16and 1h, every owner of any motor vehicle in this state, not exempted by section 168.012 or
15.17168.26, shall as soon as registered ownership of a motor vehicle is acquired and annually
15.18thereafter during the period provided in section 168.31, file with the commissioner of public
15.19safety on a blank provided by the commissioner a listing for taxation and application for
15.20the registration of such vehicle, stating the first, middle and last names, the date of birth,
15.21and the address of the primary residence of each registered owner thereof who is a natural
15.22person or mailing address if the address of the primary residence has been classified as
15.23private data under this chapter, the full name and address of any other registered owner, the
15.24name and address of the person from whom purchased, make of motor vehicle, year and
15.25number of the model, manufacturer's identification number or serial number, type of body,
15.26the weight of the vehicle in pounds, for trailers only, its rated load carrying capacity and
15.27for buses only, its seating capacity, and such other information as the commissioner may
15.28require. Any false statement willfully and knowingly made in regard thereto shall be deemed
15.29perjury and punished accordingly. The listing and application for registration by dealers or
15.30manufacturers' agents within the state, of motor vehicles received for sale or use within the
15.31state shall be accepted as compliance with the requirements of this chapter, imposed upon
15.32the manufacturer.
15Sec. 15.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 16.1 (b) Registration shall be refused a motor vehicle if the original identification or serial
16.2number has been destroyed, removed, altered, covered, or defaced. However, if the
16.3commissioner is satisfied on the sworn statements of the registered owner or registered
16.4owners or such other persons as the commissioner may deem advisable that the applicant
16.5is the legal owner, a special identification number in the form prescribed by the commissioner
16.6shall be assigned to the motor vehicle. When it has been determined that the number had
16.7been affixed to such vehicle in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, the vehicle may
16.8thereafter be registered in the same manner as other motor vehicles. In the case of a new or
16.9rebuilt motor vehicle manufactured or assembled without an identification or serial number,
16.10the commissioner may assign an identification number to the motor vehicle in the same
16.11manner as prescribed heretofore.
16.12Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
16.13 Subd. 1a.Collector's vehicle, pioneer plate.(a) Any motor vehicle that: (1) was
16.14manufactured prior to 1936 or is a restored pioneer vehicle, as defined in section 168A.01,
16.15subdivision 16d; and (2) is owned and operated solely as a collector's item, shall be listed
16.16for taxation and registration as provided by paragraph (b).
16.17 (b) An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the owner, the name
16.18and address of the person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year and
16.19number of the model, the manufacturer's identification number and that the vehicle is owned
16.20and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes. If the
16.21commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax
16.22and the plate fee authorized under section 168.12, the commissioner shall list such vehicle
16.23for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
16.24 (c) The number plate so issued shall bear the inscription "Pioneer," "Minnesota" and the
16.25registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
16.26subdivision 2a, but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle
16.27is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner has the power to revoke said plate for failure
16.28to comply with this subdivision.
16.29Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:
16.30 Subd. 1b.Collector's vehicle, classic car plate.(a) Any motor vehicle manufactured
16.31between and including the years 1925 and 1948, and designated as a full classic car because
16.32of its fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship, and owned and
16.33operated solely as a collector's item shall be listed for taxation and registration as follows:
16Sec. 17.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 17.1An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the owner, the name and
17.2address of the person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year and number
17.3of the model, the manufacturer's identification number, verification of the vehicle's full
17.4classic car status from nationally published standards and guides as determined by the
17.5registrar, and that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for
17.6general transportation purposes. If the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true
17.7and correct and that the motor vehicle qualifies to be classified as a classic car, and the
17.8owner pays a $25 tax and the plate fee authorized under section 168.12, the commissioner
17.9shall list such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
17.10 (b) The number plate so issued shall bear the inscription "Classic Car," "Minnesota,"
17.11and the registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section
17.12168.12, subdivision 2a, but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as
17.13the vehicle is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner has the power to revoke said
17.14plate for failure to comply with this subdivision.
17.15 (c) No commercial vehicles such as hearses, ambulances, or trucks are considered to be
17.16classic cars.
17.17Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:
17.18 Subd. 1c.Collector's vehicle, collector plate.(a) The owner of any self-propelled motor
17.19vehicle, including any truck, (1) that is (i) at least 20 model years old, or (ii) at least ten
17.20model years old and with a body or engine style of which not more than 500 were
17.21manufactured in or imported into the United States in any model year, (2) that was
17.22manufactured after 1935, and (3) that is owned and operated solely as a collector's vehicle,
17.23shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration as provided in paragraph (b).
17.24 (b) The owner shall execute an affidavit stating (1) the name and address of the person
17.25from whom purchased and of the new owner, (2) the make of the motor vehicle, (3) the
17.26year and number of the model, (4) the manufacturer's identification number, (5) in the case
17.27of a vehicle described in paragraph (a), clause (1)(ii), that the vehicle has a body or engine
17.28style of which not more than 500 were manufactured or imported into the United States in
17.29any model year, and (6) that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a collector's item
17.30and not for general transportation purposes.
17.31 (c) The owner shall provide a statement of the manufacturer or importer regarding the
17.32number of vehicles manufactured or imported during the model year.
17Sec. 18.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 18.1 (d) The owner shall also prove that the owner also has one or more vehicles with regular
18.2license plates.
18.3 (e) If the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner
18.4pays a $25 tax and the plate fee authorized under section 168.12, the commissioner shall
18.5list the vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
18.6 (f) The number plate issued shall bear the inscription "Collector," "Minnesota," and the
18.7registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
18.8subdivision 2a, but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle
18.9is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner has the power to revoke the plate for failure
18.10to comply with this subdivision.
18.11Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:
18.12 Subd. 1d.Collector's vehicle, street rod plate.Any modernized motor vehicle
18.13manufactured prior to the year 1949 or designed and manufactured to resemble such vehicle
18.14shall be listed for taxation and registration as follows:
18.15 An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address of the person from whom
18.16purchased and of the new owner, the make of the motor vehicle, year number of model, and
18.17the manufacturer's identification number. The affidavit shall further state that the vehicle
18.18is owned and operated solely as a street rod and not for general transportation purposes.
18.19The owner must also prove that the owner has one or more vehicles with regular license
18.20plates. If the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner
18.21pays a $25 tax and the plate fee authorized under section 168.12, the commissioner shall
18.22list such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue a single number plate.
18.23 The number plate issued shall bear the inscription "Street Rod," "Minnesota," and the
18.24registration number or other combination of characters authorized under section 168.12,
18.25subdivision 2a, but no date. The number plate is valid without renewal as long as the vehicle
18.26is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner has the power to revoke such plate for
18.27failure to comply with this subdivision.
18.28Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1h, is amended to read:
18.29 Subd. 1h.Collector military vehicle.(a) A motor vehicle, including a truck, shall be
18.30listed and registered under this section if it meets the following conditions:
18.31 (1) it is at least 20 years old;
18Sec. 20.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 19.1 (2) its first owner following its manufacture was a branch of the armed forces of the
19.2United States and it presently conforms to the vehicle specifications required during the
19.3time of military ownership, or it has been restored and presently conforms to the
19.4specifications required by a branch of the armed forces for the model year that the restored
19.5vehicle could have been owned by that branch of the armed forces; and
19.6 (3) it is owned by a nonprofit organization and operated solely as a collector's vehicle.
19.7For purposes of this subdivision, "nonprofit organization" means a corporation, society,
19.8association, foundation, or institution organized and operated exclusively for historical or
19.9educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of a private
19.10individual.
19.11 (b) The owner of the vehicle shall execute an affidavit stating the name and address of
19.12the person from whom purchased and of the new owner; the make, year, and model number
19.13of the motor vehicle; the manufacturer's identification number; and the collector military
19.14vehicle identification number, if any, located on the exterior of the vehicle. The affidavit
19.15must affirm that the vehicle is owned by a nonprofit organization and is operated solely as
19.16a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes. If the commissioner is satisfied
19.17that the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax and the plate fee authorized
19.18under section 168.12, the commissioner shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration
19.19and shall issue number plates. The number plates shall bear the inscriptions "Collector" and
19.20"Minnesota" and the registration number, but no date. The number plates are valid without
19.21renewal as long as the vehicle is in existence in Minnesota. The commissioner may revoke
19.22the plates for failure to comply with this subdivision.
19.23 (c) Notwithstanding section 168.09, 168.12, or other law to the contrary, the owner of
19.24a registered collector military vehicle is not required to display registration plates on the
19.25exterior of the vehicle if the vehicle has an exterior number identification that conforms to
19.26the identifying system for military vehicles in effect when the vehicle was last owned by
19.27the branch of the armed forces of the United States or in effect in the year to which the
19.28collector military vehicle has been restored. However, the state registration plates must be
19.29carried in or on the collector military vehicle at all times.
19.30 (d) The owner of a registered collector military vehicle that is not required to display
19.31registration plates under paragraph (c) may tow a registered trailer behind it. The trailer is
19.32not required to display registration plates if the trailer:
19.33 (1) does not exceed a gross weight of 15,000 pounds;
19.34 (2) otherwise conforms to registration, licensing, and safety laws and specifications;
19Sec. 20.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 20.1 (3) conforms to military specifications for appearance and identification;
20.2 (4) is intended to represent and does represent a military trailer; and
20.3 (5) carries registration plates on or in the trailer or the collector military vehicle towing
20.4the trailer.
20.5 (e) This subdivision does not apply to a decommissioned military vehicle that (1) was
20.6also manufactured and sold as a comparable civilian vehicle, and (2) has the same size
20.7dimensions and vehicle weight as the comparable civilian vehicle. A decommissioned
20.8military vehicle under this paragraph is eligible for a motor vehicle title under chapter 168A
20.9and is subject to the same registration, insurance, equipment, and operating requirements
20.10as a motor vehicle.
20.11Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 1i, is amended to read:
20.12 Subd. 1i.Collector plate transfer.Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, on
20.13payment of a transfer fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another
20.14vehicle owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the special plates were issued or
20.15the plate may be assigned to another owner. In addition to the transfer fee a new owner must
20.16pay the $25 tax and any fee required by section 168.12, subdivision 2a. The $5 fee must be
20.17paid into the state treasury and credited to the driver and vehicle services operating account
20.18under section 299A.705, subdivision 1. License plates issued under this section may not be
20.19transferred to a vehicle not eligible for the collector's vehicle license plates.
20.20Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
20.21 Subd. 2.New body; application.Upon the installation of a new body or the addition
20.22to or change of type of any body in or upon any registered motor vehicle, the owner shall
20.23file with the registrar a new application setting forth such change, together with the payment
20.24of any additional tax to which the motor vehicle by such change has become subject, and
20.25shall apply for a revision of the registration made.
20.26Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.101, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
20.27 Subd. 2a.Failure to send to registrar within ten days.Any person who fails to mail
20.28in the application for registration or transfer with appropriate taxes and fees to the registrar
20.29of motor vehicles or otherwise fails to submit said forms and remittance to the registrar
20.30within ten days following date of sale shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
20Sec. 23.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 21.1 Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.105, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
21.2 Subd. 2.Affidavit for registration and taxation.(a) A classic motorcycle must be
21.3taxed and registered by the vehicle owner submitting an affidavit to the commissioner stating
21.4(1) the name and address of the owner, (2) the name and address of the person from whom
21.5purchased, (3) the make of the classic motorcycle, (4) the year and number of the model,
21.6(5) the manufacturer's vehicle identification number, (6) that the motorcycle is owned and
21.7operated solely as a collector's item and will not be used for general transportation purposes,
21.8and (7) that the owner has one or more motor vehicles with regular plates.
21.9 (b) When the commissioner is satisfied that the affidavit is true, correct, and complete
21.10and the owner has paid a $10 registration tax, the commissioner shall register the vehicle
21.11and issue special plates.
21.12Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
21.13 Subdivision 1.Issuance; contents; retention requirement; other use.The registrar
21.14shall file such application and, upon approval thereof and upon payment of the motor vehicle
21.15tax, as herein provided, together with all arrears and penalties, if any, and upon the delivery
21.16to the registrar of the duly endorsed certificate of title of the former owner, as provided in
21.17chapter 168A, shall assign to it a distinctive number and issue to the registered owner a
21.18registration certificate, which shall contain the full name and date of birth, place of residence,
21.19with street and number, if in a city, and post office address of the registered owner, a specific
21.20description of the vehicle, and the number assigned, together with a place on the face of the
21.21certificate in which the registered owner shall, immediately upon receipt thereof, place the
21.22registered owner's signature. The registration certificate shall be retained by the registered
21.23owner until expiration. When in administering this chapter convenience or necessity requires,
21.24the registration certificate shall be used in lieu of the certificate of title on vehicles exempt
21.25from chapter 168A.
21.26Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.11, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
21.27 Subd. 3.Renewal.If the registrar fails to mail to the registered owner of a motor vehicle
21.28a notification of renewal for the motor vehicle at least 30 days before the expiration of the
21.29vehicle's registration, and all past due taxes and fees have been paid, the registrar must
21.30provide at no charge a written statement to that effect to the registered owner at the owner's
21.31request. The registrar must retain in the registrar's files a record sufficient to demonstrate
21.32whether any owner of a registered motor vehicle has been notified by mail of the renewal
21.33of the registration.
21Sec. 26.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 22.1 Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
22.2 Subdivision 1.Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance.(a) The commissioner,
22.3upon approval and payment, must issue to the applicant the plates required by this chapter,
22.4bearing the state name and an assigned vehicle registration number. The number assigned
22.5by the commissioner may be a combination of a letter or sign with figures. The color of the
22.6plates and the color of the abbreviation of the state name and the number assigned must be
22.7in marked contrast. The plates must be lettered, spaced, or distinguished to suitably indicate
22.8the registration of the vehicle according to the rules of the commissioner.
22.9 (b) When a vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the plates issued must
22.10clearly indicate by letters or other suitable insignia the maximum gross weight for which
22.11the tax has been paid.
22.12 (c) (b) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle must bear the inscription
22.13"noncommercial" unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued under
22.14this chapter.
22.15 (d) (c) A one-ton pickup truck that is used for commercial purposes and is subject to
22.16section 168.185, is eligible to display special plates as authorized and issued under this
22.17chapter.
22.18 (e) (d) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the
22.19conventional painted number plates. When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, the
22.20plates, when viewed from a vehicle equipped with standard headlights, must be visible for
22.21a distance of not less than 1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 feet.
22.22 (f) (e) The commissioner must issue plates for the following periods:
22.23 (1) New plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, subdivision 1, must be issued to a
22.24vehicle for as long as the vehicle is owned by the exempt agency and the plate is not
22.25transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle
22.26from one tax-exempt exempt agency to another.
22.27 (2) Plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period. All
22.28plates issued under this paragraph must be replaced if they are seven years old or older at
22.29the time of registration renewal or will become so during the registration period.
22.30 (3) Plates issued under sections 168.053 and 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, must be
22.31for a seven-year period.
22.32 (4) Plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and sections 168.123, 168.1235, and
22.33168.1255 must be issued for the life of the veteran under section 169.79.
22Sec. 27.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 23.1 (5) Plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3) must be issued for the life
23.2of the vehicle.
23.3 (g) (f) In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner must issue for each
23.4registration a sticker to designate the year of registration. This sticker must show the year
23.5or years for which the sticker is issued, and is valid only for that period. The plates and
23.6stickers issued for a vehicle may not be transferred to another vehicle during the period for
23.7which the sticker is issued, except when issued for a vehicle registered under section 168.187.
23.8 (h) (g) Despite any other provision of this subdivision, plates issued to a vehicle used
23.9for behind-the-wheel instruction in a driver education course in a public school may be
23.10transferred to another vehicle used for the same purpose without payment of any additional
23.11fee. The public school must notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this
23.12paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.
23.13 (i) (h) In lieu of plates required under this section, the commissioner must issue a
23.14registration number identical to the federally issued tail number assigned to a roadable
23.15aircraft.
23.16Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
23.17 Subd. 2.Amateur radio licensee; special plates, rules.(a) The commissioner shall
23.18issue amateur radio plates to an applicant who:
23.19 (1) is an owner of a passenger automobile or recreational vehicle;
23.20 (2) is a resident of this state;
23.21 (3) holds an official amateur radio station license or a citizens radio service class D
23.22license, in good standing, issued by the Federal Communications Commission;
23.23 (4) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
23.24 (5) (4) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under subdivision 5, for each
23.25set of special plates and any other fees required by this chapter; and
23.26 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
23.27and licensing of drivers.
23.28 (b) In lieu of the registration number required for identification under subdivision 1, the
23.29plates must indicate the official amateur call letters of the applicant, as assigned by the
23.30Federal Communications Commission, and the words "AMATEUR RADIO."
23Sec. 28.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 24.1 (c) This provision for the issue of special plates applies only if the applicant's motor
24.2vehicle is already registered in Minnesota so that the applicant has valid regular Minnesota
24.3plates issued for that motor vehicle under which to operate it during the time that it will
24.4take to have the necessary special plates made.
24.5 (d) If owning more than one motor vehicle of the type specified in this subdivision, the
24.6applicant may apply for special plates for each motor vehicle and, if each application
24.7complies with this subdivision, the commissioner shall furnish the applicant with the special
24.8plates, indicating the official amateur call letters and other distinguishing information as
24.9the commissioner considers necessary, for each of the motor vehicles.
24.10 (e) The commissioner may make reasonable rules governing the use of the special plates
24.11as will assure the full compliance by the owner of the special plates, with all existing laws
24.12governing the registration of motor vehicles and the transfer and use of the plates.
24.13 (f) Despite any contrary provision of subdivision 1, the special plates issued under this
24.14subdivision may be transferred by an owner to another motor vehicle listed in paragraph
24.15(a) and registered to the same owner, upon the payment of a fee of $5. The commissioner
24.16must be notified before the transfer and may prescribe a format for the notification.
24.17Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
24.18 Subd. 2a.Personalized plates; rules.(a) The commissioner may issue personalized
24.19plates or, if requested for special plates issued under section 168.123 for veterans, 168.124
24.20for medal of honor recipients, or 168.125 for former prisoners of war, applicable personalized
24.21special veterans plates, to an applicant who:
24.22 (1) is an owner of a passenger automobile including a passenger automobile registered
24.23as a classic car, pioneer car, collector car, or street rod; any truck with a manufacturer's
24.24nominal rated capacity of one ton or less and resembling a pickup truck; a motorcycle,
24.25including a classic motorcycle; a motorized bicycle; a commuter van as defined in section
24.26168.126; or a recreational vehicle;
24.27 (2) pays a onetime fee of $100 and any other fees required by this chapter; and
24.28 (3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and
24.29 (4) (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
24.30licensing of drivers.
24.31 (b) The commissioner shall charge a replacement fee for personalized license plates and
24.32personalized special veterans plates issued under section 168.123 as specified in subdivision
24Sec. 29.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 25.15. This fee must be paid by the applicant whenever the personalized plates are required to
25.2be replaced by law, except that as provided in section 168.124, subdivision 3, and 168.125,
25.3subdivision 1b, no fee may be charged to replace plates issued under those sections.
25.4 (c) In lieu of the registration number assigned as provided in subdivision 1, personalized
25.5plates and personalized special veterans plates must have imprinted on them a series of not
25.6more than seven numbers and letters, or five numbers and letters for personalized special
25.7veterans plates, in any combination and, as applicable, satisfy the design requirements of
25.8section 168.123, 168.124, or 168.125. When an applicant has once obtained personalized
25.9plates or personalized special veterans plates, the applicant shall have a prior claim for
25.10similar personalized plates or personalized special veterans plates in the next succeeding
25.11year as long as current motor vehicle registration is maintained.
25.12 (d) The commissioner shall adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, regulating
25.13the issuance and transfer of personalized plates and personalized special veterans plates.
25.14No words or combination of letters placed on these plates may be used for commercial
25.15advertising, be of an obscene, indecent, or immoral nature, or be of a nature that would
25.16offend public morals or decency. The call signals or letters of a radio or television station
25.17are not commercial advertising for the purposes of this subdivision.
25.18 (e) Despite the provisions of subdivision 1, personalized plates and personalized special
25.19veterans plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle
25.20listed in paragraph (a) and owned by the applicant, upon the payment of a fee of $5.
25.21 (f) The commissioner may by rule specify the format for notification.
25.22 (g) A personalized plate or personalized special veterans plate issued for a classic car,
25.23pioneer car, collector car, street rod, or classic motorcycle may not be transferred to a vehicle
25.24not eligible for such a plate.
25.25 (h) Despite any law to the contrary, if the personalized license plates are lost, stolen, or
25.26destroyed, the applicant may apply and must be issued duplicate license plates bearing the
25.27same combination of letters and numbers and the same design as (1) the former personalized
25.28plates or personalized special veterans plates under section 168.123 upon the payment of
25.29the fee required by section 168.29, or (2) the former personalized special veterans plates
25.30issued under section 168.124 or 168.125, without charge.
25.31 (i) A personalized vertical motorcycle plate may be issued upon payment of an additional
25.32payment of $100. The vertical plate must have not more than four identification characters,
25.33cannot be a duplication of any current or reserved license plate, and must meet the
25.34requirements in paragraph (d).
25Sec. 29.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 26.1 Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:
26.2 Subd. 2b.Firefighters; special plates, rules.(a) The commissioner shall issue special
26.3plates, or a single license plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, to any applicant who:
26.4 (1) is a member of a fire department receiving state aid under chapter 69, has a letter
26.5from the fire chief, and is an owner of a passenger automobile, a one-ton pickup truck, or
26.6a motorcycle;
26.7 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under subdivision 5, and any
26.8other fees required by this chapter; and
26.9 (3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and
26.10 (4) (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
26.11and licensing of drivers.
26.12 (b) In lieu of the identification required under subdivision 1, the special plates must bear
26.13an emblem of a Maltese Cross together with any numbers or characters prescribed by the
26.14commissioner.
26.15 (c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that
26.16the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of a fire department as specified in this
26.17subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer a
26.18member of a fire department or when the motor vehicle ownership is transferred, the owner
26.19shall remove the special plates from the motor vehicle. If the commissioner receives written
26.20notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner
26.21shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain
26.22the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision.
26.23Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates or special motorcycle plate, the owner
26.24or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates, a regular motorcycle plate, or
26.25special plates for the proper registration classification for the motor vehicle.
