Minnesota Session Laws - 2012, Regular Session

CHAPTER 174--H.F.No. 2187

An act

relating to motor vehicles; amending provision relating to dealer issuance of registration plates and stickers; allowing dealer to obtain cancellation of lien more than seven years old;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 168.27, subdivision 28; 168A.20, subdivision 5.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.27, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

Subd. 28.

Distribution of plates and stickers.

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 deleted text begin and at the time of deleted text end 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 EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168A.20, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Satisfaction of automobile lien seven years old; release.

A security interest perfected under this chapter may be canceled seven years from the perfection date for a passenger automobile, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24, upon the request of the owner of the passenger automobile, if the owner has paid the lien in full and is unable to locate the lienholder to obtain a lien release. At a minimum, the owner must send a letter to the lienholder by certified mail, return receipt requested, requesting a lien release. If the owner is unable to obtain a lien release by sending a letter by certified mail, then the owner must present to the department or its agent the returned letter as evidence of the attempted contact. This subdivision applies only to new text begin : (1) new text end vehicle owners who are individuals new text begin ; or (2) dealers licensed under section 168.27, subdivision 2 or 3, who are purchasing a vehicle from an individual owner for resale new text end .

Presented to the governor April 16, 2012

Signed by the governor April 18, 2012, 01:41 p.m.