1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to motor vehicles; modifying provisions related to pickup trucks;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 168.002, subdivisions 24, 26, 40, 
1.4 	by adding subdivisions; 168.021, subdivision 1; 168.12, subdivisions 1, 2b; 
1.5 	168.123, subdivision 1; Laws 2008, chapter 350, article 1, section 5, as amended.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, is amended by adding a 
1.8 	subdivision to read:
1.9 		Subd. 21a.Noncommercial vehicle. "Noncommercial vehicle" means a one-ton 
1.10 	pickup truck registered under section 168.013, subdivision 1e, with a 15,000 pounds or 
1.11 	less gross vehicle weight rating and for which the owner has made a declaration that the 
1.12 	vehicle will be operated exclusively for personal use. The declaration must be based 
1.13 	on one or more of the following:
1.14 	(1) a change of vehicle use;
1.15 	(2) registration of a new vehicle;
1.16 	(3) transfer of vehicle ownership; or
1.17 	(4) registration renewal.

1.18 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, is amended by adding a subdivision 
1.19 	to read:
1.20 		Subd. 21b.One-ton pickup truck. "One-ton pickup truck" means any truck 
1.21 	resembling a pickup truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of 
1.22 	one ton. If the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity is not provided or is not 
1.23 	known, then the value specified by the manufacturer as the gross vehicle weight rating as 
2.1 	indicated on the manufacturer's certification label must be 10,001 pounds or more, not 
2.2 	to exceed 15,000 pounds.

2.3 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 24, is amended to read:
2.4 		Subd. 24.Passenger automobile. (a) "Passenger automobile" means any motor 
2.5 	vehicle designed and used for carrying not more than 15 individuals, including the driver.
2.6 	(b) "Passenger automobile" does not include motorcycles, motor scooters, buses, 
2.7 	school buses, or commuter vans as defined in section 168.126. Except as provided in 
2.8 	paragraph (c), clause (1), a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 to 13,000 
2.9 	pounds that is a pickup truck or a van is not a passenger automobile.
2.10 	(c) "Passenger automobile" includes, but is not limited to:
2.11 	(1) a vehicle that is (i) a pickup truck or a van, (ii) not used in furtherance of a 
2.12 	commercial enterprise, and (iii) not subject to state or federal regulation as a commercial 
2.13 	motor vehicle as defined in subdivisions 26 and 40;
2.14 	(2) neighborhood electric vehicles, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 47; and
2.15 	(3) medium-speed electric vehicles, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 39.

2.16 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 26, is amended to read:
2.17 		Subd. 26.Pickup truck. "Pickup truck" means any truck with a manufacturer's 
2.18 	nominal rated carrying capacity of three-fourths ton or less and commonly known as a 
2.19 	pickup truck. If the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity is not provided or 
2.20 	cannot be determined, then the value specified by the manufacturer as the gross vehicle 
2.21 	weight rating as indicated on the manufacturer's certification label must be less than 
2.22 	10,000 pounds.

2.23 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 40, is amended to read:
2.24 		Subd. 40.Van. "Van" means any vehicle of box-like design with no barrier or 
2.25 	separation between the operator's area and the remainder of the cargo-carrying area, and 
2.26 	with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of three-fourths ton or less. If 
2.27 	the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity is not provided or not known, then 
2.28 	the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum gross weight or gross vehicle 
2.29 	weight rating as indicated on the manufacturer's certification label must be less than 
2.30 	10,000 pounds.

