SF 3370

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/10/2025 09:38 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; establishing an outdoor recreation license plate
endorsement to allow motor vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas,
including use on license plates, fees, public information, and exemptions;
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 85.053,
subdivision 2; 168.002, by adding a subdivision; 168.012, subdivision 13; 168.0135,
subdivision 1; 168.09, subdivision 7; 168.12, subdivisions 1, 5; 168.27, subdivision
28; 168.29; 169.79, subdivision 8; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapters 85; 168.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 85.053, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Requirement.

Except as provided in section 85.054, a motor vehicle may not
enter a state park, state recreation area, or state wayside over 50 acres in area, without a
state park permit issued under this section new text begin , a valid outdoor recreation endorsement sticker
affixed to a license plate issued under section 168.371, new text end or a state parks and trails plate issued
under section 168.1295. Except for vehicles permitted under subdivisions 7, paragraph (a),
clause (2), and 8, the state park permit must be affixed to the lower right corner windshield
of the motor vehicle and must be completely affixed by its own adhesive to the windshield,
or the commissioner may, by written order, provide an alternative means to display and
validate state park permits. A motor vehicle owner or lessee is responsible for ensuring the
owner's or lessee's vehicle has a state park permit, and the commissioner may issue warnings
and citations under section 84.0835 to the owner or lessee of a vehicle not in compliance.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [85.057] OUTDOOR RECREATION ENDORSEMENT ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Account established. new text end

new text begin The outdoor recreation endorsement account is
established in the natural resources fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Revenue deposited and appropriation. new text end

new text begin Revenue collected under section
168.371 must be deposited in the natural resources fund and credited to the outdoor recreation
endorsement account. Money in the account is available for appropriation to the
commissioner of natural resources to operate and maintain the state park system and other
units of the state outdoor recreation system.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.002, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 21c. new text end

new text begin Outdoor recreation endorsement. new text end

new text begin "Outdoor recreation endorsement" means
the outdoor recreation license plate endorsement established under section 168.371.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.012, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Vehicles registered by certain veterans.

(a) A passenger automobile, one-ton
pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle registered by a veteran with a total
service-connected disability, as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 51, is not subject to:

(1) registration taxes under this chapter;

(2) administrative fees imposed under subdivision 1c;

(3) filing fees and surcharges imposed under section 168.33, subdivision 7; or

(4) plate and validation sticker fees imposed under this chapter, including but not limited
to:

(i) fees under section 168.12, subdivision 5;

(ii) new text begin the fee required for an outdoor recreation endorsement under section 168.371,
subdivision 3;
new text end

new text begin (iii) new text end fees identified in any section authorizing special plates; and

deleted text begin (iii) deleted text end new text begin (iv) new text end transfer fees.

(b) The exemptions under this subdivision apply to a motor vehicle that is jointly
registered by a qualifying veteran and a spouse or domestic partner.

(c) The fees identified under paragraph (a), clause (4), do not include:

(1) a fee for personalized plates under section 168.12, subdivision 2a; or

(2) a required contribution or donation for a special plate, including but not limited to
a contribution under sections 168.1255, subdivision 1, clause (6); 168.1258, subdivision 1,
clause (4); 168.1259, subdivision 2, new text begin paragraph (a), new text end clause (5); 168.1287, subdivision 1,
clause (5); 168.129, subdivision 1, clause (5); 168.1295, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause
(5); 168.1296, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (5); and 168.1299, subdivision 1, clause
(3).

(d) A qualifying veteran may register no more than two motor vehicles at the same time
with the exemptions under this subdivision. Nothing in this paragraph prevents registration
of additional motor vehicles as otherwise provided in this chapter.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.0135, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authorization.

(a) The commissioner, in consultation with deputy
registrars, must establish a process to implement, locate, and install self-service kiosks that
may be used for passenger vehicle and motorcycle registration renewals. The commissioner
must establish reasonable performance, security, technical, and financial standards to approve
a vendor. Self-service kiosks authorized by this section must:

(1) allow a customer to renew a passenger vehicle or motorcycle registration pursuant
to section 168.013 without assistance of a deputy registrar;

(2) collect the appropriate annual contribution for a special license plate;

(3) process requests for duplicate license plates, except that the self-service kiosk must
not process any request for a special plate that requires documentation to prove eligibility
to receive that type of plate;

new text begin (4) process and dispense outdoor recreation endorsement stickers to the applicant at the
time of application;
new text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end dispense license plate registration renewal stickers to the applicant at the time of
the application; and

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end display the contact phone number and email address of the deputy registrar's
office that is responsible for the self-service kiosk.

(b) This section only applies to deputy registrars appointed pursuant to section 168.33,
subdivision 2.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.09, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Display of temporary permit.