26.26 (d) A special motorcycle license plate issued under this subdivision must be the same
26.27size as a standard motorcycle license plate.
26.28 (e) Upon payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under this subdivision for a passenger
26.29automobile or truck may be transferred to another passenger automobile or truck owned or
26.30jointly owned by the person to whom the plates were issued. On payment of a fee of $5, a
26.31plate issued under this subdivision for a motorcycle may be transferred to another motorcycle
26.32owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the plate was issued.
26Sec. 30.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 27.1 (f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, sections
27.214.001 to 14.69, to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized in this
27.3subdivision.
27.4 Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:
27.5 Subd. 2c.National Guard; special plates, rules.(a) The commissioner shall issue
27.6special plates to any applicant who:
27.7 (1) is a regularly enlisted, commissioned, or retired member of the Minnesota National
27.8Guard, other than an inactive member who is not a retired member, and is an owner of a
27.9passenger automobile;
27.10 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under subdivision 5, and any
27.11other fees required by this chapter; and
27.12 (3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and
27.13 (4) (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
27.14and licensing of drivers.
27.15 (b) The adjutant general shall design the emblem for these special plates subject to the
27.16approval of the commissioner.
27.17 (c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that
27.18the owner of the motor vehicle is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National
27.19Guard as specified in this subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were
27.20issued is no longer an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, the special
27.21plates must be removed from the vehicle by the owner. If the commissioner receives written
27.22notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner
27.23shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain
27.24the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision.
27.25Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates, either the owner or purchaser of the
27.26motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle.
27.27 (d) While the person is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard,
27.28plates issued pursuant to this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned
27.29by that individual upon payment of a fee of $5.
27.30 (e) For purposes of this subdivision, "retired member" means an individual placed on
27.31the roll of retired officers or roll of retired enlisted members in the Office of the Adjutant
27.32General under section 192.18 and who is not deceased.
27Sec. 31.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 28.1 (f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern
28.2the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.
28.3 Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2d, is amended to read:
28.4 Subd. 2d.Ready Reserve; special plates, rules.(a) The commissioner shall issue special
28.5plates to an applicant who:
28.6 (1) is not eligible for special National Guard plates under subdivision 2c, is a member
28.7of the United States armed forces ready reserve as described in United States Code, title
28.810, section 10142 or 10143, or a retired reserve as described in United States Code, title
28.910, section 10154, and is an owner of a passenger automobile;
28.10 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under subdivision 5, and any
28.11other fees required by this chapter; and
28.12 (3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and
28.13 (4) (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
28.14and licensing of drivers.
28.15 (b) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the emblem for these special plates
28.16subject to the approval of the commissioner.
28.17 (c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that
28.18the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of the ready reserve. When the owner is no
28.19longer a member, the special plates must be removed from the motor vehicle by the owner.
28.20If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified
28.21for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual
28.22of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with
28.23the qualifications of this subdivision. On removal or invalidation of the special plates, either
28.24the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle.
28.25While the owner is a member of the ready reserve, plates issued under this subdivision may
28.26be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that individual on paying a fee of $5.
28.27 (d) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern
28.28the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.
28.29Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2e, is amended to read:
28.30 Subd. 2e.Volunteer ambulance attendants; special plates.(a) The commissioner shall
28.31issue special license plates to an applicant who:
28Sec. 33.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 29.1 (1) is a volunteer ambulance attendant as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 15,
29.2and owns a motor vehicle taxed registered as a passenger automobile;
29.3 (2) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle;
29.4 (3) (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under subdivision 5, and any
29.5other fees required by this chapter; and
29.6 (4) (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
29.7and licensing of drivers.
29.8 (b) An individual may use special plates issued under this subdivision only during the
29.9period that the individual is a volunteer ambulance attendant. When the individual to whom
29.10the special plates were issued ceases to be a volunteer ambulance attendant, the individual
29.11shall remove each set of special plates issued. If the commissioner receives written
29.12notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner
29.13shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain
29.14the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision.
29.15When ownership of the motor vehicle is transferred, the individual shall remove the special
29.16plates from that motor vehicle. On removal or invalidation of the special plates, the owner
29.17or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle. Special
29.18plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by
29.19the volunteer ambulance attendant on payment of a fee of $5.
29.20 (c) The commissioner may adopt rules governing the design, issuance, and sale of the
29.21special plates authorized by this subdivision.
29.22Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2f, is amended to read:
29.23 Subd. 2f.Original license plates.(a) On application of the owner and in lieu of issuing
29.24plates under subdivision 1 to a motor vehicle registered and taxed as a passenger automobile,
29.25the commissioner may assign to the motor vehicle original Minnesota registration plates
29.26issued in the same year as the model year of the motor vehicle, if (1) the original plates are
29.27at least 20 years old, (2) the owner of the motor vehicle has the original plates in possession
29.28at the time of the application, and (3) the owner provides the plate number to the
29.29commissioner.
29.30 (b) Plates displayed under this subdivision, including stickers applied to the plates, must
29.31be clearly legible and must be displayed on the motor vehicle.
29.32 (c) The commissioner shall not assign the registration number on the original plates to
29.33the motor vehicle if the commissioner determines that the number on the original plate is
29Sec. 34.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 30.1identical to the number on any plate in the current or reserved numbering system used by
30.2the commissioner.
30.3 (d) Despite subdivision 1, an original plate whose number has been assigned under this
30.4subdivision may be displayed for as long as the plates, including tabs and stickers on the
30.5plates, are clearly legible and the number is not subsequently used by the commissioner as
30.6a plate number in a registration numbering system.
30.7 (e) Despite subdivision 1, original plates assigned under this subdivision need not bear
30.8a tab or sticker to indicate the month or year of registration if the motor vehicle carries the
30.9registration certificate issued under section 168.11 at all times when the motor vehicle is
30.10operated on the public highways.
30.11 (f) The commissioner may charge a fee for receiving an application and assigning original
30.12plate numbers.
30.13Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
30.14 Subd. 5.Additional fee.(a) In addition to any fee otherwise authorized or any tax
30.15otherwise imposed upon any vehicle, the payment of which is required as a condition to the
30.16issuance of any plate or plates, the commissioner shall impose the fee specified in paragraph
30.17(b) that is calculated to cover the cost of manufacturing and issuing the plate or plates,
30.18except for plates issued to disabled veterans as defined in section 168.031 and plates issued
30.19pursuant to section 168.124, 168.125, or 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, for passenger
30.20automobiles. The commissioner shall issue graphic design plates only for vehicles registered
30.21pursuant to section 168.017 and registered recreational vehicles registered pursuant to section
30.22168.013, subdivision 1g.
30.23 (b) Unless otherwise specified or exempted by statute, the following plate and validation
30.24sticker fees apply for the original, duplicate, or replacement issuance of a plate in a plate
30.25year:
DoubleSingle30.26License Plate
15.50$13.50$30.27 Regular and Disability
15.50$13.50$30.28 Special
15.50$13.50$30.29 Personalized (Replacement)
15.50$13.50$30.30 Collector Category
6.00$3.00$30.31 Emergency Vehicle Display
2.50$30.32 Utility Trailer Self-Adhesive
NA100.00$30.33 Vertical Motorcycle Plate
5.25$30.34 Replacement Dealer Plates
30Sec. 35.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 5.25$31.1 Replacement Tax Exempt Plates
31.2Stickers
1.50$1.50$31.3 Duplicate year
2.50$31.4 International Fuel Tax Agreement
31.5 (c) For vehicles that require two of the categories in paragraph (b), the registrar shall
31.6only charge the higher of the two fees and not a combined total.
31.7 Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.123, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
31.8 Subdivision 1.General requirements; fees.(a) On payment of a fee in the amount
31.9specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision 5, for each set of two plates,
31.10or for a single plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, payment of the registration tax required
31.11by law, and compliance with other applicable laws relating to vehicle registration and
31.12licensing, as applicable, the commissioner shall issue:
31.13 (1) special veteran's plates to an applicant who served in the active military service in a
31.14branch of the armed forces of the United States or of a nation or society allied with the
31.15United States in conducting a foreign war, was discharged under honorable conditions, and
31.16is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, recreational motor vehicle, or one-ton
31.17pickup truck, but which is not a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 169.011,
31.18subdivision 16; or
31.19 (2) a veteran's special motorcycle plate as described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (e),
31.20(f), (h), (i), (j), or (m), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant
31.21who is a registered owner of a motorcycle and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph and
31.22in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), or (m). Plates issued under this clause
31.23must be the same size as regular motorcycle plates. Special motorcycle license plates issued
31.24under this clause are not subject to section 168.1293.
31.25 (b) The additional fee is payable for each set of veteran's plates, is payable only when
31.26the plates are issued, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued instead of
31.27plates.
31.28 (c) The veteran must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers, indicating
31.29character of discharge, at the time of application. If an applicant served in the active military
31.30service in a branch of the armed forces of a nation or society allied with the United States
31.31in conducting a foreign war and is unable to obtain a record of that service and discharge
31.32status, the commissioner of veterans affairs may certify the applicant as qualified for the
31.33veterans' plates provided under this section.
31Sec. 36.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 32.1 Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1235, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
32.2 Subdivision 1.General requirements; fees.(a) The commissioner must issue a special
32.3plate emblem for each plate to an applicant who:
32.4 (1) is a member of a congressionally chartered veterans service organization and is a
32.5registered owner of a passenger automobile, pickup truck, van, or self-propelled recreational
32.6vehicle, or is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization that is the registered
32.7owner of a passenger automobile, pickup truck, van, or self-propelled recreational vehicle;
32.8 (2) pays the registration tax required by law;
32.9 (3) (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12,
32.10subdivision 5, for each set of two plates, and any other fees required by this chapter; and
32.11 (4) (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
32.12and licensing of drivers.
32.13 (b) The additional fee is payable at the time of initial application for the special plate
32.14emblem and when the plates must be replaced or renewed.
32.15 (c) The applicant must present a valid card indicating membership in the American
32.16Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Disabled American Veterans.
32.17Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1255, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
32.18 Subdivision 1.General requirements and procedures.The commissioner shall issue
32.19special veteran contribution plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
32.20 (1) is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447;
32.21 (2) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile as defined in section 168.002,
32.22subdivision 24, recreational vehicle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27, one-ton
32.23pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b, or motorcycle as defined in
32.24section 168.002, subdivision 19;
32.25 (3) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
32.265;
32.27 (4) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
32.28 (5) (4) pays the fees required under this chapter;
32.29 (6) (5) pays an additional onetime World War II memorial contribution of $30, which
32.30the department shall retain until all start-up costs associated with the development and
32Sec. 38.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 33.1issuing of the plates have been recovered, after which the commissioner shall deposit
33.2contributions in the World War II donation match account; and
33.3 (7) (6) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles
33.4and licensing of drivers.
33.5 Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1256, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
33.6 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner shall issue retired law enforcement
33.7special plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
33.8 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
33.9truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
33.10 (2) is a retired peace officer as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c)
33.11or (d);
33.12 (3) provides a letter from the chief law enforcement officer affirming that the applicant
33.13is a retired peace officer who served ten or more years and separated in good standing;
33.14 (4) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
33.155, for each set of plates, along with any other fees required by this chapter; and
33.16 (5) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013; and
33.17 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
33.18licensing of drivers.
33.19Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1258, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
33.20 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue "Lions Clubs
33.21International" special plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
33.22 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
33.23truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
33.24 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified under section 168.12, subdivision 5, along with
33.25any other fees required by this chapter;
33.26 (3) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013;
33.27 (4) (3) contributes a minimum of $25 upon initial application and $5 annually to the
33.28Lions Clubs International account; and
33.29 (5) (4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
33.30licensing of drivers.
33Sec. 40.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 34.1 Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1259, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
34.2 Subd. 2.General requirements and procedures.(a) The commissioner must issue
34.3Minnesota professional sports team philanthropy plates to an applicant who:
34.4 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
34.5truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
34.6 (2) pays an additional fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12,
34.7subdivision 5;
34.8 (3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
34.9 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
34.10 (5) (4) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the professional sports team
34.11philanthropy account; and
34.12 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
34.13licensing of drivers.
34.14 (b) Minnesota professional sports team philanthropy plates may be personalized according
34.15to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.
34.16Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.127, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
34.17 Subd. 2.Annual registration period.The annual registration period for vehicles in the
34.18fleet is determined by the commissioner. The applicant must provide all information
34.19necessary to qualify as a fleet registrant, including a list of all vehicles in the fleet. On initial
34.20registration, all taxes and fees for vehicles in the fleet must be reassessed based on the
34.21expiration date.
34.22Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.127, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
34.23 Subd. 5.Renewal of fleet registration.On the renewal of a fleet registration, the
34.24registrant must pay full licensing fees for every vehicle registered in the preceding year
34.25unless the vehicle has been properly deleted from the fleet. In order to delete a vehicle from
34.26a fleet, the fleet registrant must surrender to the commissioner the registration card and
34.27license plates. The commissioner may authorize alternative methods of deleting vehicles
34.28from a fleet, including destruction of the license plates and registration cards. If the card or
34.29license plates are lost or stolen, the fleet registrant must submit a sworn statement stating
34.30the circumstances for the inability to surrender the card, stickers, and license plates. A fleet
34.31registrant who fails to renew the licenses issued under this section or fails to report the
34Sec. 43.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 35.1removal of vehicles from the fleet within 30 days of the vehicles' removal must pay a penalty
35.2of 20 percent of the total tax fees due on the fleet. The penalty must be paid within 30 days
35.3after it is assessed.
35.4 Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.128, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
35.5 Subd. 2.Plates.(a) A person who operates a limousine for other than personal use shall
35.6register the motor vehicle as provided in this section. A person who operates a limousine
35.7for personal use may apply for limousine plates.
35.8 (b) The commissioner shall issue limousine plates to the registered owner of a limousine
35.9who:
35.10 (1) certifies that an insurance policy or policies under section 65B.135, in the minimum
35.11aggregate amount required under that section, is in effect for the entire period of the
35.12registration;
35.13 (2) provides the commissioner with proof that the passenger automobile registration tax
35.14and a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision 5,
35.15have has been paid for each limousine receiving limousine plates; and
35.16 (3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and
35.17licensing of drivers.
35.18 (c) The limousine plates must be designed to specifically identify the vehicle as a
35.19limousine and must be clearly marked with the letters "LM." Limousine plates may not be
35.20transferred upon sale of the limousine, but may be transferred to another limousine owned
35.21by the same person upon notifying the commissioner and paying a $5 transfer fee.
35.22Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1282, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
35.23 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue "Start Seeing
35.24Motorcycles" special license plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
35.25 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
35.26truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
35.27 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
35.285, for each set of plates;
35.29 (3) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013, along with any other fees
35.30required by this chapter;
35Sec. 45.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 36.1 (4) (3) contributes a minimum of $10 annually to the motorcycle safety account, created
36.2under section 171.06, subdivision 2a; and
36.3 (5) (4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
36.4licensing of drivers.
36.5 Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1284, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
36.6 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue Minnesota 100 Club
36.7special plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
36.8 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
36.9truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
36.10 (2) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013;
36.11 (3) (2) pays a fee in the amount specified under section 168.12, subdivision 5, for each
36.12set of plates, along with any other fees required by this chapter;
36.13 (4) (3) contributes a minimum of $40 annually to the Minnesota 100 Club account; and
36.14 (5) (4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
36.15licensing of drivers.
36.16Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1284, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
36.17 Subd. 5.Contributions; account; appropriation.Contributions collected under
36.18subdivision 1, clause (4) (3), must be deposited in the Minnesota 100 Club account, which
36.19is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is annually appropriated
36.20to the commissioner. This appropriation is first for the annual cost of administering the
36.21account funds, and the remaining funds are for distribution to the Minnesota 100 Club to
36.22further the organization's mission and purpose of providing charitable gifts and contributions.
36.23Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1285, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
36.24 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue Minnesota agriculture
36.25special plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
36.26 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
36.27truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
36.28 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified under section 168.12, subdivision 5, for each set
36.29of plates, along with any other fees required by this chapter;
36.30 (3) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013;
36Sec. 48.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 37.1 (4) (3) contributes a minimum of $20 annually to the Minnesota agriculture account;
37.2and
37.3 (5) (4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
37.4licensing of drivers.
37.5 Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1285, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
37.6 Subd. 5.Contributions; account; appropriation.Contributions collected under
37.7subdivision 1, clause (4) (3), must be deposited in the Minnesota agriculture account, which
37.8is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the
37.9commissioner of public safety. This appropriation is first for the annual cost of administering
37.10the account funds, and the remaining funds are for distribution to (1) the Minnesota FFA
37.11Foundation to support the mission of the foundation, and (2) the University of Minnesota
37.12Extension Service to support Minnesota 4-H programming and activities. The commissioner
37.13must annually consult with the Minnesota FFA Foundation and the University of Minnesota
37.14Extension Service for recommendations regarding how to allocate funds.
37.15Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1286, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
37.16 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue honorary consul special
37.17plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
37.18 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
37.19truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
37.20 (2) is recognized as an honorary consular official appointed by the respective government
37.21to serve in Minnesota, and who provides a letter from the Minnesota Consular Corps;
37.22 (3) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
37.235, for each set of plates, along with any other fees required by this chapter; and
37.24 (4) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013; and
37.25 (5) (4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
37.26licensing of drivers.
37.27Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1287, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
37.28 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue blackout special license
37.29plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
37Sec. 51.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 38.1 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
38.2truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
38.3 (2) pays an additional fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12,
38.4subdivision 5;
38.5 (3) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013;
38.6 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
38.7 (5) (4) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the driver and vehicle services operating
38.8account; and
38.9 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
38.10licensing of drivers.
38.11Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1288, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
38.12 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner must issue Minnesota missing
38.13and murdered Indigenous relatives special license plates or a single motorcycle plate to an
38.14applicant who:
38.15 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
38.16truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;
38.17 (2) pays an additional fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12,
38.18subdivision 5;
38.19 (3) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013;
38.20 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
38.21 (5) (4) contributes a minimum of $25 annually to the Minnesota missing and murdered
38.22Indigenous relatives account; and
38.23 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
38.24licensing of drivers.
38.25Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.129, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
38.26 Subdivision 1.General requirements and procedures.The commissioner shall issue
38.27special collegiate plates to an applicant who:
38.28 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile;
38Sec. 53.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 39.1 (2) pays a fee as specified in section 168.12, subdivision 5, to cover the costs of handling
39.2and manufacturing the plates;
39.3 (3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
39.4 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
39.5 (5) (4) contributes at least $25 annually to the scholarship account established in
39.6subdivision 6; and
39.7 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
39.8licensing of drivers.
39.9 Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1294, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
39.10 Subdivision 1.Issuance of plates.The commissioner shall issue special law enforcement
39.11memorial license plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:
39.12 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
39.13truck, motorcycle, or recreational motor vehicle;
39.14 (2) pays an additional fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12,
39.15subdivision 5, for each set of plates;
39.16 (3) pays the registration tax as required under section 168.013, along with any other fees
39.17required by this chapter;
39.18 (4) (3) contributes $25 upon initial application and a minimum of $5 annually to the
39.19Minnesota law enforcement memorial account; and
39.20 (5) (4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
39.21licensing of drivers.
39.22Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1294, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
39.23 Subd. 6.Contributions; memorial account; appropriation.Contributions collected
39.24under subdivision 1, clause (4) (3), must be deposited in the Minnesota law enforcement
39.25memorial account, which is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account
39.26is appropriated to the commissioner of public safety. This appropriation is first for the annual
39.27cost of administering the account funds, and the remaining funds are for distribution to the
39.28Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. By August 15 of each year, the
39.29commissioner must distribute all funds remaining to the association. The association must
39.30use the funds to further the mission of the association in assisting the families and home
39.31agencies of Minnesota law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. By
39Sec. 55.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 40.1January 15 of each year, the association must submit a report to the commissioner of public
40.2safety and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with
40.3jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance. The report must include an itemized list
40.4of each expenditure the association made with the funds received under this section for the
40.5previous calendar year.
40.6 Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1295, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
40.7 Subdivision 1.General requirements and procedures.(a) The commissioner shall
40.8issue state parks and trails plates to an applicant who:
40.9 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, recreational vehicle, one-ton pickup
40.10truck, or motorcycle;
40.11 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
40.125;
40.13 (3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
40.14 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
40.15 (5) (4) contributes a minimum of $60 annually to the state parks and trails donation
40.16account established in section 85.056; and
40.17 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
40.18licensing of drivers.
40.19 (b) The state parks and trails plate application must indicate that the contribution specified
40.20under paragraph (a), clause (5) (4), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that
40.21the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.
40.22 (c) State parks and trails plates may be personalized according to section 168.12,
40.23subdivision 2a.
40.24Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1295, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
40.25 Subd. 5.Contribution and fees credited.Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph
40.26(a), clause (5) (4), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the state parks and trails
40.27donation account established in section 85.056. The other fees collected under this section
40.28must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under section
40.29299A.705.
40Sec. 57.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 41.1 Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1296, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
41.2 Subdivision 1.General requirements and procedures.(a) The commissioner shall
41.3issue critical habitat plates to an applicant who:
41.4 (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile or recreational vehicle;
41.5 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
41.65;
41.7 (3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
41.8 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
41.9 (5) (4) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota critical habitat private
41.10sector matching account established in section 84.943; and
41.11 (6) (5) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
41.12licensing of drivers.
41.13 (b) The critical habitat plate application must indicate that the annual contribution
41.14specified under paragraph (a), clause (5) (4), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate
41.15and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.
41.16 (c) Special critical habitat license plates, the designs for which are selected under
41.17subdivision 2, may be personalized according to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.
41.18Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1296, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
41.19 Subd. 5.Contribution and fees credited.Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph
41.20(a), clause (5) (4), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the Minnesota critical
41.21habitat private sector matching account established in section 84.943. The fees collected
41.22under this section must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account
41.23under section 299A.705.
41.24Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1298, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
41.25 Subdivision 1.General requirements and procedures.(a) The commissioner shall
41.26issue special "Support Our Troops" license plates to an applicant who:
41.27 (1) is an owner of a passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, recreational vehicle,
41.28or motorcycle;
41.29 (2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
41.305;
41Sec. 60.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 42.1 (3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
42.2 (4) (3) pays the fees required under this chapter;
42.3 (5) (4) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota "Support Our Troops"
42.4account established in section 190.19; and
42.5 (6) (5) complies with laws and rules governing registration and licensing of vehicles
42.6and drivers.
42.7 (b) The license application under this section must indicate that the annual contribution
42.8specified under paragraph (a), clause (5) (4), is a minimum contribution to receive the plates
42.9and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.
42.10Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.1298, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
42.11 Subd. 5.Contribution and fees credited.Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph
42.12(a), clause (5) (4), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the Minnesota "Support
42.13Our Troops" account established in section 190.19. The fees collected under this section
42.14must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under section
42.15299A.705.
42.16Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.13, is amended to read:
42.17 168.13 PROOF OF OWNERSHIP.
42.18 (a) The registrar shall not approve an application and shall not issue number plates for
42.19any motor vehicle, unless and until the title certificate issued under chapter 168A, or
42.20registration certificate if not titled, is delivered to the registrar. The registrar must be satisfied
42.21from the records that all taxes and fees due have been paid and that endorsements upon the
42.22certificate are in writing and have been signed by the seller and purchaser.
42.23 (b) The registrar shall not register and shall not issue number plates for a motor vehicle
42.24brought into Minnesota from another state until:
42.25 (1) a registration certificate or other evidence of title as may reasonably be required from
42.26the registrant within that state is surrendered to the registrar in the same manner as certificates
42.27of this state; or in lieu thereof.
42.28 (2) the registrar receives evidence of the chain of ownership as will assure the payment
42.29of the proper tax so long as the motor vehicle is in the state.
42Sec. 62.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 43.1 Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
43.2 Subdivision 1.Transfer of ownership.(a) Upon the transfer of ownership, destruction,
43.3theft, dismantling, or permanent removal by the owner from this state of any vehicle
43.4registered in accordance with this chapter, the right of the owner of the vehicle to use the
43.5registration certificate and plates assigned to the vehicle expires.
43.6 (b) When the ownership of a vehicle is transferred to another person required to register
43.7the vehicle in this state, the transferor shall assign the registration tax paid to the credit of
43.8the transferee unless the registration stickers are surrendered to the commissioner before
43.9the first day of the new registration period.
43.10 (c) (b) When seeking to become the owner by gift, trade, or purchase of any vehicle for
43.11which a registration certificate has been issued under this chapter, a person shall join with
43.12the registered owner in transmitting with the application for transfer of ownership, the
43.13registration certificate, with the assignment and notice of sale duly executed.
43.14 (d) (c) In case of loss of the title or certificate of registration of a vehicle not subject to
43.15section 325E.15, the person shall make application to the commissioner with proof of loss
43.16of the title as specified in section 168A.09 and assign a notice of sale of the vehicle on the
43.17application for title as specified in section 168A.04.
43.18 (e) (d) Upon the transfer of any vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, for use within the
43.19state, whether by sale, lease, or otherwise, the transferor shall, within ten days after the
43.20transfer, file with the commissioner (1) a notice containing the date of transfer, a description
43.21of the vehicle, and the transferee's name and residence address in the state or if not a natural
43.22person then the transferee's business and mailing address, and (2) the transferee's application
43.23for registration.
43.24Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.17, is amended to read:
43.25 168.17 SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION.
43.26 (a) All registrations and issue issuance of number plates shall be subject to amendment,
43.27suspension, modification or revocation by the registrar summarily for any violation of or
43.28neglect to comply with the provisions of this chapter or when the transferee fails to comply
43.29with section 168A.10, subdivision 2, within 30 days of the date of sale.
43.30 (b) The registrar may suspend the registration of a motor vehicle if the tax fees on the
43.31vehicle was were paid by means of a dishonored check to a deputy motor vehicle registrar.
43.32The registrar may continue a suspension under this paragraph until the registrar is informed
43.33by the deputy motor vehicle registrar that the dishonored check has been paid in full.
43Sec. 64.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 44.1 (c) In any case where the proper registration of a motor vehicle is dependent upon
44.2procuring information entailing such delay as to unreasonably deprive the owner of the use
44.3of the motor vehicle, the registrar may issue a tax receipt and plates conditionally.
44.4 (d) In any case when revoking a registration for cause, the registrar shall have authority
44.5to demand the return of the number plates and registration certificates, and, if necessary, to
44.6seize the number plates issued for such registration.
44.7 Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.181, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
44.8 Subdivision 1.Authority; conditions and limitations.Notwithstanding any provision
44.9of law to the contrary or inconsistent herewith, the registrar of motor vehicles with the
44.10approval of the attorney general is hereby empowered to make agreements with the duly
44.11authorized representatives of the other states, District of Columbia, territories and possessions
44.12of the United States, or arrangements with foreign countries or provinces exempting the
44.13residents of such other states, districts, territories and possessions, and foreign countries or
44.14provinces using the public streets and highways of this state from the payment of any or all
44.15motor vehicle taxes or fees imposed by this chapter, subject to the following conditions and
44.16limitations:
44.17 (1) upon condition that the exemption provided herein shall be operative as to a motor
44.18vehicle owned by a nonresident only to the extent that under the laws of the state, district,
44.19territory or possession, or foreign country or province of residence like exemptions are
44.20granted to motor vehicles registered under the laws and owned by residents of Minnesota;
44.21 (2) upon condition that any such motor vehicle so operated in this state by any such
44.22nonresident shall at all times carry and display all license number plates or like insignia
44.23required by the laws of the state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or
44.24province of residence;
44.25 (3) upon condition that the exemptions provided herein shall not apply to a passenger
44.26automobile or travel trailer owned by a resident of any state, district, territory or possession,
44.27or foreign country or province temporarily residing in this state while gainfully employed
44.28on the same job for a period of six months or more;
44.29 (4) upon condition that the exemptions provided herein shall not apply to motor vehicles
44.30owned by nonresidents including any foreign corporation and used for carrying on intrastate
44.31commerce within this state. Such nonresident or foreign corporation shall be required to
44.32register each such vehicle and pay the same tax fees and penalties if any therefor as is
44.33required with reference to like vehicles owned by residents of Minnesota;
44Sec. 65.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 45.1 (5) upon condition that the exemption provided herein shall not apply to a truck, tractor,
45.2truck-tractor, or semitrailer, except two-wheeled trailers of less than 3,000 pounds carrying
45.3capacity, if (i) the class of its registration does not permit to it a statewide operation in the
45.4state of its registration, or if (ii) the registration fee or tax for which it is registered is
45.5computed on a mileage basis, or if (iii) its gross weight exceeds the gross weight for which
45.6it is registered in the state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or province
45.7of its registration;
45.8 (6) upon condition that nonresident owners of commercial vehicles, including trucks,
45.9truck-tractors, trailers, semitrailers, and buses domiciled in a foreign state, district, territory
45.10or possession, or foreign country or province, and bringing such vehicles into the state of
45.11Minnesota for the purpose of doing interstate business shall be required to comply with all
45.12the laws and regulations as to payment of taxes fees applicable to like vehicles owned by
45.13Minnesota residents unless the state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or
45.14province grants full reciprocity privileges comparable to that extended by this section and
45.15sections 168.183 168.185 to 168.221. In the event a state, district, territory or possession,
45.16or foreign country or province is not fully reciprocal as to taxes or fees on commercial
45.17vehicles or buses operated in interstate commerce, then in that event such owners of foreign
45.18commercial vehicles or buses shall be required to pay a tax fee in an amount similar to the
45.19tax or fee of whatever character assessed by such other state, district, territory or possession,
45.20or foreign country or province against vehicles registered in Minnesota and operated in
45.21interstate commerce in that state, district, territory or possession, or foreign country or
45.22province. It is further provided that such owners of foreign commercial vehicles and buses
45.23subject to registration under the provisions of this clause shall make application for a permit
45.24in which shall be set forth the conditions for operation of such vehicles in this state.
45.25Sec. 66. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.181, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
45.26 Subd. 2.Exemption from tax or fee.Agreements made pursuant to this section may
45.27also include exemption from taxes or fees on a vehicle owned by a person, firm, or
45.28corporation licensed as a motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle manufacturer in another
45.29state or country when such vehicle is operated displaying the dealer plates or manufacturer
45.30plates issued to such dealer or manufacturer by the jurisdiction of residence; provided,
45.31however, that such operation is not for the purpose of soliciting the sale of vehicles within
45.32this state other than at an auction conducted by a motor vehicle auctioneer licensed under
45.33section 168.27. Greater privileges shall not be granted to such dealer or manufacturer than
45.34permitted by the laws of the jurisdiction of residence. Nothing contained herein shall be
45.35construed to apply to or vary the terms and conditions of sections 168.053 to 168.057.
45Sec. 66.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 46.1 Sec. 67. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.187, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
46.2 Subd. 7.Authority for registration agreements, arrangements or declarations.(a)
46.3The commissioner of public safety may enter into any agreement or arrangement with the
46.4duly authorized representatives of other states or make any independent declaration, granting
46.5to vehicles or to owners of vehicles which are properly registered or licensed in another
46.6state, benefits, privileges, and exemptions from the payment, wholly, or partially, of any
46.7registration taxes, fees, or other charges imposed upon such vehicles or owners with respect
46.8to the operation or ownership of such vehicles under the laws of this state, upon such
46.9conditions as are specified therein, provided the terms or conditions of such agreement,
46.10arrangement, or declaration are not inconsistent with any law of this state.
46.11 (b) Any such agreement or arrangement shall be made in writing and shall provide that
46.12vehicles properly registered or licensed in this state, when operated upon highways of the
46.13other state, shall receive exemptions, benefits, and privileges of a similar kind or to a similar
46.14degree as are extended to vehicles properly registered or licensed in such state when operated
46.15in this state. Any such declaration shall contemplate and provide for mutual benefits,
46.16reciprocal privileges or equitable treatment of the owners of vehicles registered in this and
46.17the other state. Each such agreement, arrangement, or declaration shall, in the judgment of
46.18the commissioner of public safety, be in the best interest of this state and the citizens thereof
46.19and shall be fair and equitable with respect to the benefits which the agreement brings to
46.20the economy of this state.
46.21Sec. 68. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.187, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
46.22 Subd. 27.Prohibited operation.(a) The commissioner of public safety shall refuse to
46.23issue a vehicle registration, license plate, or permit to a vehicle licensed under this section
46.24if the vehicle is assigned to a commercial motor carrier who has been prohibited from
46.25operating in interstate commerce by a federal agency with authority to do so under federal
46.26law.
46.27 (b) The commissioner of public safety may revoke the registration of a vehicle licensed
46.28under this section if the vehicle is assigned to a commercial motor carrier who has been
46.29prohibited from operating in interstate commerce by a federal agency with authority to do
46.30so under federal law.
46.31 (c) If the prohibition by the federal agency is rescinded, the commissioner of public
46.32safety may reinstate a vehicle registration under this section if registration taxes and fees
46.33have been paid.
46Sec. 68.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 47.1 Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.221, is amended to read:
47.2 168.221 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES; TAXES OR FEES.
47.3 The registrar may promulgate such rules as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose
47.4of section 168.181, subdivision 1, clause (6), as to the payment of partial taxes fees collectible
47.5under sections 168.181 to 168.211 and this section and may waive any reciprocal agreement
47.6required thereunder with any state, district, territory, or possession or arrangements with
47.7foreign countries or provinces if under the laws of such state, district, territory, or possession
47.8or foreign country or province residents of Minnesota are privileged to operate motor vehicles
47.9upon the streets and highways of such state, district, territory, or possession or foreign
47.10country or province without the payment of taxes or fees of any character whatsoever.
47.11Sec. 70. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.27, subdivision 28, is amended to read:
47.12 Subd. 28.Distribution of plates and stickers.The commissioner may distribute
47.13registration plates and stickers to be held and issued by new and used motor vehicle dealers.
47.14A dealer may issue registration plates and stickers only in conjunction with the sale of a
47.15vehicle by the dealer. A dealer permitted to hold and issue registration plates and stickers
47.16must be equipped with electronic transmission technology and trained in its use. Before
47.17receiving registration plates and stickers under this subdivision, a dealer must adopt and
47.18implement security and record-keeping requirements satisfactory to the commissioner. The
47.19commissioner may revoke the authority granted under this subdivision for any violation of
47.20law or rule governing the issuance of registration plates and stickers, any violation of the
47.21dealer's security and record-keeping plan, or any other action that in the commissioner's
47.22opinion adversely affects the registration system. The dealer is financially responsible for
47.23the cost and tax value of any unaccounted inventory.
47.24Sec. 71. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.301, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
47.25 Subdivision 1.Surrender plates and credit tax paid.(a) On transferring a motor
47.26vehicle, the transferor shall surrender the registration plates and assign the registration tax
47.27paid to the credit of the transferee.
47.28 (b) As specified in section 115A.908, the commissioner must impose a $10 fee on each
47.29transfer of title within the state, other than transfers for resale purposes, of every motor
47.30vehicle weighing more than 1,000 pounds.
47Sec. 71.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 48.1 Sec. 72. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.301, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
48.2 Subd. 2.Ten days to file.The transferee's rights to the transferred vehicle's registration
48.3plates and credit for taxes paid on the vehicle expire after ten days have elapsed from the
48.4date of transfer unless: (1) the transfer has been filed as provided under section 168A.10;
48.5or (2) the transferee is a dealer licensed under section 168.27, and is complying with section
48.6168A.11.
48.7 Sec. 73. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.301, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
48.8 Subd. 3.Late fee.In addition to any fee or tax otherwise authorized or imposed upon
48.9the transfer of title for a motor vehicle, the commissioner of public safety must impose a
48.10$2 additional fee for failure to deliver a title transfer within the period specified under section
48.11168A.10, subdivision 2.
48.12Sec. 74. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.301, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
48.13 Subd. 5.Verification of compliance.A person does not violate this section or section
48.14168.09, subdivision 1, by reason of suspension, if the person provides verification from the
48.15registrar that the title transfer with fees and taxes were filed with the registrar prior to being
48.16cited for violating this section or the vehicle was purchased from a licensed Minnesota
48.17dealer. The verification of compliance must be presented to the appropriate law enforcement
48.18agency within seven days after being charged or to the court on or before the date set for
48.19appearance.
48.20Sec. 75. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
48.21 Subdivision 1.Commissioner's duties and powers, generally.The commissioner of
48.22public safety is the registrar of vehicles of the state of Minnesota, and shall exercise all the
48.23powers granted to and perform all the duties imposed by this chapter. The commissioner
48.24of public safety is authorized to obtain information about all vehicles subject to taxation
48.25registration and licensing under this chapter upon which the tax has fees have not been paid,
48.26and to present suitable complaints to courts of competent jurisdiction.
48.27Sec. 76. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.33, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
48.28 Subd. 2.Deputy registrars.(a) The commissioner may appoint, and for cause
48.29discontinue, a deputy registrar for any statutory or home rule charter city as the public
48.30interest and convenience may require, without regard to whether the county auditor of the
48.31county in which the city is situated has been appointed as the deputy registrar for the county
48Sec. 76.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 49.1or has been discontinued as the deputy registrar for the county, and without regard to whether
49.2the county in which the city is situated has established a county license bureau that issues
49.3motor vehicle licenses as provided in section 373.32.
49.4 (b) The commissioner may appoint, and for cause discontinue, a deputy registrar for any
49.5statutory or home rule charter city as the public interest and convenience may require, if
49.6the auditor for the county in which the city is situated chooses not to accept appointment
49.7as the deputy registrar for the county or is discontinued as a deputy registrar, or if the county
49.8in which the city is situated has not established a county license bureau that issues motor
49.9vehicle licenses as provided in section 373.32.
49.10 (c) The commissioner may appoint, and for cause discontinue, the county auditor of
49.11each county as a deputy registrar.
49.12 (d) Despite any other provision, a person other than a county auditor or a director of a
49.13county license bureau, who was appointed by the registrar before August 1, 1976, as a
49.14deputy registrar for any statutory or home rule charter city, may continue to serve as deputy
49.15registrar and may be discontinued for cause only by the commissioner. The county auditor
49.16who appointed the deputy registrars is responsible for the acts of deputy registrars appointed
49.17by the auditor.
49.18 (e) Each deputy, before entering upon the discharge of duties, shall take and subscribe
49.19an oath to faithfully discharge the duties and to uphold the laws of the state.
49.20 (f) If a deputy registrar appointed under this subdivision is not an officer or employee
49.21of a county or statutory or home rule charter city, the deputy shall in addition give bond to
49.22the state in the sum of $10,000, or a larger sum as may be required by the commissioner,
49.23conditioned upon the faithful discharge of duties as deputy registrar.
49.24 (g) A corporation governed by chapter 302A or 317A may be appointed a deputy registrar.
49.25Upon application by an individual serving as a deputy registrar and the giving of the requisite
49.26bond as provided in this subdivision, personally assured by the individual or another
49.27individual approved by the commissioner, a corporation named in an application then
49.28becomes the duly appointed and qualified successor to the deputy registrar.
49.29 (h) Each deputy registrar appointed under this subdivision shall keep and maintain office
49.30locations approved by the commissioner for the registration of vehicles and the collection
49.31of taxes and fees on vehicles.
49.32 (i) The deputy registrar shall keep records and make reports to the commissioner as the
49.33commissioner requires. The records must be maintained at the offices of the deputy registrar
49Sec. 76.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 50.1in a manner that complies with sections 13.05, subdivision 5, and 13.055. As an alternative
50.2to paper copy storage, a deputy registrar may retain records and documents in a secure
50.3electronic medium that complies with the security requirements under the United States
50.4Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Policy 5.4
50.5or any successor policy, provided 60 days have elapsed since the transaction and subject to
50.6standards established by the commissioner. The deputy registrar is responsible for all costs
50.7associated with the conversion to electronic records and maintenance of the electronic
50.8storage medium, including the destruction of existing paper records after conversion to the
50.9electronic format. All queries and responses in the secure electronic medium, and all actions
50.10in which data are entered, updated, accessed, or shared or disseminated by the deputy
50.11registrar must be contained in a data audit trail. Data contained in the audit trail are public
50.12to the extent the data are not otherwise classified under this section. The records and offices
50.13of the deputy registrar must at all times be open to the inspection of the commissioner or
50.14the commissioner's agents. The deputy registrar shall report to the commissioner by the
50.15next working day following receipt all registrations made and taxes and fees collected by
50.16the deputy registrar.
50.17 (j) The filing fee imposed under subdivision 7 must be deposited in the treasury of the
50.18place for which appointed or, if not a public official, a deputy shall retain the filing fee, but
50.19the registration tax and any additional fees for delayed registration the deputy registrar has
50.20collected the deputy registrar shall deposit by the next working day following receipt in an
50.21approved state depository to the credit of the state through the commissioner of management
50.22and budget. The place for which the deputy registrar is appointed through its governing
50.23body must provide the deputy registrar with facilities and personnel to carry out the duties
50.24imposed by this subdivision if the deputy is a public official. In all other cases, the deputy
50.25shall maintain a suitable facility for serving the public.
50.26Sec. 77. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.33, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
50.27 Subd. 7.Filing fees; allocations.(a) In addition to all other statutory fees and taxes:
50.28 (1) an $8 filing fee is imposed on every vehicle registration renewal, excluding pro rate
50.29transactions; and
50.30 (2) a $12 filing fee is imposed on every other type of vehicle transaction, including motor
50.31carrier fuel licenses under sections 168D.05 and 168D.06, and pro rate transactions.
50.32 (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a):
50Sec. 77.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 51.1 (1) a filing fee may not be charged for a document returned for a refund or for a correction
51.2of an error made by the Department of Public Safety, a dealer, or a deputy registrar; and
51.3 (2) no filing fee or other fee may be charged for the permanent surrender of a title for a
51.4vehicle.
51.5 (c) The filing fee must be shown as a separate item on all registration renewal notices
51.6sent out by the commissioner.
51.7 (d) The statutory fees and taxes, the filing fees imposed under paragraph (a), and the
51.8surcharge imposed under paragraph (f) may be paid by credit card or debit card. The deputy
51.9registrar may collect a surcharge on the payment made under this paragraph not greater than
51.10the cost of processing a credit card or debit card transaction, in accordance with emergency
51.11rules established by the commissioner of public safety. The surcharge authorized by this
51.12paragraph must be used to pay the cost of processing credit and debit card transactions.
51.13 (e) The fees collected under paragraph (a) by the department must be allocated as follows:
51.14 (1) of the fees collected under paragraph (a), clause (1):
51.15 (i) $6.50 must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under
51.16section 299A.705, subdivision 1; and
51.17 (ii) $1.50 must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services technology account under
51.18section 299A.705, subdivision 3; and
51.19 (2) of the fees collected under paragraph (a), clause (2):
51.20 (i) $3.50 must be deposited in the general fund;
51.21 (ii) $7 must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under
51.22section 299A.705, subdivision 1; and
51.23 (iii) $1.50 must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services technology account under
51.24section 299A.705, subdivision 3.
51.25 (f) In addition to all other statutory fees and taxes, a deputy registrar must assess a $1
51.26surcharge on every transaction for which filing fees are collected under this subdivision.
51.27The surcharge authorized by this paragraph must be (1) deposited in the treasury of the
51.28place for which the deputy registrar is appointed, or (2) if the deputy registrar is not a public
51.29official, retained by the deputy registrar. For purposes of this paragraph, a deputy registrar
51.30does not include the commissioner.
51Sec. 77.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 52.1 Sec. 78. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.34, is amended to read:
52.2 168.34 INFORMATION FURNISHED.
52.3 The registrar shall maintain in the registrar's office an information bureau to answer
52.4questions, through electronic transmission, personal inquiry, telephone, or letter. Registrations
52.5shall be completed with the utmost dispatch to render the most efficient service to the public.
52.6The registrar, or any deputy or employee, shall not be liable to any person for mistake or
52.7negligence in the giving of information not willfully calculated to injure such person. The
52.8registration system shall be so conducted, and the requirements thereof so construed, as to
52.9furnish to the public immediate, accurate information as to any single car about which the
52.10inquiry may be made, and to furnish the registrar a means of checking back during any year
52.11to determine that all motor vehicles subject to taxation and licensing have had the proper
52.12tax or fee paid thereon.
52.13Sec. 79. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.61, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
52.14 Subd. 2.Registration and taxation.Intercity buses are subject to registration and
52.15taxation as motor vehicles on an apportionment basis.
52.16Sec. 80. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.62, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
52.17 Subdivision 1.Registration of percentage of buses; determination.An owner or
52.18operator of more than one intercity bus shall register a percentage of those intercity buses
52.19of the owner or operator in Minnesota. The percentage of the intercity buses so registered
52.20shall be determined by dividing the total number of miles traveled by such intercity buses
52.21within the state of Minnesota by the total number of miles traveled by such intercity buses
52.22both within and without the state of Minnesota. Such percentage figure so arrived at is the
52.23percentage of intercity motor buses which the owner or operator thereof shall register in
52.24Minnesota. A fractional intercity bus shall be registered as one intercity bus. The number
52.25of intercity buses so registered in the state of Minnesota are deemed to be domiciled in
52.26Minnesota and subject to motor vehicle taxation in this state.
52.27Sec. 81. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.64, is amended to read:
52.28 168.64 INTERCITY BUS RULES, REQUIREMENTS.
52.29 The registrar of motor vehicles shall:
52.30 (1) promulgate such rules as the registrar may deem necessary in order to fully administer
52.31and carry out the terms and provisions of sections 168.61 to 168.65;
52Sec. 81.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 53.1 (2) require owners and operators of intercity buses to furnish such information and to
53.2make and file such reports as the registrar deems necessary in order to administer sections
53.3168.61 to 168.65;
53.4 (3) require recomputation of the percentage of intercity buses of any owner or operator
53.5at any time the registrar has reason to believe that an insufficient number of such intercity
53.6buses of such owner or operator are registered in Minnesota. If as a result of any such
53.7recomputation, the registrar of motor vehicles determines that additional intercity buses
53.8should be registered in Minnesota, the registrar shall require the owner or operator thereof
53.9to so register such additional buses and pay the taxes thereon in accordance with the standards
53.10required by this section. All intercity buses registered under the terms of this provision shall
53.11be registered for a full calendar year. All taxes computed on the percentage of intercity
53.12buses to be registered in the state of Minnesota shall likewise be computed on the basis of
53.13a full calendar year. If additional taxes are required to be paid by an owner or operator of
53.14intercity buses under this provision, such owner or operator shall also pay interest at the
53.15rate of six percent per annum on the amount so paid with interest computed from January
53.161st of the calendar year in which the taxes are due to the date of payment.
53.17Sec. 82. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.65, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
53.18 Subd. 2.Appeal.If after a public hearing, upon due notice, the registrar of motor vehicles
53.19determines that any owner or operator of intercity buses has violated any term or provisions
53.20of sections 168.61 to 168.65 or willfully furnished false information or reports, the registrar
53.21shall cancel all number plates and all special identification plates or certificates issued to
53.22the owner or operator of intercity buses. The intercity buses, during such calendar year,
53.23shall not operate upon the streets and highways of the state unless the owner's or operator's
53.24entire fleet of intercity buses is then registered in the state of Minnesota and the motor
53.25vehicle taxes paid on them for the full calendar year in which the offense occurs. Any
53.26determination by the registrar of motor vehicles is subject to appeal in accordance with
53.27chapter 14.
53.28Sec. 83. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.842, is amended to read:
53.29 168.842 REGISTRATION AND TAXATION OF RENTAL TRUCK.
53.30 An owner of rental trucks shall annually register a percentage of the owner's rental trucks
53.31in Minnesota. The number of rental trucks required to be registered in the state shall be
53.32determined by dividing the total number of miles traveled within the state during the next
53.33preceding calendar year by all rental trucks owned by an owner by the total number of miles
53Sec. 83.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 54.1traveled both within and without the state during the next preceding calendar year by all
54.2rental trucks owned by that owner and applying the percentage figure thus arrived at to the
54.3total number of rental trucks owned by that owner. The number of rental trucks thus
54.4determined shall be the number of rental trucks deemed to be domiciled within the state
54.5and subject to registration and taxation in a calendar year.
54.6 Sec. 84. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.843, is amended to read:
54.7 168.843 REGISTRATION AND TAXATION OF RENTAL TRAILER.
54.8 An owner or operator of rental trailers shall annually register a percentage of the rental
54.9trailers of that owner or operator in Minnesota. The number of rental trailers required to be
54.10registered in Minnesota shall be a number equal to the average number of rental trailers
54.11operated in and through the state during the preceding calendar year. The number of rental
54.12trailers thus determined shall be the number of rental trailers deemed to be domiciled within
54.13the state and subject to registration and taxation in a calendar year.
54.14Sec. 85. TRANSFERS.
54.15 The commissioner of management and budget must transfer $1,246,061,000 in fiscal
54.16year 2027 from the general fund to the highway user tax distribution fund. The base for this
54.17transfer is $1,289,674,000 in fiscal year 2028 and $1,334,812,000 in fiscal year 2029.
54.18Sec. 86. REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
54.19 (a) The revisor of statutes, in consultation with the Department of Revenue and
54.20Department of Public Safety, must identify all Minnesota Statutes affected by this act.
54.21 (b) The revisor of statutes, in consultation with the Department of Revenue and
54.22Department of Public Safety, must prepare draft legislation showing technical and other
54.23necessary changes resulting from this act for the chairs and ranking minority members of
54.24the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation by March 1, 2026.
54.25 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
54.26Sec. 87. REPEALER.
54.27 Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 168.002, subdivision 33; 168.013, subdivisions 1, 1a,
54.281b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1k, 1l, 1m, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 23; 168.016;
54.29168.022; 168.032; 168.033; 168.041, subdivision 8; 168.11, subdivision 2; 168.16; 168.183;
54Sec. 87.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 55.1168.28; 168.31, subdivisions 1, 4, 4a, 5, and 6; 168.35; 168.62, subdivision 2; and 168.63,
55.2subdivision 5, are repealed.
55.3 Sec. 88. EFFECTIVE DATE.
55.4 Unless otherwise specified, this act is effective July 1, 2026.
55Sec. 88.
25-01581 as introduced01/07/25 REVISOR KRB/MI 168.002 DEFINITIONS.
Subd. 33.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.
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 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.Passenger automobile; hearse.(a) On passenger automobiles as defined in section
168.002, subdivision 24, and hearses, except as otherwise provided, the registration tax is calculated
as $10 plus:
(1) for a vehicle initially registered in Minnesota prior to November 16, 2020, 1.54 percent of
the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the vehicle and the destination charge, subject to the
adjustments in paragraphs (e) and (f); or
(2) for a vehicle initially registered in Minnesota on or after November 16, 2020, 1.575 percent
of the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the vehicle, subject to the adjustments in paragraphs
(e) and (f).
(b) The registration tax calculation must not include the cost of each accessory or item of optional
equipment separately added to the vehicle and the manufacturer's suggested retail price. The
registration tax calculation must not include a destination charge, except for a vehicle previously
registered in Minnesota prior to November 16, 2020.
(c) The registrar must determine the manufacturer's suggested retail price:
(1) using list price information published by the manufacturer or any nationally recognized firm
or association compiling such data for the automotive industry;
(2) if a dealer does not determine the amount, using the retail price label as provided by the
manufacturer under United States Code, title 15, section 1232; or
(3) if the retail price label is not available, using the actual sales price of the vehicle.
If the registrar is unable to ascertain the manufacturer's suggested retail price of any registered
vehicle in the foregoing manner, the registrar may use any other available source or method.
(d) The registrar must calculate the registration tax using information available to dealers and
deputy registrars at the time the initial application for registration is submitted.
(e) The amount under paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), must be calculated based on a percentage
of the manufacturer's suggested retail price, as follows:
(1) during the first year of vehicle life, upon 100 percent of the price;
(2) for the second year, 95 percent of the price;
(3) for the third year, 90 percent of the price;
(4) for the fourth year, 80 percent of the price;
(5) for the fifth year, 70 percent of the price;
(6) for the sixth year, 60 percent of the price;
(7) for the seventh year, 50 percent of the price;
(8) for the eighth year, 40 percent of the price;
(9) for the ninth year, 25 percent of the price; and
(10) for the tenth year, ten percent of the price.
(f) For the 11th and each succeeding year, the amount under paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2),
must be calculated as $20.
1R
APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 (g) Except as provided in subdivision 23, for any vehicle previously registered in Minnesota
and regardless of prior ownership, the total amount due under this subdivision and subdivision 1m
must not exceed the smallest total amount previously paid or due on the vehicle.
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.
A trailer registered at a gross vehicle weight greater than 3,000 pounds but no greater than 7,200
pounds may be taxed either: (1) annually as provided in this paragraph; or (2) once every three
years on the basis of total gross weight and is 90 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed in
subdivision 1e, provided that the filing fee under section 168.33, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), is
multiplied by three, with funds collected by the commissioner allocated proportionally in the same
manner as provided in section 168.33, subdivision 7, paragraph (e).
(b) Farm trailers with a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds and as described in section
168.002, subdivision 8, 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, excluding recreational vehicles, 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 and on truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations except those
defined as farm combinations, 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.
Minnesota Base Rate Schedule
Scheduled taxes include five percent
surtax provided for in subdivision 14
TAXTOTAL GROSS WEIGHT IN POUNDS
15$1,500-0A
203,000-1,501B
254,500-3,001C
356,000-4,501D
2R
APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 4510,000-6,001E
7012,000-10,001F
10515,000-12,001G
14518,000-15,001H
19021,000-18,001I
27026,000-21,001J
36033,000-26,001K
47539,000-33,001L
59545,000-39,001M
71551,000-45,001N
86557,000-51,001O
1,01563,000-57,001P
1,18569,000-63,001Q
1,32573,280-69,001R
1,59578,000-73,281S
1,76080,000-78,001T
(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 80,000 pounds an additional tax of $50 is
imposed for each ton or fraction thereof in excess of 80,000 pounds, subject to subdivision 12 or
section 169.86, subdivision 5a, as applicable.
(d) For purposes of registration identification, for vehicles registered in the "O" category, the
owner must declare at the time of registration whether the vehicle will carry a weight of 55,000
pounds or more and therefore be subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax. For those owners who
declare a weight less than 55,000 pounds, a distinctive weight sticker must be issued and the owner
is restricted to a gross vehicle weight of less than 55,000 pounds.
(e) Truck-tractors except those herein defined as farm vehicles shall be taxed in accordance
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.
(f) On trucks, truck-tractors and semitrailer combinations, except those defined as farm trucks
and farm combinations, the tax for each of 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 this subdivision.
(g) 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:
TaxGross Weight of Vehicle
$125Under 6,000 lbs. ........................................................................................................
1256,000 to 8,000 lbs., incl. ............................................................................................
1258,001 to 10,000 lbs., incl. ..........................................................................................
15010,001 to 12,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
19012,001 to 14,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
3R
APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 21014,001 to 16,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
22516,001 to 18,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
26018,001 to 20,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
30020,001 to 22,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
35022,001 to 24,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
40024,001 to 26,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
45026,001 to 28,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
50028,001 to 30,000 lbs., incl. ........................................................................................
55030,001 and over .........................................................................................................
(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,
the tax during each year of the vehicle life of each such 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 must be separately
licensed and taxed annually on the basis of total gross weight. The tax must 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 is 75 percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule.
(c) Towed recreational vehicles must be separately licensed and taxed under either one of the
following, as determined by the vehicle owner: (1) annually on the basis of total gross weight at
30 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed in subdivision 1e; or (2) once every three years
on the basis of total gross weight at 90 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed in subdivision
1e, provided that the filing fee under section 168.33, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), is multiplied by
three, with funds collected by the commissioner allocated proportionally in the same manner as
provided in section 168.33, subdivision 7, paragraph (e). In no event is the tax under this paragraph
less than $5.
(d) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all trailers and semitrailers taxed pursuant to this
section are exempt from any wheelage tax now or hereafter imposed by any political subdivision
or political subdivisions.
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 Subd. 1h.Motorized bicycle.On motorized bicycles the tax is $6, which includes the surtax
provided for in subdivision 14.
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. 1l.Concrete pumps and street-sweeping vehicles.The tax on vehicle-mounted concrete
pumps and street-sweeping vehicles that are not registered under section 168.187 is 15 percent of
the Minnesota base rate schedule. Vehicles registered under this subdivision must display plates
from a distinctive series.
Subd. 1m.Electric vehicle.In addition to the tax under subdivision 1a, a surcharge of $75 is
imposed for an all-electric vehicle, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 1a. Notwithstanding
subdivision 8, revenue from the fee imposed under this subdivision must be deposited in the highway
user tax distribution fund.
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
168B.011, subdivision 12a. 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) Except as provided by special permit issued under section 169.86, 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), clause (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. This clause applies year round to suppliers of unfinished forest products
to mills; and
(2) 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
or 169.8261, 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 or section 169.86, subdivision 5a, as applicable, 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
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 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
100 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 classification 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
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 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. 12.Additional tax for excessive gross weight.(a) 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.
(b) This subdivision does not apply to the owner of a vehicle who pays the additional tax for
excessive gross weight under section 169.86, subdivision 5a, when buying a permit to operate with
the greater gross weight.
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 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 management and budget 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.
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 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, used in connection
with transportation for nonprofit educational institutions, or used as provided under section 169.4475,
shall be taxed during each year of the vehicle life of such bus in 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. 23.Adjustments to registration tax.(a) Except as provided in this subdivision, the
commissioner must not adjust the manufacturer's suggested retail price or destination charge for
any vehicle in a subsequent registration period following initial registration in Minnesota.
(b) The commissioner must adjust the registration tax amount of any vehicle to correct an error
or omission that was made in determining or entering the registration tax amount or the destination
charge amount. For a vehicle with a registration tax determined based on the actual sales price, the
commissioner must adjust the registration tax within two years of the initial registration using one
of the methods described in subdivision 1a, paragraph (c), clauses (1) to (2). The adjusted registration
tax amount is effective starting with the vehicle's next registration period. The commissioner must
not collect any amount that would have been paid but for the error or omission.
(c) When the commissioner makes an adjustment to the registration tax amount pursuant to this
subdivision, the commissioner must mail written notice to the owner of the vehicle stating that an
adjustment was made to the registration tax amount, the reason for the adjustment, and contact
information so that the owner may contact the department to ask questions.
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.
168.022 MANDATORY TAX REFUND DUE TO LEMON LAW.
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.
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.
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.
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 168.041 IMPOUNDING REGISTRATION PLATES.
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.
168.11 REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.
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.
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.
168.183 MOTOR VEHICLES OF CERTAIN NONRESIDENTS.
Subdivision 1.Payment of taxes.All trucks, truck-tractors, trucks using combination, and
buses which comply with all of the provisions of section 168.181, subdivision 1, clause (6), but are
excluded from the exemptions solely because of the temporary nature of their movement in this
state, shall be required to comply with all laws and rules as to the payment of taxes applicable to
like vehicles owned by Minnesota residents, except that nonresidents may make application to pay
the tax for each vehicle proportionate to the number of months or fraction thereof the vehicles are
in this state. For the purposes of this subdivision, buses do not include charter buses that are
considered proratable vehicles under section 168.187, subdivision 4. Fees are determined by section
168.013, subdivision 1e.
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
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 other information deemed necessary by the registrar. The permit must be available in a format
prescribed by the registrar while the vehicle is being operated in this state.
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 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. Special mobile equipment is subject
to a penalty equal to the tax due under this chapter for the full registration year if it is used to
transport persons or property at any time using the public streets.
168.31 REGISTRATION TAX PAYMENT.
Subdivision 1.When due and payable.The tax required under this chapter to be paid upon a
motor vehicle for each calendar year becomes due when the vehicle first uses the public streets or
highways in the state, and upon January 1 each year thereafter, except those vehicles which are
taxed under section 168.017 and vehicles registered under 168.09, subdivision 3. Taxes due upon
January 1 become payable upon November 15 preceding the calendar year for which they are
assessed. The tax required to register vehicles for the registration year March 1 to the last day of
February is due on March 1 and payable January 1 preceding. The tax required to register vehicles
under the provisions of section 168.017 is due the first day of the month commencing the 12-month
registration period and payable during the 45 days preceding the due date. Nothing in this section
shall preclude prepayment.
Subd. 4.Installments; registration generally.(a) If the tax for a vehicle assessed under section
168.013, subdivision 1c, 1d, 1e, or 1g, amounts to more than $400, the owner may pay the tax by
installments.
(b) The owner shall tender with the application for registration one-third of the annual tax due
or $400, whichever is greater, plus any penalties or arrears, plus a fee of $10. Instead of this fee,
the applicant may furnish a bond, bank letter of credit, or certificate of deposit approved by the
registrar of motor vehicles, for the total of the tax still due. The amount of the bond, letter of credit,
or certificate of deposit may include any penalties assessed. The bond, letter of credit, or certificate
of deposit must be for the benefit of the state for monetary loss caused by failure of the vehicle
owner to pay delinquent license fees and penalties.
(c) The remainder of the tax due must be paid in two equal installments. The due date of the
first installment is July 1, and the second installment is due November 1.
(d) When the applicant elects to pay the administrative fee, the registrar shall issue to the
applicant validation stickers indicating the expiration date of a registration. When the applicant
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 elects to furnish a bond, bank letter, or letter of deposit, the registrar shall issue regular validation
stickers for the registration year.
(e) If an owner of a vehicle fails to pay an installment on or before its due date, the vehicle must
not be used on the public streets or highways in this state until the installment or installments of
the tax remaining due on the vehicle have been paid in full for the licensed year together with a
penalty at the rate of $1 per day for the remainder of the month in which the balance of the tax
becomes due and $4 a month for each succeeding month or fraction of a month during which the
balance of the tax remains unpaid. Upon the payment of the balance of the tax and the penalties,
the registrar shall issue a registration certificate to the owner of the vehicle in the manner provided
by law. The registrar shall deny installment payment privileges provided in this subdivision in the
subsequent year to any owner on any or all vehicles of the owner who during the current year fails
to pay any installment due within one month after the due date.
Subd. 4a.Installments; interstate registration and reciprocity.If the tax for a vehicle assessed
under section 168.187 amounts to more than $400, the owner may pay the tax by installments. The
owner shall submit with the application for registration, no later than January 1, one-third of the
Minnesota annual tax due or $400, whichever is greater. The applicant shall furnish a bond, bank
letter of credit, or certificate of deposit approved by the registrar of motor vehicles, for the total of
the tax still due. The amount of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit may include any
penalties assessed. The bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit must be for the benefit of the
state for monetary loss caused by failure of the vehicle owner to pay delinquent license fees and
penalties. The remainder of the tax due must be paid in two equal installments; the due date of the
first installment is May 1 and the second installment is due on September 1. If an owner of a vehicle
fails to pay an installment on or before the due date, the vehicle must not be used on the public
streets or highways in this state until the installment or installments of the tax remaining due on the
vehicle has been paid in full for the licensed year, together with a penalty at the rate of $1 per day
for the remainder of the month in which the balance of the tax becomes due and $4 a month for
each succeeding month or fraction of it during which the balance of the tax remains unpaid. The
registrar shall deny installment payment privileges provided in this subdivision in the subsequent
year to any owner on any or all vehicles of an owner who during the current year fails to pay any
installment and penalties due within one month after the due date.
Subd. 5.Refund.For the registration tax paid on any vehicle before the registration period for
which that tax was assessed, the owner of the vehicle who paid the tax is entitled to full refund if
the registration stickers are surrendered before the first day of the new registration period.
Subd. 6.Tax delinquency; remedies.All taxes imposed under the provisions of this chapter
shall be deemed the personal obligation of the registered owner and the amount of such tax, including
added penalties for the nonpayment thereof, shall be a first lien upon the vehicle taxed, paramount
and superior to all other liens thereon whether previously or subsequently accruing thereon; and,
in addition to any other remedy herein prescribed, the state shall have a right of action against the
owner for the recovery of the amount of any delinquent tax thereon, including the penalties accruing
because of the nonpayment thereof, or for the enforcement of the tax lien thereon hereby declared,
or both, in any court of competent jurisdiction. The county attorney of the county in which such
motor vehicle is owned shall perform such service in the matter of the commencement and
prosecution of such suit or in the prosecution of any other remedy for the enforcement of such tax
as the attorney general may require.
168.35 INTENT TO ESCAPE TAX; GROSS MISDEMEANOR.
Any person who shall, with intent to escape payment of any tax on a motor vehicle, as herein
provided, delay or neglect to properly list and apply to register the same, or, with intent to prevent
the payment or collection of the proper tax, fee, or lien thereon, violate or neglect to comply with
any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
168.62 INTERCITY BUS REGISTRATION.
Subd. 2.Tax determination.When the number of intercity buses to be registered in Minnesota
is determined as herein provided, the owner or operator thereof shall select the particular intercity
buses to be so registered. The motor vehicle tax to be paid thereon for each calendar year shall be
determined by the registrar of motor vehicles, who shall compute the amount of motor vehicle tax
on each intercity bus of the owner or operator thereof as though all of such intercity buses were
required to be registered in Minnesota. The amount so arrived at shall then be divided by the total
number of intercity buses of such owner or operator to obtain the average motor vehicle tax due on
an intercity bus registered in Minnesota. Such average tax shall be paid on each intercity bus
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Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581 registered in Minnesota in the same manner and at the same time as other motor vehicles using the
streets and highways of Minnesota are taxed and the taxes paid thereon. The registrar of motor
vehicles shall issue number plates for the intercity buses registered in Minnesota.
168.63 INTERCITY BUS; REGISTRAR DUTIES.
Subd. 5.Annual recomputation and tax adjustment.At the close of each calendar year and
not later than February 15th of the next succeeding year, the registrar of motor vehicles shall
recompute and redetermine the number of intercity buses required to have been registered in
Minnesota for the prior year and the actual amount of tax liability for such previous year shall
likewise be redetermined. Any additional tax which may be due by any owner or operator of intercity
buses shall be paid forthwith. If it is determined as a result of such recomputation that there has
been an overpayment of tax, the amount of such overpayment shall be credited to the amount of
tax which may be due by the owner or operator of intercity buses in any subsequent year. In the
event any owner or operator of intercity buses discontinues operations in Minnesota and has a tax
credit due as a result of overpayment of motor vehicle taxes for any year, the amount of such
overpayment shall be refunded. Such sums as are necessary to make the refunds herein are hereby
appropriated annually from the highway user tax distribution fund.
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APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 25-01581