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

  

                         Laws of Minnesota 1984 

                        CHAPTER 549-S.F.No. 1520 
           An act relating to motor vehicles; defining terms; 
          increasing certain gross vehicle weight tax to comply 
          with international registration plan; authorizing 
          repair and servicing permit for commercial zone trucks;
          providing time limitation for applying for quarterly 
          registration of farm trucks; increasing certain fees; 
          clarifying display and use of drive-away, in-transit 
          plates; clarifying requirement to submit forms to 
          registrar of motor vehicles; prohibiting transfer of 
          certain plates; providing for transfer of amateur 
          radio and citizen band plates; prescribing uniform fee 
          for issuance of duplicate plates except for exempt 
          vehicles; increasing minimum tax requirements for 
          qualification for installment payments and prescribing 
          a fee; increasing penalty fees for late installment 
          payments; clarifying certain duties of deputy 
          registrars relating to reports and deposits of taxes 
          and fees; requiring payment of one month's 
          registration tax before issuance of certificate of 
          title; authorizing certain replacement bumpers; 
          requiring protective headgear to comply with standards 
          established by the commissioner of public safety; 
          amending Minnesota Statutes 1982, sections 168.011, 
          subdivisions 9 and 13; 168.013, subdivision 16; 
          168.018; 168.041, subdivision 6; 168.053, subdivision 
          1; 168.09, subdivisions 2 and 3; 168.10, subdivisions 
          1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d; 168.101, subdivision 2; 168.12, 
          subdivisions 1 and 2b; 168.27, subdivisions 2, 3, and 
          10; 168.29; 168.31, subdivisions 1 and 4; 168.33, 
          subdivision 2; 168A.08; 169.01, subdivisions 10, 11, 
          and 50; 169.59, subdivision 3; 169.743; Minnesota 
          Statutes 1983 Supplement, sections 168.013, 
          subdivision 1e; 168.12, subdivision 2; 169.73, 
          subdivision 4; and 169.974, subdivisions 2 and 6; 
          repealing Minnesota Statutes 1982, sections 168.27, 
          subdivision 5; 168.31, subdivision 3; 169.672; 
          169.755; and Minnesota Statutes 1983 Supplement, 
          section 168.46. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
    Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.011, 
subdivision 9, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 9.  [BUS; INTERCITY BUS.] (a) "Bus" means any every 
motor vehicle designed and used for the carrying of more than 
eight persons ten passengers and used for transporting persons, 
and every motor vehicle, other than a taxicab, designed and used 
for transporting persons for compensation. 
    The term "bus" does not include a vehicle designed for 
carrying more than ten passengers but not more than 14 
passengers and operated for the personal or family use of the 
owner or operater.  
    (b) "Intercity bus" means any bus operating as a common 
passenger carrier over regular routes and between fixed termini, 
but excluding all buses operating wholly within the limits of 
one city, or wholly within two or more contiguous cities, or 
between contiguous cities and a terminus outside the corporate 
limits of such cities, and not more than 20 miles distant 
measured along the fixed route from such corporate limits. 
    Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.011, 
subdivision 13, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 13.  [TRAILER.] "Trailer" means any vehicle designed 
for carrying property or passenger on its own structure and for 
being drawn by a motor vehicle but shall not include a trailer 
drawn by a truck-tractor semitrailer combination, or an 
auxiliary axle on a motor vehicle which carries a portion of the 
weight of the motor vehicle to which it is attached. 
    Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 1983 Supplement, section 
168.013, subdivision 1e, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 1e.  [TRUCKS; TRACTORS; COMBINATIONS; EXCEPTIONS.] On 
trucks and tractors except those in this chapter defined as farm 
trucks, and urban trucks, and on truck-tractor and semitrailer 
combinations except those defined as farm combinations and urban 
combinations and on commercial zone vehicles, the tax based on 
total gross weight shall be graduated according to the Minnesota 
base rate schedule prescribed in this subdivision, but in no 
event less than $120. 

                      Minnesota Base Rate Schedule 
          Scheduled taxes include five percent
          surtax provided for in subdivision 14
          TOTAL GROSS WEIGHT
              IN POUNDS                    TAX
          A       0 -  1,500             $  15
          B   1,501 -  3,000                20
          C   3,001 -  4,500                25
          D   4,501 -  6,000                35
          E   6,001 -  9,000                45
          F   9,001 - 12,000                70
          G  12,001 - 15,000               105
          H  15,001 - 18,000               145
          I  18,001 - 21,000               190
          J  21,001 - 27,000 26,000        270
          K  27,001 26,001 - 33,000        360
          L  33,001 - 39,000               470
          M  39,001 - 45,000               590
          N  45,001 - 51,000               710
          O  51,001 - 57,000               860
          P  57,001 - 63,000              1010
          Q  63,001 - 69,000              1180
          R  69,001 - 73,280              1320
          S  73,281 - 78,000              1520
          T  78,001 - 81,000              1620
    For each vehicle with a gross weight in excess of 81,000 
pounds an additional tax of $50 is imposed for each ton or 
fraction thereof in excess of 81,000 pounds, subject to 
subdivision 12. 
    Truck-tractors except those herein defined as farm and 
urban truck-tractors and commercial zone vehicles shall be taxed 
in accord with the foregoing gross weight tax schedule on the 
basis of the combined gross weight of the truck-tractor and any 
semitrailer or semitrailers which the applicant proposes to 
combine with the truck-tractor.  In addition, to the gross 
weight tax imposed on the truck-tractor, each semitrailer shall 
be taxed a fee of $10 for a one-year period or $50 for a 
five-year period whichever the applicant elects. 
    Commercial zone trucks include only trucks, truck-tractors, 
and semitrailer combinations which are: 
    (1) used by an authorized local cartage carrier operating 
under a permit issued under section 221.296 and whose gross 
transportation revenue consists of at least 60 percent obtained 
solely from local cartage carriage, and are operated solely 
within an area composed of two contiguous cities of the first 
class and municipalities contiguous thereto as defined by 
section 221.011, subdivision 17; or, 
    (2) operated by an interstate carrier registered under 
section 221.61 or 221.62, or by an authorized local cartage 
carrier or other carrier receiving operating authority under 
chapter 221, and operated solely within a zone exempt from 
regulation by the interstate commerce commission pursuant to 
United States Code, title 49, section 10526(b). 
