SF 2204

1st Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to motor vehicles; allowing multiple sets of plates for physically disabled
persons; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.021, subdivisions 1, 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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, a truck having a manufacturer's nominal rated
capacity of one ton and resembling a pickup truck, or a self-propelled recreational vehicle
is owned or primarily operated by a permanently physically disabled person or a custodial
parent or guardian of a permanently physically disabled minor, 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 new text begin , new text end 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.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue more than one set of plates to any owner of a
motor vehicle at the same time unless deleted text begin all motor vehicles have been specifically modified
deleted text end deleted text begin for and are used exclusively by a permanently physically disabled person deleted text end new text begin the state council
on disability approves the issuance of a second set of plates to a motor vehicle owner new text end .

(c) When the owner first applies for the disability 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 of a motor
vehicle applies for plates for one or more motor vehicles that are specially modified for
and used exclusively by permanently physically disabled persons.

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

(1) the owner employs a permanently physically disabled person who would qualify
for disability 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.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.021, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Plate design; furnished by commissioner.

The commissioner shall design
and furnish two disability plates with attached emblems to deleted text begin each deleted text end new text begin an new text end eligible owner. The
emblem must bear the internationally accepted wheelchair symbol, as designated in
section 16B.61, subdivision 5, approximately three inches square. The emblem must
be large enough to be visible plainly from a distance of 50 feet. An applicant eligible
for disability plates shall pay the motor vehicle registration fee authorized by sections
168.013 and 168.09.