2.31 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.1 		Subdivision 1.Disability plates; application. (a) When a motor vehicle registered 
3.2 	under section 168.017, a motorcycle, a truck having a manufacturer's nominal rated 
3.3 	capacity of one ton and resembling a pickup truck,a one-ton pickup truck, or a 
3.4 	self-propelled recreational vehicle is owned or primarily operated by a permanently 
3.5 	physically disabled person or a custodial parent or guardian of a permanently physically 
3.6 	disabled minor, the owner may apply for and secure from the commissioner (1) 
3.7 	immediately, a temporary permit valid for 30 days if the applicant is eligible for the 
3.8 	disability plates issued under this section and (2) two disability plates with attached 
3.9 	emblems, one plate to be attached to the front, and one to the rear of the motor vehicle.
3.10 	(b) The commissioner shall not issue more than one set of plates to any owner of 
3.11 	a motor vehicle at the same time unless the state Council on Disability approves the 
3.12 	issuance of a second set of plates to a motor vehicle owner.
3.13 	(c) When the owner first applies for the disability plates, the owner must submit a 
3.14 	medical statement in a format approved by the commissioner under section 169.345, or 
3.15 	proof of physical disability provided for in that section.
3.16 	(d) No medical statement or proof of disability is required when an owner of a motor 
3.17 	vehicle applies for plates for one or more motor vehicles that are specially modified for 
3.18 	and used exclusively by permanently physically disabled persons.
3.19 	(e) The owner of a motor vehicle may apply for and secure (i) immediately, a permit 
3.20 	valid for 30 days, if the applicant is eligible to receive the disability plates issued under 
3.21 	this section, and (ii) a set of disability plates for a motor vehicle if:
3.22 	(1) the owner employs a permanently physically disabled person who would qualify 
3.23 	for disability plates under this section; and
3.24 	(2) the owner furnishes the motor vehicle to the physically disabled person for the 
3.25 	exclusive use of that person in the course of employment.

3.26 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
3.27 		Subdivision 1.Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance. (a) The commissioner, 
3.28 	upon approval and payment, shall issue to the applicant the plates required by this chapter, 
3.29 	bearing the state name and an assigned vehicle registration number. The number assigned 
3.30 	by the commissioner may be a combination of a letter or sign with figures. The color of the 
3.31 	plates and the color of the abbreviation of the state name and the number assigned must 
3.32 	be in marked contrast. The plates must be lettered, spaced, or distinguished to suitably 
3.33 	indicate the registration of the vehicle according to the rules of the commissioner.
4.1 	(b) When a vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the plates issued 
4.2 	must clearly indicate by letters or other suitable insignia the maximum gross weight 
4.3 	for which the tax has been paid.
4.4 	(c) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle must bear the inscription 
4.5 	"noncommercial" unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued 
4.6 	under this chapter.
4.7 	(d) A one-ton pickup truck that is used for commercial purposes and is subject to 
4.8 	section 168.185, is eligible to display special plates as authorized and issued under this 
4.9 	chapter.
4.10 	(c)(e) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the 
4.11 	conventional painted number plates. When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, the 
4.12 	plates, when viewed from a vehicle equipped with standard headlights, must be visible for 
4.13 	a distance of not less than 1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 feet.
4.14 	(d)(f) The commissioner shall issue plates for the following periods:
4.15 	(1) New plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, subdivision 1, must be issued to a 
4.16 	vehicle for as long as the vehicle is owned by the exempt agency and the plate shall not be 
4.17 	transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle 
4.18 	from one tax-exempt agency to another.
4.19 	(2) Plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period. 
4.20 	All plates issued under this paragraph must be replaced if they are seven years old or older 
4.21 	at the time of registration renewal or will become so during the registration period.
4.22 	(3) Plates issued under sections 168.053 and 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, must 
4.23 	be for a seven-year period.
4.24 	(4) Plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and section 168.123 must be issued 
4.25 	for the life of the veteran under section 169.79.
4.26 	(5) Plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3) must be issued for the 
4.27 	life of the vehicle.
4.28 	(e)(g) In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner shall issue for each 
4.29 	registration a sticker to designate the year of registration. This sticker must show the year 
4.30 	or years for which the sticker is issued, and is valid only for that period. The plates and 
4.31 	stickers issued for a vehicle may not be transferred to another vehicle during the period 
4.32 	for which the sticker is issued, except when issued for a vehicle registered under section 
4.33 	168.187.
4.34 	(f)(h) Despite any other provision of this subdivision, plates issued to a vehicle 
4.35 	used for behind-the-wheel instruction in a driver education course in a public school 
4.36 	may be transferred to another vehicle used for the same purpose without payment of any 
5.1 	additional fee. The public school shall notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates 
5.2 	under this paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.

