HF 2408

1st Committee Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/22/2009 12:38pm

1.1A bill for an act

1.2relating to motor vehicles; allowing multiple sets of plates for physically disabled
1.3persons; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.021, subdivisions 1, 2.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.6    Subdivision 1. Disability plates; application. (a) When a motor vehicle registered
1.7under section 168.017, a motorcycle, a truck having a manufacturer's nominal rated
1.8capacity of one ton and resembling a pickup truck, or a self-propelled recreational vehicle
1.9is owned or primarily operated by a permanently physically disabled person or a custodial
1.10parent or guardian of a permanently physically disabled minor, the owner may apply for
1.11and secure from the commissioner (1) immediately, a temporary permit valid for 30 days
1.12if the applicant is eligible for the disability plates issued under this section and (2) two
1.13disability plates with attached emblems, one plate to be attached to the front, and one
1.14to the rear of the motor vehicle.
1.15    (b) The commissioner shall not issue more than one set two sets of plates to any
1.16owner of a motor vehicle at the same time unless all motor vehicles have been specifically
1.17modified for and are used exclusively by a permanently physically disabled person.
1.18    (c) When the owner first applies for the disability plates, the owner must submit a
1.19medical statement in a format approved by the commissioner under section 169.345, or
1.20proof of physical disability provided for in that section.
1.21    (d) No medical statement or proof of disability is required when an owner of a motor
1.22vehicle applies for plates for one or more motor vehicles that are specially modified for
1.23and used exclusively by permanently physically disabled persons.
2.1    (e) The owner of a motor vehicle may apply for and secure (i) immediately, a permit
2.2valid for 30 days, if the applicant is eligible to receive the disability plates issued under
2.3this section, and (ii) a set of disability plates for a motor vehicle if:
2.4    (1) the owner employs a permanently physically disabled person who would qualify
2.5for disability plates under this section; and
2.6    (2) the owner furnishes the motor vehicle to the physically disabled person for the
2.7exclusive use of that person in the course of employment.

2.8    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.021, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2.9    Subd. 2. Plate design; furnished by commissioner. The commissioner shall design
2.10and furnish two disability plates with attached emblems to each an eligible owner. The
2.11emblem must bear the internationally accepted wheelchair symbol, as designated in
2.12section 16B.61, subdivision 5, approximately three inches square. The emblem must
2.13be large enough to be visible plainly from a distance of 50 feet. An applicant eligible
2.14for disability plates shall pay the motor vehicle registration fee authorized by sections
2.15168.013 and 168.09.