(a) The commissioner may issue a temporary
permit under this subdivision in conjunction with the conclusion of a registration period or
a recently expired registration if:

(1) the current registration tax and all other fees and taxes have been paid in full; and

(2) special plates have been applied for.

(b) The permit is valid for a period of 60 days. The permit must be in a format prescribed
by the commissioner, affixed to the rear of the vehicle where a license plate would normally
be affixed, and plainly visible. new text begin If the registration includes payment for the fee required for
an outdoor recreation endorsement, the commissioner must include the endorsement on the
temporary permit. new text end The permit is valid only for the vehicle for which it was issued to allow
a reasonable time for the new plates to be manufactured and delivered to the applicant. The
permit may be issued only by the commissioner or by a deputy registrar under section
168.33.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance.

(a) The commissioner,
upon approval and payment, must issue to the applicant the plates required by this chapter,
bearing the state name and an assigned vehicle registration number. The number assigned
by the commissioner may be a combination of a letter or sign with figures. The color of the
plates and the color of the abbreviation of the state name and the number assigned must be
in marked contrast. The plates must be lettered, spaced, or distinguished to suitably indicate
the registration of the vehicle according to the rules of the commissioner.

(b) When a vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the plates issued must
clearly indicate by letters or other suitable insignia the maximum gross weight for which
the tax has been paid.

(c) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle must bear the inscription "noncommercial"
unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued under this chapter.

(d) A one-ton pickup truck that is used for commercial purposes and is subject to section
168.185, is eligible to display special plates as authorized and issued under this chapter.

(e) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the conventional
painted number plates. When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, the plates, when
viewed from a vehicle equipped with standard headlights, must be visible for a distance of
not less than 1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 feet.

(f) The commissioner must issue plates for the following periods:

(1) new plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, subdivision 1, must be issued to a
vehicle for as long as the vehicle is owned by the exempt agency and the plate is not
transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle
from one tax-exempt agency to another deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

(2) plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period. All
plates issued under this paragraph must be replaced if they are seven years old or older at
the time of registration renewal or will become so during the registration period deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

(3) plates issued under sections 168.053 and 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, must be
for a seven-year period deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

(4) plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and sections 168.123, 168.1235, and
168.1255 must be issued for the life of the veteran under section 169.79 deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

(5) plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3) must be issued for the life
of the vehicle.

(g) In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner must issue for each
registration a sticker to designate the year of registration. This sticker must show the year
or years for which the sticker is issued, and is valid only for that period. The plates and
stickers issued for a vehicle may not be transferred to another vehicle during the period for
which the sticker is issued, except when issued for a vehicle registered under section 168.187.

(h) Despite any other provision of this subdivision, plates issued to a vehicle used for
behind-the-wheel instruction in a driver education course in a public school may be
transferred to another vehicle used for the same purpose without payment of any additional
fee. The public school must notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this
paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.

(i) In lieu of plates required under this section, the commissioner must issue a registration
number identical to the federally issued tail number assigned to a roadable aircraft.

new text begin (j) Upon the issuance of new plates for a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton
pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational motor vehicle or in a year in which plates are not
issued and stickers are issued under paragraph (g), the commissioner must offer to each
applicant the ability to select an outdoor recreation endorsement under section 168.371 and
receive an outdoor recreation endorsement sticker. The application and payment of the
required fee for an outdoor recreation endorsement must be made at the time of registration.
The outdoor recreation endorsement sticker may not be transferred to another vehicle during
the period for which the sticker is issued.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for license plates issued
on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Additional fee.

(a) In addition to any fee otherwise authorized or any tax
otherwise imposed upon any vehicle, the payment of which is required as a condition to the
issuance of any plate or plates, the commissioner shall impose the fee specified in paragraph
(b) that is calculated to cover the cost of manufacturing and issuing the plate or plates,
except for plates issued to disabled veterans as defined in section 168.031 and plates issued
pursuant to section 168.124, 168.125, or 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, for passenger
automobiles. The commissioner shall issue graphic design plates only for vehicles registered
pursuant to section 168.017 and recreational vehicles registered pursuant to section 168.013,
subdivision 1g.

(b) Unless otherwise specified or exempted by statute, the following plate and validation
sticker fees apply for the original, duplicate, or replacement issuance of a plate in a plate
year:

License Plate				Single		Double
	Regular and Disability		$	13.50	$	15.50
	Special		$	13.50	$	15.50
	Personalized (Replacement)		$	13.50	$	15.50
	Collector Category		$	13.50	$	15.50
	Emergency Vehicle Display		$	3.00	$	6.00
	Utility Trailer Self-Adhesive		$	2.50
	Vertical Motorcycle Plate		$	100.00		NA
	Replacement Dealer Plates		$	5.25
	Replacement Tax Exempt Plates		$	5.25
Stickers
	Duplicate year		$	1.50	$	1.50
	new text begin Duplicate Outdoor Recreation Endorsement new text end		new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 3.00 new text end	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin 3.00 new text end
	International Fuel Tax Agreement		$	2.50

(c) For vehicles that require two of the categories in paragraph (b), the registrar shall
only charge the higher of the two fees and not a combined total.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.27, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

Subd. 28.

Distribution of plates and stickers.

new text begin (a) new text end The commissioner may distribute
registration plates and stickers to be held and issued by new and used motor vehicle dealers.
A dealer may issue registration plates and stickers only in conjunction with the sale of a
vehicle by the dealer. A dealer permitted to hold and issue registration plates and stickers
must be equipped with electronic transmission technology and trained in its use. Before
receiving registration plates and stickers under this subdivision, a dealer must adopt and
implement security and record-keeping requirements satisfactory to the commissioner. The
commissioner may revoke the authority granted under this subdivision for any violation of
law or rule governing the issuance of registration plates and stickers, any violation of the
dealer's security and record-keeping plan, or any other action that in the commissioner's
opinion adversely affects the registration system. The dealer is financially responsible for
the cost and tax value of any unaccounted inventory.

new text begin (b) The commissioner, in coordination with the commissioner of natural resources, must
provide information to new and used motor vehicle dealers about the outdoor recreation
endorsement established in section 168.371. The commissioner may distribute outdoor
recreation endorsement stickers to be held by the dealer under the security and record-keeping
requirements for registration plates and stickers in paragraph (a). Upon successful application
for the endorsement by the vehicle's purchaser and payment of the required fee, a dealer
may distribute an outdoor recreation endorsement sticker upon the sale of a vehicle and
registration in this state along with the registration plates and stickers specified in paragraph
(a).
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.29, is amended to read:

168.29 REPLACEMENT PLATES.

(a) In the event of the defacement, loss, or destruction of any number plates deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , new text end validation
stickers, new text begin or, where applicable, an outdoor recreation endorsement sticker, new text end the commissioner,
upon receiving and filing a sworn statement of the vehicle owner, setting forth the
circumstances of the defacement, loss, destruction, or theft of the number plates or validation
stickers, together with any defaced plates or stickers and the payment of a fee calculated to
cover the cost of replacement, must issue a new set of plates or stickers.

(b) A licensed motor vehicle dealer may only apply for replacement plates upon
application for a certificate of title in the name of a new owner or the dealer. The
commissioner must issue a new set of plates or validation stickers upon application for title
and registration after removal of plates pursuant to section 168A.11, subdivision 2.

(c) Plates issued under this section are subject to section 168.12

(d) The commissioner must note on the commissioner's records the issue of new number
plates and must attempt to cancel and call in the original plates so as to insure against their
use on another motor vehicle.

(e) Duplicate registration certificates plainly marked as duplicates may be issued in like
cases upon the payment of a $1 fee. Fees collected under this section must be deposited in
the driver and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705, subdivision 1.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [168.371] OUTDOOR RECREATION ENDORSEMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Applicant" means an owner applying for registration plates and validation stickers
for an eligible vehicle.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Yearly registration sticker" means license plate registration renewal stickers issued
to a driver that displays the year the vehicle was registered in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment; issuance. new text end

new text begin (a) An outdoor recreation endorsement is established
to authorize motor vehicle entry into all state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides
larger than 50 acres in area. The endorsement must be offered to an applicant upon
registration or the annual renewal registration of a passenger automobile, noncommercial
one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational motor vehicle, as defined in section
168.002, subdivision 27, and the issuance of a new set of license plates or validation stickers.
The endorsement must be located on the yearly validation sticker affixed to a vehicle's
license plate. The registration sticker must meet the design and color requirements specified
in subdivision 4. The outdoor recreation endorsement is subject to the filing fee for vehicle
registration transactions under section 168.33, subdivision 7.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must issue an outdoor recreation endorsement sticker to an
applicant who:
new text end

new text begin (1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup
truck, motorcycle, or recreational motor vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (2) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
new text end

new text begin (3) pays the amount specified in subdivision 3 to the outdoor recreation endorsement
account in section 85.057; and
new text end

new text begin (4) pays all applicable fees for license plates or, if applicable, special plates required by
this chapter.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner must modify the format and language of an application for motor
vehicle registration or the renewal application of a motor vehicle's registration to include
the option to purchase the outdoor recreation endorsement.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner, in coordination with the commissioner of natural resources, must
provide access to information on the outdoor recreation endorsement at the time of
registration or renewal, including:
new text end

new text begin (1) identifying the outdoor recreation endorsement as optional;
new text end

new text begin (2) the endorsement's benefits, including the use of and access to all state parks, recreation
areas, and waysides larger than 50 acres;
new text end

new text begin (3) the cost differences between the fees for a state parks permit under section 85.055,
subdivision 1, and a state parks and trails special license plate under section 168.1295 versus
the outdoor recreation endorsement;
new text end

new text begin (4) the individuals eligible for a free annual state parks permit; and
new text end

new text begin (5) the vehicles eligible to receive the endorsement.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Fee. new text end

new text begin The amount of the outdoor recreation endorsement is as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) for registrations or renewals between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2028, $15;
new text end

new text begin (2) for registrations or renewals between January 1, 2029, and December 31, 2030, $17;
and
new text end

new text begin (3) for registrations or renewals on or after January 1, 2031, $19.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Sticker. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of natural
resources, must create a suitable design for the outdoor recreation endorsement registration
sticker. The size of and the information contained on an outdoor recreation endorsement
sticker must be substantively identical to a yearly registration sticker issued to a motor
vehicle. The outdoor recreation endorsement sticker must be made a distinctive and separate
color from the standard vehicle yearly registration sticker and must not use a color chosen
for the yearly registration sticker within the prior three years. The outdoor recreation
endorsement registration sticker must include a graphical indicator of the outdoor recreation
endorsement and the year for which it is valid. The graphical indicator must be designed to
allow for ready identification of whether an outdoor recreation endorsement has been paid
for a motor vehicle.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Use; exempt vehicles; transfer not permitted. new text end

new text begin (a) The endorsement provides
the same rights of access and entry as a state park permit as provided in section 85.053,
subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (b) The following motor vehicles are not eligible to apply for or receive an outdoor
recreation endorsement:
new text end

new text begin (1) vehicles exempt from registration tax or license fees under section 168.012,
subdivision 1;
new text end

new text begin (2) vehicles issued a dealer plate under section 168.27, subdivision 16;
new text end

new text begin (3) a commercial vehicle used by a common carrier or rental trucks;
new text end

new text begin (4) vehicles issued special series plates under section 168.041, subdivision 6;
new text end

new text begin (5) collector vehicles or motorcycles displaying original plates under section 168.10,
subdivision 1g, or 168.105, subdivision 5;
new text end

new text begin (6) limousines, intercity buses, commuter vans, motor coaches, school buses, or other
vehicles designed to transport more than 15 people;
new text end

new text begin (7) roadable aircraft registered under section 168.24; or
new text end

new text begin (8) a vehicle issued plates under section 168.25.
new text end

new text begin (c) An outdoor recreation endorsement is only valid for the specific vehicle being
registered. The recreation endorsement sticker is not transferrable between vehicles. Unlawful
transfers of an outdoor recreation endorsement are subject to section 168.36.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Replacement. new text end

new text begin (a) Vehicles with an outdoor recreation endorsement sticker and
transferred by an owner other than by the creation of a security interest or as defined in
section 297B.01, subdivision 16, paragraph (c), clauses (1) to (5), must pay the amount
required for a new sticker.
new text end

new text begin (b) The defacement, loss, or destruction of stickers or plates affixed with stickers is
governed by section 168.29 and subject to the duplicate replacement fees of section 168.12,
subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Information required. new text end

new text begin On and after May 1, 2026, the commissioner, in
coordination with the commissioner of natural resources, must provide information on the
department's website about the outdoor recreation endorsement for the general public,
including:
new text end

new text begin (1) access benefits for all Minnesota state parks, state recreation areas, and state waysides
larger than 50 acres;
new text end

new text begin (2) the availability of the endorsement through the typical motor vehicle registration
process; and
new text end

new text begin (3) restrictions on the outdoor recreation endorsement, including eligible vehicles, the
inability to transfer endorsement stickers from one vehicle to another, and other frequently
asked questions about the endorsement.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Data practices. new text end

new text begin Chapter 13 and section 168.346 apply to data collected, created,
received, maintained, or disseminated under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Fees. new text end

new text begin Fees collected under subdivision 3 must be paid to the commissioner and
credited to the outdoor recreation endorsement account in section 85.057. Other fees collected
under this section must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account
under section 299A.705.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.79, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Plate registration stickers.

As viewed facing the plates:

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end license plates issued to vehicles registered under section 168.017 must display
the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in
the lower right corner of each plate deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end license plates issued to vehicles registered under section 168.127 must display
either fleet registration validation stickers in the lower right corner of each plate or distinctive
license plates, issued by the registrar, with "FLEET REG" displayed on the bottom center
portion of each plate deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end license plates issued after July 1, 2008, requiring validation must display the
month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration new text begin or the
outdoor recreation endorsement sticker provided in section 168.371 new text end in the lower right corner
of the plate.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027, for outdoor recreation
endorsements issued on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 13. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the driver and vehicle services operating
account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705, to the commissioner of public safety
to implement the outdoor recreation endorsement established in Minnesota Statutes, section
168.371. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
new text end