5.3 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:
5.4 		Subd. 2b.Firefighters; special plates, rules. (a) The commissioner shall issue 
5.5 	special plates, or a single license plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, to any applicant 
5.6 	who:
5.7 	(1) is a member of a fire department receiving state aid under chapter 69, has a 
5.8 	letter from the fire chief, and is an owner of a passenger automobile, a truck with a 
5.9 	manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one ton and resembling a pickup truck, a one-ton 
5.10 	pickup truck, or a motorcycle;
5.11 	(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;
5.12 	(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and
5.13 	(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles 
5.14 	and licensing of drivers.
5.15 	(b) In lieu of the identification required under subdivision 1, the special plates must 
5.16 	bear an emblem of a Maltese Cross together with any numbers or characters prescribed by 
5.17 	the commissioner.
5.18 	(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period 
5.19 	that the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of a fire department as specified in this 
5.20 	subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer a 
5.21 	member of a fire department or when the motor vehicle ownership is transferred, the 
5.22 	owner shall remove the special plates from the motor vehicle. If the commissioner 
5.23 	receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special 
5.24 	plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this 
5.25 	action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the 
5.26 	qualifications of this subdivision. Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates, or 
5.27 	special motorcycle plate, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain 
5.28 	regular plates or a regular motorcycle plate for the proper registration classification for 
5.29 	the motor vehicle.
5.30 	(d) A special motorcycle license plate issued under this subdivision must be the 
5.31 	same size as a standard motorcycle license plate.
5.32 	(e) Upon payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under this subdivision for a passenger 
5.33 	automobile or truck may be transferred to another passenger automobile or truck owned 
5.34 	or jointly owned by the person to whom the plates were issued. On payment of a fee of 
6.1 	$5, a plate issued under this subdivision for a motorcycle may be transferred to another 
6.2 	motorcycle owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the plate was issued.
6.3 	(f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, 
6.4 	sections 14.001 to 14.69, to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized 
6.5 	in this subdivision.

6.6 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.123, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
6.7 		Subdivision 1.General requirements; fees. (a) On payment of a fee of $10 for 
6.8 	each set of two plates, or for a single plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, payment of 
6.9 	the registration tax required by law, and compliance with other applicable laws relating to 
6.10 	vehicle registration and licensing, as applicable, the commissioner shall issue:
6.11 	(1) special veteran's plates to an applicant who served in the active military service 
6.12 	in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or of a nation or society allied with the 
6.13 	United States in conducting a foreign war, was discharged under honorable conditions, 
6.14 	and is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, recreational motor vehicle, or truck 
6.15 	resembling a pickup truck and having a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one ton
6.16 	one-ton pickup truck, but which is not a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 
6.17 	169.011, subdivision 16; or
6.18 	(2) a veteran's special motorcycle plate as described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), 
6.19 	(f), (h), (i), or (j), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant 
6.20 	who is a registered owner of a motorcycle and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph 
6.21 	and in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h), (i), or (j). Plates issued under this clause must 
6.22 	be the same size as regular motorcycle plates. Special motorcycle license plates issued 
6.23 	under this clause are not subject to section 168.1293.
6.24 	(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable for each set of veteran's plates, is payable 
6.25 	only when the plates are issued, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued 
6.26 	instead of plates.
6.27 	(c) The veteran must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers, 
6.28 	indicating character of discharge, at the time of application. If an applicant served in the 
6.29 	active military service in a branch of the armed forces of a nation or society allied with the 
6.30 	United States in conducting a foreign war and is unable to obtain a record of that service 
6.31 	and discharge status, the commissioner of veterans affairs may certify the applicant as 
6.32 	qualified for the veterans' plates provided under this section.
6.33 	(d) For license plates issued for one-ton trucks described in paragraph (a), clause 
6.34 	(1), the commissioner shall collect a surcharge of $5 on each $10 fee collected under 
7.1 	paragraph (a). The surcharge must be deposited in the vehicle services operating account 
7.2 	in the special revenue fund.

7.3 	Sec. 10. Laws 2008, chapter 350, article 1, section 5, the effective date, as amended by 
7.4 	Laws 2010, chapter 351, section 65, is amended to read:

7.5 	EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraph (b) and paragraph (c), clause (1), are effective the 
7.6 	day following final enactment and apply to any additional tax for a registration period that 
7.7 	starts on or after March 1, 2012 This section is effective August 1, 2011.