     The license plates issued for commercial zone vehicles 
shall be plainly marked.  A person operating a commercial zone 
vehicle outside the zone or area in which its operation is 
authorized is guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the 
penalty therefor, shall have the registration of the vehicle as 
a commercial zone vehicle revoked by the registrar and shall be 
required to reregister the vehicle at 100 percent of the full 
annual tax prescribed in the Minnesota base rate schedule, and 
no part of this tax shall be refunded during the balance of the 
registration year. 
     On commercial zone trucks the tax shall be based on the 
total gross weight of the vehicle and during the first eight 
years of vehicle life shall be 75 percent of the Minnesota base 
rate schedule.  During the ninth and succeeding years of vehicle 
life the tax shall be 50 percent of the Minnesota base rate 
schedule, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision.  On 
commercial zone trucks, during the ninth and succeeding years of 
vehicle life, the tax shall be: 
     (a) for the 1982 registration year, 35 percent of the tax 
imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule; 
     (b) for the 1983 registration year, 40 percent of the tax 
imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule; 
     (c) for the 1984 registration year, 45 percent of the tax 
imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule; 
     (d) for the 1985 registration year, and each succeeding 
year, 50 percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate 
schedule. 
     On trucks, truck-tractors and semitrailer combinations, 
except those defined as farm trucks and farm combinations, and 
except for those urban trucks and combinations and commercial 
zone vehicles specifically provided for in this subdivision, the 
tax for the first eight years of vehicle life shall be 100 
percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule, 
and during the ninth and succeeding years of vehicle life, the 
tax shall be 75 percent of the Minnesota base rate prescribed by 
this subdivision, except as otherwise provided in this 
subdivision. 
     On trucks, truck-tractors and semitrailer combinations, 
except those defined as farm trucks and farm combinations, and 
except for those urban trucks and combinations and commercial 
zone vehicles specifically provided for in this subdivision, 
during each of the first eight years of vehicle life the tax 
shall be: 
     (a) for the registration year 1982, 83 percent of the tax 
imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule; 
    (b) for the registration year 1983, 89 percent of the tax 
imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule; 
    (c) for the registration year 1984, 95 percent of the tax 
imposed in the Minnesota base rate schedule; 
    (d) for the registration year 1985, and each succeeding 
year, 100 percent of the tax imposed in the Minnesota base rate 
schedule. 
    Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.013, 
subdivision 16, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 16.  [REPAIR AND SERVICING PERMIT.] Upon the written 
application of the owner of a motor vehicle registered and taxed 
as a commercial zone truck, an urban truck, a truck tractor, a 
semitrailer, or any combination thereof in accordance with this 
section, the registrar may grant permission in writing to such 
owner to operate such vehicle to and from a repair shop or 
service station outside of its licensed zone of operation for 
the limited purpose of repair or servicing. The application and 
any permit issued under this subdivision shall state the 
location of the repair or servicing facility, together with such 
other information and subject to such conditions as the 
registrar may specify.  Any motor vehicle operated under such a 
permit shall carry no load. 
    Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.018, is 
amended to read: 
    168.018 [QUARTERLY REGISTRATION OF FARM TRUCKS.] 
    The owner of any farm truck as defined in section 168.011, 
subdivision 17, may elect to register and license the farm truck 
only for one or more quarters of a registration year, at a tax 
of one-fourth of the annual tax on the vehicle plus $5 for each 
quarterly registration.  The owner may not apply for quarterly 
registration or renewal until seven days before the selected 
quarter or concurrent quarters.  The expiration date of a 
registration shall be displayed on the license plate in such a 
manner as the registrar shall direct.  No farm truck registered 
on a quarterly basis shall be operated on the public streets and 
highways more than ten days beyond the end of the quarter for 
which it is registered unless the registration has been renewed 
for another quarter or for the remainder of the registration 
year.  
    For purposes of this section registration quarters shall 
begin on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.  
    Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.041, 
subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 6.  Any such violator or owner may apply to the 
registrar of motor vehicles for new registration plates which 
shall bear a special series number which may be readily 
identified by traffic law enforcement officers.  A fee of $3 $5 
shall accompany the application.  The registrar of motor 
vehicles shall forthwith notify the court of such application.  
The court may return the registration certificate of such 
violator or owner to the registrar of motor vehicles, together 
with its consent to the issuance of such registration plates to 
such violator or owner.  Thereupon the registrar of motor 
vehicles shall issue such new registration plates.  Until the 
drivers license of such violator is reinstated, any new 
registration plates issued to him or to an owner whose plates 
have been impounded shall bear a special series number.  
    Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.053, 
subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
    Subdivision 1.  Any person, firm, or corporation engaged in 
the business of transporting motor vehicles, not his own, by 
delivering, by drive-away or towing methods, either singly or by 
means of the full mount method, the saddle mount method, the 
tow-bar method, or any other combination thereof, and under 
their own power, vehicles over the highways of the state from 
the manufacturer or any other point of origin, to any point of 
destination, within or without the state, shall make application 
to the registrar for a drive-away in transit license.  This 
application for annual license shall be accompanied by a 
registration fee of $250 and contain such information as the 
registrar may require.  Upon the filing of the application and 
the payment of the fee, the registrar shall issue to each 
drive-away operator a general distinguishing number, which 
number must be carried and displayed by each motor vehicle in 
like manner as is now provided by law for vehicles while being 
operated upon the public highways on the power unit consistent 
with section 169.79 and such number shall remain on the vehicle 
from the manufacturer, or any point of origin, to any point of 
destination while being operated within or beyond the state.  
Additional plates bearing the same distinguishing number desired 
by any drive-away operator may be secured from the registrar of 
motor vehicles upon the payment of a fee of $2 for each set of 
additional license plates.  Any person, firm, or corporation 
engaging in the business as a drive-away operator, of 
transporting and delivering by means of full mount method, the 
saddle mount method, the tow-bar method, or any combination 
thereof, and under their own power, motor vehicles, who fails or 
refuses to file or cause to be filed an application, as is 
required by law, and to pay the fees therefor as the law 
requires, shall be found guilty of violating the provisions of 
sections 168.053 to 168.057; and, upon conviction, fined not 
less than $50, and not more than $100, and all costs of court.  
Each day so operating without securing the license and plates as 
required therein shall constitute a separate offense within the 
meaning thereof.  
    Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.09, 
subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2.  When a motor vehicle registered in Minnesota, has 
during the calendar year for which it is so registered, been 
re-registered for the following year, the display on such motor 
vehicle of the plates issued for such motor vehicle on its 
re-registration for the following year shall on and after 
November 15 of the calendar year in which it was so 
re-registered constitute compliance with subdivision 1 requiring 
display of plates except as provided in subdivision subdivisions 
3 and 4. 
    Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.09, 
subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 3.  Plates or other insignia issued for a motor 
vehicle registered under the provisions of section 168.187 for a 
calendar year shall be displayed on the motor vehicle not later 
than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the year unless extended by the 
registrar for the period of time required for the issuance of 
the new plates or insignia.  Plates or other insignia issued for 
a self-propelled motor vehicle registered for over 27,000 pounds 
except a motor vehicle registered under the provision of 
sections 168.017 and 168.187 shall be displayed on the vehicle 
not later than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the year, nor earlier 
than 12:01 a.m. on February 15 of the year, unless otherwise 
extended by the registrar for the period of time required for 
the issuance of the new plates or insignia.  Plates or other 
insignia issued for a self-propelled vehicle registered for 
27,000 pounds or less and all other motor vehicles except those 
registered under the provisions of section 168.017 or 168.187 
shall be displayed not later than 12:01 a.m. on March 2 of the 
year, and not earlier than November 15 January 1 of the 
preceding year unless otherwise extended by the registrar for 
the period of time required for the issuance of the new plates 
or insignia.  The commissioner of public safety shall register 
all motor vehicles with the exception of those registered under 
sections 168.017 or 168.187 for a period of 14 months for the 
registration year 1978 to implement the provisions of this 
subdivision.  The registration year for all vehicles as provided 
in this section shall be from March 1 to the last day of 
February for 1979 and succeeding years. 
    Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.10, 
subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
    Subdivision 1.  [APPLICATION.] Except as provided in 
subdivisions 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1g, every owner of any motor 
vehicle in this state, not exempted by section 168.012 or 
168.26, shall as soon as ownership of a motor vehicle is 
acquired and annually thereafter during the period November 15 
to March 1 following, both dates inclusive provided in section 
168.31, file with the commissioner of public safety on a blank 
provided by him a listing for taxation and application for the 
registration of such vehicle, stating the first, middle and last 
names, the dates of birth, and addresses of all owners thereof 
who are natural persons, the full names and addresses of all 
other owners, the name and address of the person from whom 
purchased, make of motor vehicle, year and number of the model, 
manufacturer's identification number or serial number, type of 
body, the weight of the vehicle in pounds, for trailers only, 
its rated load carrying capacity and for buses only, its seating 
capacity, and such other information as the commissioner may 
require.  Any false statement wilfully and knowingly made in 
regard thereto shall be deemed perjury and punished 
accordingly.  The listing and application for registration by 
dealers or manufacturers' agents within the state, of motor 
vehicles received for sale or use within the state shall be 
accepted as compliance with the requirements of this chapter, 
imposed upon the manufacturer. 
    Registration shall be refused a motor vehicle if the 
original identification or serial number has been destroyed, 
removed, altered, covered or defaced.  However, if the 
commissioner is satisfied on the sworn statements of the owner 
or owners or such other persons as he may deem advisable that 
the applicant is the legal owner, a special identification 
number in the form prescribed by the commissioner shall be 
assigned to the motor vehicle.  When it has been determined that 
the number had been affixed to such vehicle in a manner 
prescribed by the commissioner, the vehicle may thereafter be 
registered in the same manner as other motor vehicles.  In the 
case of a new or rebuilt motor vehicle manufactured or assembled 
without an identification or serial number, the commissioner may 
assign an identification number to the motor vehicle in the same 
manner as prescribed heretofore. 
    Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.10, 
subdivision 1a, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 1a.  [COLLECTOR'S VEHICLES, PIONEER LICENSE.] Any 
motor vehicle manufactured prior to 1936 and owned and operated 
solely as a collector's item shall be listed for taxation and 
registration as follows:  An affidavit shall be executed stating 
the name and address of the owner, the name and address of the 
person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year 
and number of the model, the manufacturer's identification 
number and that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a 
collector's item and not for general transportation purposes.  
If the registrar is satisfied that the affidavit is true and 
correct and the owner pays a $6 $25 tax, the registrar shall 
list such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall issue 
number plates. 
    The number plates so issued shall bear the inscription 
"Pioneer," "Minnesota" and the registration number but no date.  
The number plates are valid without renewal as long as the 
vehicle is in existence and shall be issued for the applicant's 
use only for such vehicle.  The registrar has the power to 
revoke said plates for failure to comply with this subdivision. 
    In the event of the defacement, loss or destruction of such 
number plates, the registrar, upon receiving and filing a sworn 
statement of the vehicle owner, setting forth the circumstances, 
together with any defaced plates and the payment of a $2 fee, 
shall issue duplicate plates specially designed for that 
purpose.  The registrar shall then note on his records the issue 
of such new number plates and shall proceed in such manner as he 
may deem advisable to cancel and call in the original plates.  
    Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.10, 
subdivision 1b, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 1b.  [COLLECTOR'S VEHICLE, CLASSIC CAR LICENSE.] Any 
motor vehicle manufactured between and including the years 1925 
and 1948, and designated by the registrar of motor vehicles as a 
classic car because of its fine design, high engineering 
standards, and superior workmanship, and owned and operated 
solely as a collector's item shall be listed for taxation and 
registration as follows:  An affidavit shall be executed stating 
the name and address of the owner, the name and address of the 
person from whom purchased, the make of the motor vehicle, year 
and number of the model, the manufacturer's identification 
number and that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a 
collector's item and not for general transportation purposes.  
If the registrar is satisfied that the affidavit is true and 
correct and that the motor vehicle qualifies to be classified as 
a classic car, and the owner pays a $6 $25 tax, the registrar 
shall list such vehicle for taxation and registration and shall 
issue number plates. 
    The number plates so issued shall bear the inscription 
"Classic Car," "Minnesota," and the registration number but no 
date.  The number plates are valid without renewal as long as 
the vehicle is in existence and shall be issued for the 
applicant's use only for such vehicle.  The registrar has the 
power to revoke said plates for failure to comply with this 
subdivision. 
    In the event of the defacement, loss or destruction of such 
number plates, the registrar, upon receiving and filing a sworn 
statement of the vehicle owner, setting forth the circumstances, 
together with any defaced plates and the payment of a $2 fee, 
shall issue duplicate plates specially designed for that 
purpose.  The registrar shall then note on his records the issue 
of such new number plates and shall proceed in such manner as he 
may deem advisable to cancel and call in the original plates.  
    The following cars built between and including 1925 and 
1948 are classic: 
   A.C.
  Adler
  Alfa Romeo
  Alvis               Speed 20, 25, and 4.3 litre.
  Amilcar
  Aston Martin
  Auburn              All 8-cylinder and 12-cylinder
                      models.
  Audi
  Austro-Daimler
  Avions Voisin 12
  Bentley
  Blackhawk
  B.M.W.              Models 327, 328, and 335 only.
  Brewster
   (Heart-front Ford)
  Bugatti
  Buick               1931 through 1942:  series 90 only.
  Cadillac            All 1925 through 1935.
                      1936-1948:  Series 67, 70, 72, 75, 80,
                      85 and 90 only.
                      1938-1941:  60 special only.
  Chrysler            1926 through 1930:  Imperial 80.
                      1931:  Imperial 8 Series CG.
                      1932:  Series CG, CH and CL.
                      1933:  Series CL.
                      1934:  Series CW.
                      1935:  Series CW.
                      All Newports and Thunderbolts.
  Cord
  Cunningham
  Dagmar              Model 25-70 only.
  Daimler
  Delage
  Delahaye
  Doble
  Dorris
  Duesenberg
  du Pont
  Franklin            All models except 1933-34 Olympic
                      Sixes.
  Frazer Nash
  Hispano Suiza
  Horch
  Hotchkiss
  Invicta
  Isotta Fraschini
  Jaguar
  Jordan              Speedway Series 'Z' only.
  Kissel              1925, 1926 and 1927:  Model 8-75.
                      1928:  Model 8-90, and 8-90 White
                      Eagle.
                      1929:  Model 8-126, and 8-90 White
                      Eagle.
                      1930:  Model 8-126.
                      1931:  Model 8-126.
  Lagonda
  Lancia
  La Salle            1927 through 1933 only.
  Lincoln             All models K, L, KA, and KB.
                      1941:  Model 168H.
                      1942:  Model 268H.
  Lincoln
   Continental        1939 through 1948.
  Locomobile          All models 48 and 90.
                      1927:  Model 8-80.
                      1928:  Model 8-80.
                      1929:  Models 8-80 and 8-88.
  Marmon              All 16-cylinder models.
                      1925:  Model 74.
                      1926:  Model 74.
                      1927:  Model 75.
                      1928:  Model E75.
                      1930:  Big 8 model.
                      1931:  Model 88, and Big 8.
  Maybach
  McFarlan
  Mercedes Benz       All models 2.2 litres and up.
  Mercer
  M.G.                6-cylinder models only.
  Minerva
  Packard             1925 through 1934:  All models.
                      1935 through 1942:  Models 1200,
                      1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1207,
                      1208, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404,
                      1405, 1407, 1408, 1500, 1501, 1502,
                      1506, 1507, 1508, 1603, 1604, 1605,
                      1607, 1608, 1705, 1707, 1708, 1806,
                      1807, 1808, 1906, 1907, 1908, 2006,
                      2007, and 2008 only.
                      1946 and 1947:  Models 2106 and
                      2126 only.
  Peerless            1926 through 1928:  Series 69.
                      1930-1931:  Custom 8.
                      1932:  Deluxe Custom 8.
  Pierce Arrow
  Railton
  Renault             Grand Sport model only.
  Reo                 1930-1931:  Royale Custom 8, and
                      Series 8-35 and 8-52 Elite 8.
                      1933:  Royale Custom 8.
  Revere
  Roamer              1925:  Series 8-88, 6-54e, and 4-75.
                      1926:  Series 4-75e, and 8-88.
                      1927-1928:  Series 8-88.
                      1929:  Series 8-88, and 8-125.
                      1930:  Series 8-125.
  Rohr
  Rolls Royce
  Ruxton
  Salmson
  Squire
  Stearns Knight
  Stevens Duryea
  Steyr
  Stutz
  Sunbeam
  Talbot
  Vauxhall           Series 30-98 only.
  Wills Saint Claire
     No commercial vehicles such as hearses, ambulances, or 
trucks are considered to be classic cars. 
    Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.10, 
subdivision 1c, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 1c.  [COLLECTOR'S VEHICLE, COLLECTOR LICENSE.] Any 
motor vehicle, including any truck, that is at least 20 model 
years old and manufactured after 1935, or any motor vehicle of a 
defunct make defined as any car or truck originally licensed as 
a separate identifiable make as designated by the division of 
motor vehicles, and owned and operated solely as a collector's 
vehicle, shall be listed for taxation and registration as 
follows:  An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and 
address of the person from whom purchased and of the new owner, 
the make of the motor vehicle, year and number of the model, the 
manufacturer's identification number and that the vehicle is 
owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for 
general transportation purposes.  The owner must also prove that 
he or she also has one or more vehicles with regular license 
plates.  If the registrar is satisfied that the affidavit is 
true and correct and the owner pays a $20 $25 tax, the registrar 
shall list the vehicle for taxation and registration and shall 
issue number plates. 
    The number plates issued shall bear the inscription 
"Collector," "Minnesota" and the registration number, but no 
date.  The number plates are valid without renewal as long as 
the vehicle is in existence and shall be issued for the 
applicant's use only for the vehicle.  The registrar has the 
power to revoke the plates for failure to comply with this 
subdivision. 
    In the event of the defacement, loss or destruction of the 
number plates, the registrar, upon receiving and filing a sworn 
statement of the vehicle owner, setting forth the circumstances, 
together with any defaced plates and the payment of a $2 fee, 
shall issue duplicate plates specially designed for that 
purpose.  The registrar shall then note on his records the issue 
of the new number plates and shall proceed in the manner as he 
may deem advisable to cancel and call in the original plates.  
    Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.10, 
subdivision 1d, is amended to read:  
    Subd. 1d.  [COLLECTORS VEHICLES, STREET ROD LICENSE.] Any 
modernized motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949 or 
designed and manufactured to resemble such vehicle shall be 
listed for taxation and registration as follows:  
    An affidavit shall be executed stating the name and address 
of the person from whom purchased and of the new owner, the make 
of the motor vehicle, year number of model, and the 
manufacturer's identification number.  The affidavit shall 
further state that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a 
street rod and not for general transportation purposes.  The 
owner must also prove that he or she has one or more vehicles 
with regular license plates.  If the registrar is satisfied that 
the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax, 
the registrar shall list such vehicle for taxation and 
registration and shall issue number plates.  
    The number plates issued shall bear the inscription "Street 
Rod", "Minnesota" and the registration number but no date.  The 
number plates are valid without renewal as long as the vehicle 
is in existence and shall be issued for the applicant's use only 
for such vehicle.  The registrar has the power to revoke such 
plates for failure to comply with this subdivision.  
    In the event of the defacement, loss or destruction of such 
number plates, the registrar, upon receiving and filing a sworn 
statement of the vehicle's owner, setting forth the 
circumstances, together with any defaced plates and the payment 
of a $5 fee, shall issue duplicate plates specially designed for 
that purpose.  The registrar shall then note on his records the 
issue of such new number plates and shall proceed in such a 
manner as he may deem advisable to cancel and call in the 
original plates.  
    Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.101, 
subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2.  Any person who knowingly sells or in any manner 
knowingly transfers title of a passenger automobile or truck to 
a person who is prohibited from owning a passenger automobile or 
truck under the provisions of subdivision 1 shall be guilty of a 
misdemeanor.  Any person who knowingly fails to mail in the 
application for registration or transfer to the registrar of 
motor vehicles or otherwise submits fails to submit said forms 
to him within 14 days following date of sale shall be guilty of 
a misdemeanor.  
    Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.12, 
subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
    Subdivision 1.  [NUMBER PLATES; VISIBILITY, PERIODS OF 
ISSUANCE.] The registrar, upon the approval and payment, shall 
issue to the applicant the number plates required by law, 
bearing an abbreviation of the state name and the number 
assigned.  The number assigned 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 shall 
be in marked contrast.  The plates shall be lettered, spaced, or 
distinguished to suitably indicate the registration of the 
vehicle according to the rules of the registrar, and when a 
vehicle is registered on the basis of total gross weight, the 
plates issued shall clearly indicate by letters or other 
suitable insignia the maximum gross weight for which the tax has 
been paid.  These number plates shall be so treated as to be at 
least 100 times brighter than the conventional painted number 
plates.  When properly mounted on an unlighted vehicle, these 
number plates, when viewed from a vehicle equipped with standard 
headlights, shall be visible for a distance of not less than 
1,500 feet and readable for a distance of not less than 110 
feet.  The registrar shall issue these number plates for the 
following periods: 
    (1) Number plates issued pursuant to sections 168.27, 
subdivisions 16 and 17, and 168.053 shall be for a one year 
period; 
    (2) New number plates issued pursuant to section 168.012, 
subdivision 1, shall be issued to a vehicle for as long as it is 
owned by the exempt agency and shall not be transferable from 
one vehicle to another but may be transferred with the vehicle 
from one tax exempt agency to another; 
    (3) Plates issued for passenger automobiles as defined in 
section 168.011, subdivision 7, shall be issued for the life of 
the vehicle; and 
    (4) Plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1), 
(2) and (3), except for trailers as hereafter provided, shall be 
issued for the life of the vehicle.  Beginning with number 
plates issued for the year 1981, plates issued for trailers with 
a total gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less shall be issued for 
the life of the trailer and shall be not more than seven inches 
in length and four inches in width. 
    The registrar shall issue for each registration a tab or 
sticker to designate the year of registration.  This tab or 
sticker shall show the calendar year or years for which issued, 
and is valid only for that period.  Unless the motor vehicle for 
which a The number plate plates, number, tab tabs, or 
sticker is stickers issued, is permanently lost, is destroyed, 
or is removed from the state, no number plate, number, tab, or 
sticker for a motor vehicle may not be transferred to another 
motor vehicle during the period for which it is issued. 
    Notwithstanding any other provision of this subdivision, 
number plates issued to a vehicle which is 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 
registrar shall be notified of each transfer of number plates 
under this paragraph, and may prescribe a form for notification. 
    Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 1983 Supplement, section 
168.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2.  [AMATEUR RADIO STATION LICENSEE; SPECIAL LICENSE 
PLATES.] Any applicant who is an owner or joint owner of a 
passenger automobile, van or pickup truck, or a self-propelled 
recreational vehicle, and a resident of this state, and who 
holds an official amateur radio station license, or a citizens 
radio service class D license, in good standing, issued by the 
Federal Communications Commission shall upon compliance with all 
laws of this state relating to registration and the licensing of 
motor vehicles and drivers, be furnished with license plates for 
the motor vehicle, as prescribed by law, upon which, in lieu of 
the numbers required for identification under subdivision 1, 
shall be inscribed the official amateur call letters of the 
applicant, as assigned by the Federal Communications 
Commission.  The applicant shall pay in addition to the 
registration tax required by law, the sum of $10 for the special 
license plates, and at the time of delivery of the special 
license plates the applicant shall surrender to the registrar 
the current license plates issued for the motor vehicle.  This 
provision for the issue of special license plates shall apply 
only if the applicant's vehicle is already registered in 
Minnesota so that the applicant has valid regular Minnesota 
plates issued for that vehicle under which to operate it during 
the time that it will take to have the necessary special license 
plates made.  If the applicant owns or jointly owns more than 
one motor vehicle of the type specified in this subdivision he 
may apply for special plates for each of not more than two 
vehicles, and, if each application complies with this 
subdivision, the registrar shall furnish the applicant with the 
special plates, inscribed with the official amateur call letters 
and other distinguishing information as the registrar considers 
necessary, for each of the two vehicles.  And the registrar may 
make reasonable regulations governing the use of the special 
license plates as will assure the full compliance by the owner 
and holder of the special plates, with all existing laws 
governing the registration of motor vehicles, the transfer and 
the use thereof.  When the ownership of a motor vehicle for 
which special license plates have been furnished by the 
registrar, changes from one person to another, the special 
license plates herein authorized shall be promptly removed from 
the motor vehicle by the seller and returned to the registrar, 
at which time the seller or the buyer of the motor vehicle shall 
be entitled to receive license plates for the motor vehicle as 
provided in section 168.15.  
    Despite any contrary provision of subdivision 1, the 
special license plates issued under this subdivision may be 
transferred to another motor vehicle upon the payment of a fee 
of $5.  The fee must be paid into the state treasury and 
credited to the highway user tax distribution fund.  The 
registrar must be notified of the transfer and may prescribe a 
form for the notification.  
    Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.12, 
subdivision 2b, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2b.  [FIREFIGHTERS; SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE.] The 
registrar shall issue special license plates to any applicant 
who is both a member of a fire department receiving state aid 
under chapter 69 and an owner or joint owner of a passenger 
automobile, station wagon, van, or pickup with a gross weight of 
9,000 pounds or less truck, upon payment of a fee of $10 and 
upon payment of the registration tax required by law for the 
vehicle and compliance with other laws of this state relating to 
registration and licensing of motor vehicles and drivers.  In 
lieu of the identification required under subdivision 1, the 
special license plates shall be inscribed with a symbol of a 
Maltese Cross together with five numbers.  No applicant shall 
receive more than two sets of plates for vehicles owned or 
jointly owned by the applicant.  
    Special plates issued under this subdivision may only be 
used during the period that the owner or joint owner of the 
vehicle is a member of a fire department as specified in this 
subdivision.  When the person to whom the special plates were 
issued is no longer a member of a fire department or when the 
vehicle ownership is transferred, the special license plates 
shall be removed from the vehicle and returned to the 
registrar.  Upon return of the special plates, the owner or 
purchaser of the vehicle is entitled to receive regular plates 
for the vehicle without cost for the remainder of the 
registration period for which the special plates were issued. 
Firefighter license plates issued pursuant to this subdivision 
may be transferred to another motor vehicle upon payment of $5, 
which fee shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to 
the highway user tax distribution fund.  
    The commissioner of public safety may adopt rules under the 
administrative procedure act, sections 14.01 to 14.70, to govern 
the issuance and use of the special plates authorized in this 
subdivision.  All fees from the sale of special license plates 
for firefighters shall be paid into the state treasury and 
credited to the highway user tax distribution fund.  
    Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.27, 
subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2.  [NEW MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER.] No person shall 
engage in the business of selling or arranging the sale of new 
motor vehicles or shall offer to sell, solicit, arrange, or 
advertise the sale of new motor vehicles without first acquiring 
a new motor vehicle dealer license.  A new motor vehicle dealer 
licensee shall be entitled thereunder to sell, broker, wholesale 
or auction and to solicit and advertise the sale, broker, 
wholesale or auction of new motor vehicles covered by his 
franchise and any used motor vehicles or to lease and to solicit 
and advertise the lease of new motor vehicles and any used motor 
vehicles and such sales or leases may be either for consumer use 
at retail or for resale to a dealer. Nothing herein shall be 
construed to require an applicant for a dealer license who 
proposes to deal in new and unused motor vehicle bodies to have 
a bona fide contract or franchise in effect with the 
manufacturer or distributor of any motor vehicle chassis upon 
which the new and unused motor vehicle body is mounted.  
    Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.27, 
subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 3.  [USED MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER.] No person shall 
engage in the business of selling or arranging the sale of used 
motor vehicles or shall offer to sell, solicit, arrange, or 
advertise the sale of used motor vehicles without first 
acquiring a used motor vehicle dealer license.  A used motor 
vehicle dealer licensee shall be entitled thereunder to sell, 
lease, broker, wholesale or auction and to solicit and advertise 
the sale, lease, broker, wholesale or auction of any used motor 
vehicles for consumer use at retail or for resale to a dealer. 
    Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.29, is 
amended to read: 
    168.29 [DUPLICATE PLATES.] 
    In the event of the defacement, loss or destruction of any 
number plates, the registrar, upon receiving and filing a sworn 
statement of the vehicle owner, setting forth the circumstances 
of the defacement, loss, destruction or theft of the number 
plates, together with any defaced plates and the payment of the 
fee of $3 $5 shall issue a new set of plates, provided that if 
the $3 $5 fee exceeds the annual tax, the fee shall be the same 
as the annual tax.  Duplicate plates for tax-exempt vehicles 
licensed under section 168.012, subdivision 1, are furnished by 
the registrar at cost.  The registrar shall then note on his 
records the issue of such new number plates and shall proceed in 
such manner as he may deem advisable to cancel and call in the 
original plates so as to insure against their use on another 
motor vehicle.  Duplicate registration certificates plainly 
marked as duplicates may be issued in like cases upon the 
payment of a 50 cent $1 fee. 
    Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.31, 
subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
    Subdivision 1.  [TIME PAYABLE.] The tax required under this 
chapter to be paid upon a motor vehicle for each calendar year 
becomes due when the vehicle first uses the public streets or 
highways in the state, and upon January 1 each year thereafter, 
except those vehicles which are taxed under section 168.017 and 
vehicles registered under 168.09, subdivision 3.  Taxes due upon 
January 1 become payable upon November 15 preceding the calendar 
year for which they are assessed except those upon motor 
vehicles which shall first use the public streets and highways 
of this state between November 15 and the next following 
December 31.  The tax required to register vehicles for the 
registration year March 1 to the last day of February is due on 
March 1 and payable November 15 January 1 preceding.  The tax 
that becomes due January 1 next following upon those motor 
vehicles becomes payable at the time the tax for the current 
year becomes payable.  Taxes due upon January 1 become 
delinquent after January 10 unless paid.  Taxes due when the 
vehicle first uses the public streets or highways in the state 
shall become delinquent upon the expiration of seven days after 
the tax became due unless paid.  The tax required to register 
vehicles under the provisions of section 168.017 is due the 
first day of the month commencing the 12 month registration 
period and payable during the 45 days preceding the due date.  
Nothing in this section shall preclude prepayment.  
    Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.31, 
subdivision 4, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 4.  [INSTALLMENTS.] If the tax for a vehicle assessed 
under section 168.013 or 168.187 amounts to more than $300 $400, 
the owner may pay such tax by installments.  The owner shall 
tender with his application for registration one-third of the 
annual tax due or $300 $400, whichever is greater, plus any 
penalties or arrears.  The remainder of the tax due shall be 
paid in two equal installments; the due date of the first 
installment shall be the first day of the fifth month of the 
registration period for which the tax is assessed and the second 
installment shall be due on the first day of the ninth month of 
the registration period for which the tax is assessed.  The 
registrar shall issue no registration certificate until the full 
amount of the tax has been paid.  In lieu of such registration 
certificate, the registrar shall issue to the owner a receipt 
for installments paid, which receipt shall be displayed upon the 
windshield of the vehicle as evidence that under the provisions 
of this section the vehicle may be operated on the streets and 
highways of this state.  If an owner of a vehicle fails to pay 
an installment within seven days after on or before the due date 
thereof, the vehicle shall not use the public streets or 
highways in this state until the installment or installments of 
the tax remaining due on such vehicle shall have been paid in 
full for the licensed year together with penalties as 
hereinafter provided.  If the balance of the tax due on the 
vehicle is not paid within seven days after the due date 
thereof, the owner, in addition to the balance of the tax, shall 
pay a penalty at the rate of fifty cents $1 per day for the 
remainder of the month in which the balance of the tax becomes 
due and $2 $4 a month for each succeeding month or fraction 
thereof in during which the balance of the tax remains unpaid.  
Upon the payment of the balance of the tax and the penalties, 
the registrar shall issue a registration certificate to the 
owner of the vehicle in the manner provided by law.  The 
registrar shall deny installment payment privileges provided in 
this subdivision in the subsequent year to any owner on any or 
all vehicles of such owner who during the current year fails to 
pay any installment due within one month after the due date. 
    Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168.33, 
subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2.  [POWERS.] The registrar shall have the power to 
appoint, hire and discharge and fix the compensation of the 
necessary employees, in the manner provided by law, as may be 
required to enable him to properly carry out the duties imposed 
upon him by the provisions of this chapter.  As of April 14, 
1976, the registrar may appoint, and for cause discontinue, a 
deputy registrar for any city as the public interest and 
convenience may require, without regard to whether the county 
auditor of the county in which the city is situated has been 
appointed as the deputy registrar for the county or has been 
discontinued as the deputy registrar for the county, and without 
regard to whether the county in which the city is situated has 
established a county license bureau which issues motor vehicle 
licenses as provided in section 373.32. 
    Effective August 1, 1976, the registrar may appoint, and 
for cause discontinue, a deputy registrar for any city as the 
public interest and convenience may require, if the auditor for 
the county in which the city is situated chooses not to accept 
appointment as the deputy registrar for the county or is 
discontinued as a deputy registrar, or if the county in which 
the city is situated has not established a county license bureau 
which issues motor vehicle license as provided in section 
373.32.  Any person appointed by the registrar as a deputy 
registrar for any city shall be a resident of the county in 
which the city is situated. 
    The registrar may appoint, and for cause discontinue, the 
county auditor of each county as a deputy registrar.  The 
auditor, with the approval of the director of motor vehicles, 
may appoint, and for cause discontinue, the clerk or equivalent 
officer of each city or any other person as a deputy registrar 
as public interest and convenience may require, regardless of 
his county of residence.  Notwithstanding any other provision, a 
person other than a county auditor or a director of a county 
license bureau, who was appointed by the registrar before August 
1, 1976, as a deputy registrar for any city, may continue to 
serve as deputy registrar and may be discontinued for cause only 
by the registrar.  The county auditor shall be responsible for 
the acts of deputy registrars appointed by him.  Each such 
deputy, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall 
take and subscribe an oath to faithfully discharge his duties 
and to uphold the laws of the state.  If a deputy registrar 
appointed hereunder is not an officer or employee of a county or 
city, such deputy shall in addition give bond to the state in 
the sum of $10,000, or such larger sum as may be required by the 
registrar, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties 
as deputy registrar.  Each deputy registrar appointed hereunder 
shall keep and maintain, in a convenient public place within the 
place for which he is appointed, a registration and motor 
vehicle tax collection bureau, to be approved by the registrar, 
for the registration of motor vehicles and the collection of 
motor vehicle taxes thereon.  He shall keep such records and 
make such reports to the registrar as that officer, from time to 
time, may require.  Such records shall be maintained at the 
facility of the deputy registrar.  The records and facilities of 
the deputy registrar shall at all times be open to the 
inspection of the registrar or his agents.  He shall report 
daily to the registrar by the next working day following receipt 
all registrations made and taxes and fees collected by him.  The 
filing fee imposed pursuant to subdivision 7 shall be deposited 
in the treasury of the place for which he is appointed, or if 
such deputy is not a public official, he shall retain the filing 
fee, but the registration tax and any additional fees for 
delayed registration he has collected he shall deposit each day 
by the next working day following receipt in an approved state 
depository to the credit of the state through the state 
treasurer.  The place for which the deputy registrar is 
appointed through its governing body shall provide the deputy 
registrar with facilities and personnel to carry out the duties 
imposed by this subdivision if such deputy is a public 
official.  In all other cases, the deputy shall maintain a 
suitable facility for serving the public. 
    Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 168A.08, is 
amended to read: 
    168A.08 [GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE.] 
    The department shall refuse issuance of a certificate of 
title if any required fee is not paid or if it has reasonable 
grounds to believe that: 
    (1) the department has reasonable grounds to believe that 
the applicant is not the owner of the vehicle; 
    (2) the department has reasonable grounds to believe that 
the application contains a false or fraudulent statement; or if 
    (3) the applicant fails to furnish required information or 
documents or any additional information the department 
reasonably requires; or 
    (4) the applicant has not paid at least one month's 
registration tax or registered the vehicle under section 168.187.
    Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 169.01, 
subdivision 10, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 10.  [TRAILER.] "Trailer" means every any vehicle 
without motive power designed for carrying persons or property 
or passengers on its own structure and for being drawn by a 
motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight 
rests upon the towing vehicle but does not include a trailer 
drawn by a truck-tractor semitrailer combination or an auxiliary 
axle on a motor vehicle which carries a portion of the weight of 
the motor vehicle to which it is attached. 
    Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 169.01, 
subdivision 11, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 11.  [SEMITRAILER.] "Semitrailer" means every a 
vehicle without motive power of the trailer type so designed for 
carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor 
vehicle and so constructed that some and used in conjunction 
with a truck-tractor that a considerable part of its own weight 
and or that of its load rests upon or and is carried by 
another vehicle the truck-tractor and includes a trailer drawn 
by a truck-tractor semitrailer combination. 
    Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 169.01, 
subdivision 50, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 50.  [BUS.] "Bus" means every motor vehicle designed 
for carrying more than ten passengers and used for the 
transportation of persons, and every motor vehicle other than a 
taxicab designed and used for the transportation of persons for 
compensation. 
    The term "bus" does not include a vehicle designed for 
carrying more than ten passengers but not more than 14 
passengers and operated for the personal or family use of the 
owner or operator.  
    Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 1983 Supplement, section 
169.73, subdivision 4, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 4.  [MAXIMUM BUMPER HEIGHT.] Notwithstanding the 
restrictions contained in subdivision 3, bumpers required under 
this section shall not exceed a height of 20 inches on any 
passenger automobile or station wagon or 25 inches on any 
four-wheel drive multipurpose type vehicle or truck having a 
manufacturer's rated capacity of 2,000 pounds or less when the 
vehicle is being operated on a public highway.  The height of 
the bumper shall be determined by measuring from the bottom of 
the bumper, excluding any vertical bumper attachments, to the 
ground.  A vehicle which has an original bumper which does not 
exceed a height of 30 inches may be modified by attaching a full 
width bumper to the regular bumper to meet the height 
requirement.  The attached bumper must be at least 4.5 inches in 
vertical height, be centered on the vehicle's centerline, extend 
at least ten inches on either side of the frame, and be attached 
to the frame in at least four places with angle braces at no 
less than 45 degrees so that it effectively transfers impact to 
an extent equal to or greater than the original bumper.  
    Competent evidence that a vehicle was originally 
manufactured with bumpers higher than prescribed in this 
subdivision shall be an affirmative defense in any action under 
this section.  
    Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 169.59, 
subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 3.  [BACK-UP LIGHTS.] Any vehicle may be equipped 
with not more than two back-up lamps, either separately or in 
combination with another lamp, and not more than two rear 
cornering lamps, except that no such back-up lamp shall the 
lamps must not be continuously lighted when the vehicle is in 
forward motion, nor shall it project a glaring light. 
    Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 169.743, is 
amended to read: 
    169.743 [BUG DEFLECTORS.] 
    Bug deflectors shall be permitted but not required on motor 
vehicles.  No bug deflector shall be sold, offered for sale, or 
used which is composed of other than non-illuminated material.  
No person shall operate any motor vehicle equipped with a bug 
deflector of nontransparent material having more than one inch 
of material extending above the highest part of the front of the 
hood, excluding any decorative ornament, and no person shall 
operate any motor vehicle equipped with a bug deflector of 
transparent material having more than three inches of material 
extending above the highest part of the front of the hood, 
excluding any decorative ornament; provided that trucks and 
truck tractors of 12,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or larger 
may be operated with a clear, uncolored bug deflector extending 
no more than six inches above the highest part of the front of 
the hood, excluding any decorative ornament. 
    Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 1983 Supplement, section 
169.974, subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 2.  [LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.] No person shall operate a 
motorcycle on any street or highway unless he has a valid 
standard driver's license with a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement 
as provided by law.  No such two-wheeled vehicle endorsement 
shall be issued unless the person applying therefor has in 
possession a valid two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit as 
provided herein, has passed a written examination and road test 
administered by the department of public safety for such 
endorsement, and, in the case of applicants under 18 years of 
age, shall present a certificate or other evidence of having 
successfully completed an approved two-wheeled vehicle driver's 
safety course in this or another state, in accordance with rules 
promulgated by the state board of education for courses offered 
through the public schools, or rules promulgated by the 
commissioner of public safety for courses offered by a private 
or commercial school or institute.  The commissioner of public 
safety may waive the road test for any applicant if he 
determines that the applicant possesses a valid license to 
operate a two-wheeled vehicle issued by a jurisdiction that 
requires a comparable road test for license issuance.  A 
two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit shall be issued to any 
person over 16 years of age, who is in possession of a valid 
driver's license, who is enrolled in an approved two-wheeled 
vehicle driver's safety course, and who has passed a written 
examination for such permit and has paid such fee as the 
commissioner of public safety shall prescribe.  A two-wheeled 
vehicle instruction permit shall be effective for 45 days, and 
may be renewed under rules to be prescribed by the commissioner 
of public safety. 
    No person who is operating by virtue of a two-wheeled 
vehicle instruction permit shall: 
    (a) Carry any passengers on the streets and highways of 
this state on the motorcycle which he is operating; 
    (b) Drive the motorcycle at night time; 
    (c) Drive the motorcycle on any highway marked by the 
commissioner as an interstate highway pursuant to title 23 of 
the United States Code.; or 
    (d) Drive the motorcycle without wearing protective 
headgear of a type approved that complies with standards 
established by the commissioner of public safety. 
    Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, the 
commissioner of public safety may, however, issue a special 
motorcycle permit, restricted or qualified in such manner as he 
shall deem proper, to any person demonstrating a need therefor 
and unable to qualify for a standard driver's license. 
    Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 1983 Supplement, section 
169.974, subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
    Subd. 6.  [NEGLIGENCE; DAMAGES WITHOUT PROTECTIVE 
HEADGEAR.] In an action to recover damages for negligence 
resulting in any head injury to an operator or passenger of a 
motorcycle, evidence of whether or not the injured person was 
wearing protective headgear of a type approved that complied 
with standards established by the commissioner of public safety 
shall be admissible only with respect to the question of damages 
for head injuries.  Damages for head injuries of any person who 
was not wearing protective headgear shall be reduced to the 
extent that those injuries could have been avoided by wearing 
protective headgear of a type approved that complied with 
standards established by the commissioner of public safety.  For 
the purposes of this subdivision "operator or passenger" means 
any operator or passenger regardless of whether that operator or 
passenger was required by law to wear protective headgear 
approved that complied with standards established by the 
commissioner of public safety. 
    Sec. 34.  [REPEALER.] 
    Minnesota Statutes 1982, sections 168.27, subdivision 5; 
168.31, subdivision 3; 169.672; and 169.755; and Minnesota 
Statutes 1983 Supplement, section 168.46, are repealed. 
    Approved April 25, 1984

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes