Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

CHAPTER 109--H.F.No. 1105

An act

relating to motor vehicles; modifying provisions related to pickup trucks;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 168.002, subdivisions 24, 26, 40, by adding subdivisions; 168.021, subdivision 1; 168.12, subdivisions 1, 2, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e; 168.123, subdivision 1; 168.1235, subdivision 1; 168.124, subdivision 1; 168.125, subdivision 1; 168.1253, subdivision 1; 168.1255, subdivision 1; 168.129, subdivision 1; 168.1296, subdivision 1; 168.1298, subdivision 1; Laws 2008, chapter 350, article 1, section 5, as amended.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 21a. new text end

new text begin Noncommercial vehicle. new text end

new text begin "Noncommercial vehicle" means a one-ton pickup truck registered under section 168.013, subdivision 1e, with a 15,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight rating and for which the owner has made a declaration that the vehicle will be operated exclusively for personal use. The declaration must be based on one or more of the following: new text end

new text begin (1) a change of vehicle use; new text end

new text begin (2) registration of a new vehicle; new text end

new text begin (3) transfer of vehicle ownership; or new text end

new text begin (4) registration renewal. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 21b. new text end

new text begin One-ton pickup truck. new text end

new text begin "One-ton pickup truck" means any truck resembling a pickup truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of one ton. If the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity is not provided or is not known, then the value specified by the manufacturer as the gross vehicle weight rating as indicated on the manufacturer's certification label must be 10,001 pounds or more, not to exceed 15,000 pounds, in accordance with the definition of "commercial motor vehicle" in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 390.5. new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 24, is amended to read:

Subd. 24.

Passenger automobile.

(a) "Passenger automobile" means any motor vehicle designed and used for carrying not more than 15 individuals, including the driver.

(b) "Passenger automobile" does not include motorcycles, motor scooters, buses, school buses, or commuter vans as defined in section 168.126. deleted text begin Except as provided in paragraph (c), clause (1), a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 to 13,000 pounds that is a pickup truck or a van is not a passenger automobile.deleted text end

(c) "Passenger automobile" includes, but is not limited to:

(1) a vehicle that is (i) a pickup truck or a vandeleted text begin , (ii) not used in furtherance of a commercial enterprise, and (iii) not subject to state or federal regulation as a commercial motor vehicledeleted text end new text begin as defined in subdivisions 26 and 40new text end ;

(2) neighborhood electric vehicles, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 47; and

(3) medium-speed electric vehicles, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 39.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

Subd. 26.

Pickup truck.

"Pickup truck" means any truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of three-fourths ton or less and commonly known as a pickup truck.new text begin If the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity is not provided or cannot be determined, then the value specified by the manufacturer as the gross vehicle weight as indicated on the manufacturer's certification label must be less than 10,000 pounds.new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 40, is amended to read:

Subd. 40.

Van.

"Van" means any vehicle of box-like design with no barrier or separation between the operator's area and the remainder of the cargo-carrying area, and with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of three-fourths ton or less.new text begin If the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity is not provided or not known, then the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum gross weight or gross vehicle weight rating as indicated on the manufacturer's certification label must be less than 10,000 pounds.new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, 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 motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end , deleted text begin a truck having a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one ton and resembling a pickup truck,deleted text end new text begin a one-ton pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b, new text end or a self-propelled recreational vehicle new text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27, new text end 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 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 the state Council on Disability approves the issuance of a second set of plates to a motor vehicle owner.

(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. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance.

(a) The commissioner, upon approval and payment, shall 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.

new text begin (c) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21a, must bear the inscription "noncommercial" unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued under this chapter. new text end

new text begin (d) A one-ton pickup truck, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b, 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. new text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end 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.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end The commissioner shall 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 shall not be transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle from one tax-exempt agency to another.

(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.

(3) Plates issued under sections 168.053 and 168.27, subdivisions 16 and 17, must be for a seven-year period.

(4) Plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and section 168.123 must be issued for the life of the veteran under section 169.79.

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

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner shall 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.

deleted text begin (f)deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end 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 shall notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Amateur radio licensee; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue amateur radio plates to an applicant who:

(1) is an owner of a passenger automobile or recreational motor vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivisions 24 and 27new text end ;

(2) is a resident of this state;

(3) holds an official amateur radio station license or a citizens radio service class D license, in good standing, issued by the Federal Communications Commission;

(4) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;

(5) pays a fee of $10 for each set of special plates and any other fees required by this chapter; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers;

(b) In lieu of the registration number required for identification under subdivision 1, the plates must indicate the official amateur call letters of the applicant, as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission, and the words "AMATEUR RADIO."

(c) This provision for the issue of special plates applies only if the applicant's motor vehicle is already registered in Minnesota so that the applicant has valid regular Minnesota plates issued for that motor vehicle under which to operate it during the time that it will take to have the necessary special plates made.

(d) If owning more than one motor vehicle of the type specified in this subdivision, the applicant may apply for special plates for each motor vehicle and, if each application complies with this subdivision, the commissioner shall furnish the applicant with the special plates, indicating the official amateur call letters and other distinguishing information as the commissioner considers necessary, for each of the motor vehicles.

(e) The commissioner may make reasonable rules governing the use of the special plates as will assure the full compliance by the owner of the special plates, with all existing laws governing the registration of motor vehicles and the transfer and use of the plates.

(f) Despite any contrary provision of subdivision 1, the special plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred by an owner to another motor vehicle listed in paragraph (a) and registered to the same owner, upon the payment of a fee of $5. The commissioner must be notified before the transfer and may prescribe a format for the notification.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Firefighters; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates, or a single license plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, to any applicant who:

(1) is a member of a fire department receiving state aid under chapter 69, has a letter from the fire chief, and is an owner of a passenger automobiledeleted text begin , a truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one ton and resembling a pickup truckdeleted text end new text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24, a one-ton pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bnew text end , or a motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end ;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) In lieu of the identification required under subdivision 1, the special plates must bear an emblem of a Maltese Cross together with any numbers or characters prescribed by the commissioner.

(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of a fire department as specified in this subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer a member of a fire department or when the motor vehicle ownership is transferred, the owner shall remove the special plates from the motor vehicle. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates, or special motorcycle plate, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates or a regular motorcycle plate for the proper registration classification for the motor vehicle.

(d) A special motorcycle license plate issued under this subdivision must be the same size as a standard motorcycle license plate.

(e) Upon payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under this subdivision for a passenger automobile or truck may be transferred to another passenger automobile or truck owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the plates were issued. On payment of a fee of $5, a plate issued under this subdivision for a motorcycle may be transferred to another motorcycle owned or jointly owned by the person to whom the plate was issued.

(f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, sections 14.001 to 14.69, to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized in this subdivision.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

Subd. 2c.

National Guard; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates to any applicant who:

(1) is a regularly enlisted, commissioned, or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, other than an inactive member who is not a retired member, and is an owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end ;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The adjutant general shall design the emblem for these special plates subject to the approval of the commissioner.

(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the owner of the motor vehicle is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard as specified in this subdivision. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued is no longer an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, the special plates must be removed from the vehicle by the owner. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. Upon removal or invalidation of the special plates, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle.

(d) While the person is an active or retired member of the Minnesota National Guard, plates issued pursuant to this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that individual upon payment of a fee of $5.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "retired member" means an individual placed on the roll of retired officers or roll of retired enlisted members in the Office of the Adjutant General under section 192.18 and who is not deceased.

(f) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 2d, is amended to read:

Subd. 2d.

Ready Reserve; special plates, rules.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates to an applicant who:

(1) is not eligible for special National Guard plates under subdivision 2c, is a member of the United States armed forces ready reserve as described in United States Code, title 10, section 10142 or 10143, or a retired reserve as described in United States Code, title 10, section 10154, and is an owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end ;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) pays the registration tax required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall design the emblem for these special plates subject to the approval of the commissioner.

(c) Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be used during the period that the owner of the motor vehicle is a member of the ready reserve. When the owner is no longer a member, the special plates must be removed from the motor vehicle by the owner. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. On removal or invalidation of the special plates, either the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle. While the owner is a member of the ready reserve, plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by that individual on paying a fee of $5.

(d) The commissioner may adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to govern the issuance and use of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.12, subdivision 2e, is amended to read:

Subd. 2e.

Volunteer ambulance attendants; special plates.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special license plates to an applicant who:

(1) is a volunteer ambulance attendant as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 15, and owns a motor vehicle taxed as a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end ;

(2) pays the registration tax required by this chapter for the motor vehicle;

(3) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) An individual may use special plates issued under this subdivision only during the period that the individual is a volunteer ambulance attendant. When the individual to whom the special plates were issued ceases to be a volunteer ambulance attendant, the individual shall remove each set of special plates issued. If the commissioner receives written notification that an individual is no longer qualified for these special plates, the commissioner shall invalidate the plates and notify the individual of this action. The individual may retain the plate only upon demonstrating compliance with the qualifications of this subdivision. When ownership of the motor vehicle is transferred, the individual shall remove the special plates from that motor vehicle. On removal or invalidation of the special plates, the owner or purchaser of the motor vehicle shall obtain regular plates for the motor vehicle. Special plates issued under this subdivision may be transferred to another motor vehicle owned by the volunteer ambulance attendant on payment of a fee of $5.

(c) The commissioner may adopt rules governing the design, issuance, and sale of the special plates authorized by this subdivision.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.123, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements; fees.

(a) On payment of a fee of $10 for each set of two plates, or for a single plate in the case of a motorcycle plate, payment of the registration tax required by law, and compliance with other applicable laws relating to vehicle registration and licensing, as applicable, the commissioner shall issue:

(1) special veteran's plates to an applicant who served in the active military service in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or of a nation or society allied with the United States in conducting a foreign war, was discharged under honorable conditions, and is a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , recreational motor vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end , or deleted text begin truck resembling a pickup truck and having a manufacturer's nominal rated capacity of one tondeleted text end new text begin one-ton pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bnew text end , but which is not a commercial motor vehicle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 16; or

(2) a veteran's special motorcycle plate as described in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h), (i), or (j), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant who is a registered owner of a motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19,new text end and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph and in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (f), (h), (i), or (j). Plates issued under this clause must be the same size as regular motorcycle plates. Special motorcycle license plates issued under this clause are not subject to section 168.1293.

(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable for each set of veteran's plates, is payable only when the plates are issued, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued instead of plates.

(c) The veteran must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers, indicating character of discharge, at the time of application. If an applicant served in the active military service in a branch of the armed forces of a nation or society allied with the United States in conducting a foreign war and is unable to obtain a record of that service and discharge status, the commissioner of veterans affairs may certify the applicant as qualified for the veterans' plates provided under this section.

(d) For license plates issued for one-ton trucks described in paragraph (a), clause (1), the commissioner shall collect a surcharge of $5 on each $10 fee collected under paragraph (a). The surcharge must be deposited in the vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.1235, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements; fees.

(a) The commissioner shall issue a special plate emblem for each plate to an applicant who:

(1) is a member of a congressionally chartered veterans service organization and is a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , pickup trucknew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26new text end , vannew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 40new text end , or self-propelled recreational vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end ;

(2) pays the registration tax required by law;

(3) pays a fee of $10 for each set of two plates, and any other fees required by this chapter; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The additional fee of $10 is payable at the time of initial application for the special plate emblem and when the plates must be replaced or renewed. An applicant must not be issued more than two sets of special plate emblems for motor vehicles listed in paragraph (a) and registered to the applicant.

(c) The applicant must present a valid card indicating membership in the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.124, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Issuance and design.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates bearing the inscription "MEDAL OF HONOR" to an applicant who:

(1) is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor;

(2) is a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end , or recreational motor vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end ; and

(3) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The special plates must be of a design and size determined by the commissioner. Only one set of plates, or a single plate in the case of a motorcycle, bearing the inscription "MEDAL OF HONOR" may be issued for each qualified applicant.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.125, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Issuance and design.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special plates bearing the inscription "EX-POW" to any applicant who:

(1) is both a former prisoner of war and a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end , or recreational motor vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end ; and

(2) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The special plates must be of a design and size to be determined by the commissioner. Only one set of plates, or a single plate in the case of a motorcycle, bearing the "EX-POW" inscription may be issued for each qualified applicant.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.1253, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) The terms used in this section have the meanings given them in this subdivision.

(b) "Active service" has the meaning given in section 190.05, subdivision 5.

(c) "Eligible person" means a surviving spouse or parent of a person who has died while serving honorably in active service.

(d) "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle for personal use, not used for commercial purposes, and may include a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end , recreational vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end , pickup trucknew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26new text end , or vannew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 40new text end .

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.1255, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements and procedures.

The commissioner shall issue special veteran contribution plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:

(1) is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447;

(2) is a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , recreational vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end , one-ton pickup trucknew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bnew text end , or motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end ;

(3) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;

(4) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;

(5) pays the fees required under this chapter;

(6) pays an additional onetime World War II memorial contribution of $30, which the department shall retain until all start-up costs associated with the development and issuing of the plates have been recovered, after which the commissioner shall deposit contributions in the World War II donation match account; and

(7) complies with this chapter and rules governing the registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.129, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements and procedures.

The commissioner shall issue special collegiate plates to an applicant who:

(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end ;

(2) pays a fee as specified in section 168.12, subdivision 5, to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;

(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;

(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;

(5) contributes at least $25 annually to the scholarship account established in subdivision 6; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.1296, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements and procedures.

(a) The commissioner shall issue critical habitat plates to an applicant who:

(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24,new text end or recreational vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end ;

(2) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;

(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;

(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;

(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota critical habitat private sector matching account established in section 84.943; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The critical habitat plate application must indicate that the annual contribution specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.

(c) Owners of recreational vehicles under paragraph (a), clause (1), are eligible only for special critical habitat license plates for which the designs are selected under subdivision 2, on or after January 1, 2006.

(d) Special critical habitat license plates, the designs for which are selected under subdivision 2, on or after January 1, 2006, may be personalized according to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.1298, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements and procedures.

(a) The commissioner shall issue special "Support Our Troops" license plates to an applicant who:

(1) is an owner of a passenger automobilenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24new text end , one-ton pickup trucknew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21bnew text end , recreational vehiclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27new text end , or motorcyclenew text begin as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19new text end ;

(2) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and manufacturing the plates;

(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;

(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;

(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" account established in section 190.19; and

(6) complies with laws and rules governing registration and licensing of vehicles and drivers.

(b) The license application under this section must indicate that the annual contribution specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plates and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.

Sec. 22.

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

EFFECTIVE DATE.

deleted text begin Paragraph (b) and paragraph (c), clause (1), are effective the day following final enactment and apply to any additional tax for a registration period that starts on or after March 1, 2012deleted text end new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2011new text end .

Presented to the governor May 25, 2011

Signed by the governor May 27, 2011, 10:39 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes