HF 1261

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/05/2013 11:22am

A bill for an act
relating to motor vehicles; expanding the class of persons eligible for disability
license plates; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 168.021, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 168.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Disability plates; application.

(a) When a motor vehicle registered
under section 168.017, a motorcycle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19, a
one-ton pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b, or a self-propelled
recreational vehicle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27, is owned or primarily
operated by a permanently physically disabled person or a custodial parent or guardian of
a permanently physically disabled minor new text begin or legal ward as defined in section 524.5-102,
subdivision 17 new text end , the owner may apply for and secure from the commissioner (1)
immediately, a temporary permit valid for 30 days if the applicant is eligible for the
disability plates issued under this section and (2) two disability plates with attached
emblems, one plate to be attached to the front, and one to the rear of the motor vehicle,
truck, or recreational vehicle, or, in the case of a motorcycle, one disability plate the
same size as a regular motorcycle plate.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue more than one plate to the owner of a
motorcycle and not more than one set of plates to any owner of another vehicle described
in paragraph (a) at the same time unless the state Council on Disability approves the
issuance of a second plate or set of plates to an owner.

(c) When the owner first applies for the disability plate or plates, the owner must
submit a medical statement in a format approved by the commissioner under section
169.345, or proof of physical disability provided for in that section.

(d) No medical statement or proof of disability is required when an owner applies for
a plate or plates for one or more vehicles listed in paragraph (a) that are specially modified
for and used exclusively by permanently physically disabled persons.

(e) The owner of a vehicle listed in paragraph (a) may apply for and secure (i)
immediately, a permit valid for 30 days, if the applicant is eligible to receive the disability
plate or plates issued under this section, and (ii) a disability plate or plates for the vehicle if:

(1) the owner employs a permanently physically disabled person who would qualify
for the disability plate or plates under this section; and

(2) the owner furnishes the motor vehicle to the physically disabled person for the
exclusive use of that person in the course of employment.