Requirements for validation sticker display on license plates eliminated, and conforming and technical changes made.

A bill for an act

relating to motor vehicles; eliminating requirements for validation sticker display

on license plates; making conforming and technical changes; amending Minnesota

Statutes 2024, sections 168.012, subdivision 1c; 168.0135, subdivision 1; 168.017,

subdivision 5; 168.12, subdivisions 1, 2f, 5; 168.123, subdivision 1; 168.124,

subdivision 3; 168.125, subdivision 1b; 168.127, subdivisions 1, 5; 168.15,

subdivision 1; 168.16; 168.187, subdivision 12; 168.27, subdivision 28; 168.29;

168.31, subdivision 4; 168.381, subdivision 4; 168B.035, subdivision 3; 169.79,

subdivisions 1, 7; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 168.012,

subdivision 13; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 168.37, subdivision

3; 169.79, subdivision 8.

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

ARTICLE 1

LICENSE PLATE STICKERS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Plates; design, visibility, periods of issuance.

(a) The commissioner,

upon approval and payment, must 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.

(c) Plates issued to a noncommercial vehicle must bear the inscription "noncommercial"

unless the vehicle is displaying a special plate authorized and issued under this chapter.

(d) A one-ton pickup truck 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.

(e) The plates must be so treated as to be at least 100 times brighter than the conventional

painted
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number
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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.

(f) The commissioner must 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 is not

transferable from one vehicle to another but the plate may be transferred with the vehicle

from one tax-exempt agency to another
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.
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;
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(2) plates issued for passenger automobiles must be issued for a seven-year period
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.
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, and
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all plates issued under this
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paragraph
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clause
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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
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.
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;
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(3) plates issued under sections
168.053
and
168.27, subdivisions 16
and 17, must be

for a seven-year period
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.
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;
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(4) plates issued under subdivisions 2c and 2d and sections 168.123,
168.1235
, and

168.1255
must be issued for the life of the veteran under section
169.79
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.
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; and
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(5) plates for any vehicle not specified in clauses (1) to (3) must be issued for the life

of the vehicle.

(g)
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In a year in which plates are not issued, the commissioner must 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.
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The plates
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and

stickers
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issued for a vehicle may not be transferred to another vehicle during the
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applicable

registration
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period
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for which the sticker is issued
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, except when issued for a vehicle registered

under section
168.187
.

(h) 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 must notify the commissioner of each transfer of plates under this

paragraph. The commissioner may prescribe a format for notification.

(i) In lieu of plates required under this section, the commissioner must issue a registration

number identical to the federally issued tail number assigned to a roadable aircraft.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective October 1, 2026.

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Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.79, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Registration
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and plates
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required.

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No person shall
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(a) A person must

not
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operate
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, drive,
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or park a motor vehicle on any highway unless the vehicle is registered

in accordance with the laws of this state and
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has the number
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displays the license
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plates or

permit
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issued by the commissioner of public safety
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confirming that valid registration or

operating authority has been obtained, except as provided in
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sections
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: (1) this section; (2)
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section
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168.10

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and
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or
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168.12, subdivision 2f
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, as assigned to it by the commissioner of public

safety, conspicuously displayed thereon in a manner that the view of any plate or permit is

not obstructed
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; or (3) section 168.09, subdivision 7,
168.091
, or
168.092
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.

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(b)
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A plate issued under section
168.27
or a permit issued under chapter 168 may be

displayed on a vehicle
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in conjunction with
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that has
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expired registration
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,
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whether or not
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it
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the vehicle
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displays the license plate
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to which
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issued in conjunction with
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the last registration
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was issued
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.

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(c) Unless specifically established otherwise, a validation sticker that indicates the date

of expiration of vehicle registration is not required to be affixed or displayed on a license

plate.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective October 1, 2026.

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Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.79, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Plate fastened and visible.

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All plates
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(a) A license plate
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must be
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:
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(1) securely fastened so as to prevent
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them from
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swinging
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,
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;
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(2) displayed horizontally
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, or as provided in subdivision 3,
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with the identifying numbers

and letters facing outward from the vehicle
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, and
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;
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(3) mounted in the upright position
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; and
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(4) conspicuously displayed so that the view of the plate is not obstructed
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.

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(b)
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The
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person driving the
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operator of a
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motor vehicle
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shall
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must
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keep
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the
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a
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plate legible

and unobstructed and free from grease, dust, or other blurring material so that the lettering

is plainly visible at all times. It is unlawful to cover any assigned letters and numbers or the

name of the state of origin of a license plate with any material whatever, including any clear

or colorless material that affects the plate's visibility or reflectivity.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective October 1, 2026.

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Sec. 4.
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REPEALER.
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Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 168.37, subdivision 3; and 169.79, subdivision 8,

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are

repealed.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective October 1, 2026.

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ARTICLE 2

CONFORMING CHANGES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.012, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:

Subd. 1c.

Payment of administrative, plate, and filing fee.

The annual administrative

fee for a tax-exempt vehicle under this section is $5. The license plate fee for a tax-exempt

vehicle, except a trailer, is $10 for two plates per vehicle, payable only on the first tax-exempt

registration of the vehicle. The registration period for a tax-exempt vehicle is biennial. The

administrative fee is due on March 1 biennially and payable the preceding January 1
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, with

validating stickers issued at time of payment
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. Replacement plates are subject to the fees in

section
168.12
.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 168.012, subdivision 13, is amended

to read:

Subd. 13.

Vehicles registered by certain veterans.

(a) A passenger automobile, one-ton

pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle registered by a veteran with a total

service-connected disability, as defined in section
171.01, subdivision 51
, is not subject to:

(1) registration taxes under this chapter;

(2) administrative fees imposed under subdivision 1c;

(3) filing fees and surcharges imposed under section
168.33, subdivision 7
; or

(4) plate
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and validation sticker
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fees imposed under this chapter, including but not limited

to:

(i) fees under section
168.12, subdivision 5
;

(ii) fees identified in any section authorizing special plates; and

(iii) transfer fees.

(b) The exemptions under this subdivision apply to a motor vehicle that is jointly

registered by a qualifying veteran and a spouse or domestic partner.

(c) The fees identified under paragraph (a), clause (4), do not include:

(1) a fee for personalized plates under section
168.12, subdivision 2a
; or

(2) a required contribution or donation for a special plate, including but not limited to

a contribution under sections
168.1255, subdivision 1
, clause (6);
168.1258, subdivision 1
,

clause (4);
168.1259, subdivision 2
, paragraph (a), clause (5);
168.1287, subdivision 1
,

clause (5);
168.129, subdivision 1
, clause (5);
168.1295, subdivision 1
, paragraph (a), clause

(5);
168.1296, subdivision 1
, paragraph (a), clause (5); and
168.1299, subdivision 1
, clause

(3).

(d) A qualifying veteran may register no more than two motor vehicles at the same time

with the exemptions under this subdivision. Nothing in this paragraph prevents registration

of additional motor vehicles as otherwise provided in this chapter.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.0135, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authorization.

(a) The commissioner, in consultation with deputy

registrars, must establish a process to implement, locate, and install self-service kiosks that

may be used for passenger vehicle and motorcycle registration renewals. The commissioner

must establish reasonable performance, security, technical, and financial standards to approve

a vendor. Self-service kiosks authorized by this section must:

(1) allow a customer to renew a passenger vehicle or motorcycle registration pursuant

to section
168.013
without assistance of a deputy registrar;

(2) collect the appropriate annual contribution for a special license plate;

(3) process requests for duplicate license plates, except that the self-service kiosk must

not process any request for a special plate that requires documentation to prove eligibility

to receive that type of plate;
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and
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(4) dispense license plate registration renewal stickers to the applicant at the time of the

application; and

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(5)
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(4)
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display the contact phone number and email address of the deputy registrar's

office that is responsible for the self-service kiosk.

(b) This section only applies to deputy registrars appointed pursuant to section
168.33
,

subdivision 2.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.017, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Registration period extension for leased vehicle.

(a) Notwithstanding

subdivisions 3 and 4, a person leasing for at least one year a vehicle registered under this

section may obtain an extension of the motor vehicle's registration period for the unexpired

portion of the lease period, for a period not to exceed 11 months beyond the expiration of

the registration period.

(b) In order to obtain an extension under this subdivision a lessee must:

(1) apply to the registrar on a form the registrar prescribes;

(2) submit to the registrar a copy of the lease;

(3) pay an administrative fee of $5; and

(4) pay a tax of 1/12 of the tax for the registration period being extended for each month

of the extension.

(c) On an applicant's compliance with paragraph (b)
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the registrar shall issue the applicant

a license plate tab or sticker designating the new month of expiration of the registration.
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,
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the extended registration expires on the tenth day of the month following the
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month
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designated
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on the tab or sticker
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month of expiration
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.

(d) All fees collected under paragraph (b), clause (3), must be deposited in the driver

and vehicle services operating account under section
299A.705, subdivision 1
. Taxes

collected under paragraph (b), clause (4), must be deposited in the highway user tax

distribution fund.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 2f, is amended to read:

Subd. 2f.

Original license plates.

(a) On application of the owner and in lieu of issuing

plates under subdivision 1 to a motor vehicle registered and taxed as a passenger automobile,

the commissioner may assign to the motor vehicle original Minnesota
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registration
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license
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plates issued in the same year as the model year of the motor vehicle, if (1) the original

plates are at least 20 years old, (2) the owner of the motor vehicle has the original plates in

possession at the time of the application, and (3) the owner provides the plate number to

the commissioner.

(b) Plates
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displayed
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under this subdivision
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, including stickers applied to the plates,
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must

be clearly legible and must be displayed on the motor vehicle.

(c) The commissioner
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shall
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must
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not assign the registration number on the original plates

to the motor vehicle if the commissioner determines that the number on the original plate

is identical to the number on any plate in the current or reserved numbering system used

by the commissioner.

(d)
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Despite
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Notwithstanding
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subdivision 1, an original plate whose number has been

assigned under this subdivision may be displayed for as long as the plates
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, including tabs

and stickers on the plates,
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are clearly legible and the number is not subsequently used by

the commissioner as a plate number in a registration numbering system.

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(e) Despite subdivision 1, original plates assigned under this subdivision need not bear

a tab or sticker to indicate the month or year of registration if the motor vehicle carries the

registration certificate issued under section
168.11
at all times when the motor vehicle is

operated on the public highways.

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(f)
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(e)
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The commissioner may charge a fee for receiving an application and assigning

original plate numbers.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Additional fee.

(a) In addition to any fee otherwise authorized or any tax

otherwise imposed upon any vehicle, the payment of which is required as a condition to the

issuance of any plate or plates, the commissioner
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shall
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must
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impose the fee specified in

paragraph (b)
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that is calculated to cover the cost of manufacturing and issuing the plate or

plates
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, except for plates issued to disabled veterans as defined in section
168.031
and plates

issued pursuant to section
168.124
,
168.125
, or
168.27
, subdivisions 16 and 17, for passenger

automobiles. The commissioner
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shall
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must
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issue graphic design plates only for vehicles

registered pursuant to section
168.017
and recreational vehicles registered pursuant to section

168.013, subdivision 1g
.

(b) Unless otherwise specified or exempted by statute, the following plate and
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validation
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sticker fees apply for the original, duplicate, or replacement issuance of a plate in a plate

year:

License
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Plate
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Plates
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Single

Double

Regular and Disability

$

13.50

$

15.50

Special

$

13.50

$

15.50

Personalized (Replacement)

$

13.50

$

15.50

Collector Category

$

13.50

$

15.50

Emergency Vehicle Display

$

3.00

$

6.00

Utility Trailer Self-Adhesive

$

2.50

Vertical Motorcycle Plate

$

100.00

NA

Replacement Dealer Plates

$

5.25

Replacement Tax Exempt Plates

$

5.25

Stickers

Duplicate
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year
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$

1.50

$

1.50

International Fuel Tax Agreement

$

2.50

(c) For vehicles that require two of the categories in paragraph (b), the registrar
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shall
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new text begin

must
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only charge the higher of the two fees and not a combined total.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.123, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements; fees.

(a) On payment of a fee in the amount

specified for special plates under section
168.12, subdivision 5
, 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
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shall
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must
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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 automobile, recreational motor vehicle, or one-ton

pickup truck, 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), (e),

(f), (h), (i), (j), or (m), or another special plate designed by the commissioner to an applicant

who is a registered owner of a motorcycle and meets the criteria listed in this paragraph and

in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), or (m). 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
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is payable
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for each set of veteran's plates
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,
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is payable
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only
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when

the plates are issued
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, and is not payable in a year in which stickers are issued instead of

plates
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.

(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.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.124, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

No fee.

The commissioner
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shall
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must
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issue
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a set of
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Medal of Honor plates to

qualified applicants free of charge and the plates must be replaced without charge if they

become damaged.
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In addition, no fee may be charged for a subsequent year when stickers

are issued for a motor vehicle listed in subdivision 1 on which the Medal of Honor plates

are placed.
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The motor vehicle must be for personal use, not commercial purposes.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.125, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b.

No fee.

The commissioner
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shall
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must
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issue
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a set of
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EX-POW plates, or a single

plate for a motorcycle, to qualified applicants, free of charge, and
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shall
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must
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replace them

without charge if they become damaged.
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In addition, no fee may be charged for a subsequent

year when stickers are issued for that motor vehicle on which the EX-POW plates are placed.
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Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.127, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Unique registration category.

(a) A unique registration category is

established for vehicles and trailers of a fleet. Vehicles registered in the fleet must be issued

a distinctive license plate. The
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fleet license plate must bear the inscription "FLEET REG"

and otherwise the
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design and size of the
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fleet license
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plate must be determined by the

commissioner.

(b) A deputy registrar may issue replacement license plates for qualified vehicles in a

registered fleet pursuant to section
168.29
.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.127, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Renewal of fleet registration.

On the renewal of a fleet registration, the

registrant must pay full licensing fees for every vehicle registered in the preceding year

unless the vehicle has been properly deleted from the fleet. In order to delete a vehicle from

a fleet, the fleet registrant must surrender to the commissioner the registration card and

license plates. The commissioner may authorize alternative methods of deleting vehicles

from a fleet, including destruction of the license plates and registration cards. If the card or

license plates are lost or stolen, the fleet registrant must submit a sworn statement stating

the circumstances for the inability to surrender the card
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, stickers,
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and license plates. A fleet

registrant who fails to renew the licenses issued under this section or fails to report the

removal of vehicles from the fleet within 30 days of the vehicles' removal must pay a penalty

of 20 percent of the total tax due on the fleet. The penalty must be paid within 30 days after

it is assessed.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Transfer of ownership.

(a) Upon the transfer of ownership, destruction,

theft, dismantling, or permanent removal by the owner from this state of any vehicle

registered in accordance with this chapter, the right of the owner of the vehicle to use the

registration certificate and plates assigned to the vehicle expires.

(b) When the ownership of a vehicle is transferred to another person required to register

the vehicle in this state, the transferor
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shall
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must
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assign the registration tax paid to the credit

of the transferee unless the
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registration stickers
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new text begin
license plates
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are surrendered to the

commissioner before the first day of the new registration period.

(c) When seeking to become the owner by gift, trade, or purchase of any vehicle for

which a registration certificate has been issued under this chapter, a person
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shall
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must
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join

with the registered owner in transmitting with the application for transfer of ownership, the

registration certificate, with the assignment and notice of sale duly executed.

(d) In case of loss of the title or certificate of registration of a vehicle not subject to

section
325E.15
, the person
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shall
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must
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make application to the commissioner with proof of

loss of the title as specified in section
168A.09
and assign a notice of sale of the vehicle on

the application for title as specified in section
168A.04
.

(e) Upon the transfer of any vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, for use within the state,

whether by sale, lease, or otherwise, the transferor
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shall
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must
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, within ten days after the

transfer, file with the commissioner (1) a notice containing the date of transfer, a description

of the vehicle, and the transferee's name and residence address in the state or if not a natural

person then the transferee's business and mailing address, and (2) the transferee's application

for registration.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.16, is amended to read:

168.16 REGISTRATION TAX REFUND; APPROPRIATION.

(a) After the registration tax upon any vehicle has been paid for any registration period,

refund must be made for errors made in computing the registration tax or fees and for the

error on the part of an owner who may in error have registered a vehicle that was not before,

nor at the time of registration, nor at any time thereafter during the preceding registration

period, subject to registration tax in this state as provided by section
168.012
.

(b) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, a claim for a refund of an overpayment

of registration tax must be filed within 3-1/2 years from the date of payment.

(c) The former registered owner of a transferred vehicle, by an assignment in writing

endorsed upon the registration certificate and delivered to the commissioner within the time

provided in this subdivision,
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shall
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new text begin
must
new text end
assign, except for vehicles registered under section

168.187
, to the new owner the right to have the tax paid by the former registered owner

accredited to the new owner who duly registers the vehicle unless the
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registration stickers
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new text begin

license plates
new text end
are surrendered to the commissioner before the first day of the new registration

period.

(d) Any owner is entitled to a refund of the unused portion of the registration tax paid

on the owner's vehicle upon filing a claim, verified by the commissioner, if the vehicle is:

(1) declared by an insurance company to be permanently destroyed due to accident, fire,

or an Act of God as defined in section
115B.02
; or

(2) sold to the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state.

(e) The refund must be equal to the sum of the remaining registration tax attributable

for the registration period after the month in which the plates and certificate of registration

or title were returned to the commissioner.

(f) There is
deleted text begin
hereby
deleted text end
appropriated to the persons entitled to a refund, from the fund or

account in the state treasury to which the money was credited, an amount sufficient to make

the refund and payment.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.187, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Registration of proratable vehicles.

(a) The commissioner of public safety
deleted text begin

shall
deleted text end
new text begin
must
new text end
register proratable vehicles of a fleet upon application and payment of registration

fees as provided in subdivision 11. Payment of an additional fee for each vehicle so registered

may be required by the commissioner in an amount not to exceed $5 per motor powered

vehicle, for issuance of a plate
deleted text begin
, sticker,
deleted text end
or other suitable identification for each vehicle. A

registration card
deleted text begin
shall
deleted text end
new text begin
must
new text end
be issued for each vehicle registered
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, which shall
deleted text end
new text begin
that
new text end

appropriately
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identify
deleted text end
new text begin
identifies
new text end
the vehicle for which it is issued.
deleted text begin
Such
deleted text end
new text begin
The
new text end
registration

card
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shall
deleted text end
new text begin
must
new text end
be carried in or upon the vehicle for which it has been issued, at all times,

except that the registration cards for all vehicles in a combination of vehicles may be carried

in or upon the vehicle supplying the motive power.

(b) Fleet vehicles registered as provided in paragraph (a)
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shall be deemed
deleted text end
new text begin
are
new text end
fully

registered in this state for any type of movement or operation, except that when a state grant

of authority is required for any movement or operation,
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no such vehicle shall
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new text begin
a vehicle must

not
new text end
be operated in this state unless
new text begin
(1)
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the owner or operator
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thereof
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has been granted

authority or rights
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therefore
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by the state
new text begin
to do so,
new text end
and
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unless said
deleted text end
new text begin
(2) the
new text end
vehicle is being

operated in conformity with
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such
deleted text end
new text begin
the
new text end
authority or rights.

new text begin

(c)
new text end
No registration under this section
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shall excuse
deleted text end
new text begin
excuses
new text end
the owner or operator of any

vehicle from compliance with the laws of this state, except those requiring registration and

licensing.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.27, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

Subd. 28.

Distribution of plates
deleted text begin
and stickers
deleted text end
.

new text begin
(a)
new text end
The commissioner may distribute
deleted text begin

registration
deleted text end
new text begin
license
new text end
plates
deleted text begin
and stickers
deleted text end
to be held and issued by new and used motor vehicle

dealers.

new text begin

(b)
new text end
A dealer may issue
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registration
deleted text end
new text begin
license
new text end
plates
deleted text begin
and stickers
deleted text end
only in conjunction with

the sale of a vehicle by the dealer. A dealer permitted to hold and issue
deleted text begin
registration
deleted text end
new text begin
license
new text end

plates
deleted text begin
and stickers
deleted text end
must be equipped with electronic transmission technology and trained

in its use. Before receiving
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registration
deleted text end
new text begin
license
new text end
plates
deleted text begin
and stickers
deleted text end
under this subdivision, a

dealer must adopt and implement security and record-keeping requirements satisfactory to

the commissioner.

new text begin

(c)
new text end
The commissioner may revoke the authority granted
new text begin
to a dealer
new text end
under this subdivision

for any violation of law or rule governing the issuance of
deleted text begin
registration
deleted text end
new text begin
license
new text end
plates
deleted text begin
and

stickers
deleted text end
, 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.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.29, is amended to read:

168.29 REPLACEMENT PLATES.

(a) In the event of the defacement, loss, or destruction of any
deleted text begin
number
deleted text end
new text begin
license
new text end
plates
deleted text begin
or

validation stickers
deleted text end
, the commissioner
deleted text begin
,
deleted text end
new text begin
must issue a new set of plates
new text end
upon receiving and

filing a sworn statement of the vehicle owner
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,
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setting forth the circumstances of the

defacement, loss, destruction, or theft
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of the number plates or validation stickers
deleted text end
, together

with any defaced plates
deleted text begin
or stickers
deleted text end
and the payment of a fee calculated to cover the cost of

replacement
deleted text begin
, must issue a new set of plates or stickers
deleted text end
.

(b) A licensed motor vehicle dealer may only apply for replacement plates upon

application for a certificate of title in the name of a new owner or the dealer. The

commissioner must issue a new set of plates
deleted text begin
or validation stickers
deleted text end
upon application for title

and registration after removal of plates pursuant to section
168A.11, subdivision 2
.

(c) Plates issued under this section are subject to section
168.12
new text begin
.
new text end

(d) The commissioner must note on the commissioner's records the issue of new
deleted text begin
number
deleted text end
new text begin

license
new text end
plates and must attempt to cancel and call in the original plates so as to insure against

their use on another motor vehicle.

(e) Duplicate registration certificates plainly marked as duplicates may be issued in like

cases upon the payment of a $1 fee. Fees collected under this section must be deposited in

the driver and vehicle services operating account under section
299A.705, subdivision 1
.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Installments; registration generally.

(a) If the tax for a vehicle assessed under

section
168.013, subdivision 1c
, 1d, 1e, or 1g, amounts to more than $400, the owner may

pay the tax by installments.

(b) The owner
deleted text begin
shall
deleted text end
new text begin
must
new text end
tender with the application for registration one-third of the

annual tax due or $400, whichever is greater, plus any penalties or arrears, plus a fee of

$10. Instead of this fee, the applicant may furnish a bond, bank letter of credit, or certificate

of deposit approved by the registrar of motor vehicles, for the total of the tax still due. The

amount of the bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit may include any penalties

assessed. The bond, letter of credit, or certificate of deposit must be for the benefit of the

state for monetary loss caused by failure of the vehicle owner to pay delinquent license fees

and penalties.

(c) The remainder of the tax due must be paid in two equal installments. The due date

of the first installment is July 1, and the second installment is due November 1.

deleted text begin

(d) When the applicant elects to pay the administrative fee, the registrar shall issue to

the applicant validation stickers indicating the expiration date of a registration. When the

applicant elects to furnish a bond, bank letter, or letter of deposit, the registrar shall issue

regular validation stickers for the registration year.

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(e)
deleted text end
new text begin
(d)
new text end
If an owner of a vehicle fails to pay an installment on or before its due date, the

vehicle must not be used on the public streets or highways in this state until the installment

or installments of the tax remaining due on the vehicle have been paid in full for the licensed

year together with a penalty at the rate of $1 per day for the remainder of the month in which

the balance of the tax becomes due and $4 a month for each succeeding month or fraction

of a month during which the balance of the tax remains unpaid. Upon the payment of the

balance of the tax and the penalties, the registrar
deleted text begin
shall
deleted text end
new text begin
must
new text end
issue a registration certificate

to the owner of the vehicle in the manner provided by law. The registrar
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shall
deleted text end
new text begin
must
new text end
deny

installment payment privileges provided in this subdivision in the subsequent year to any

owner on any or all vehicles of the owner who during the current year fails to pay any

installment due within one month after the due date.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.381, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Appropriations.

(a) Money appropriated to the Department of Public Safety

to procure the plates for any fiscal year or years is available for allotment, encumbrance,

and expenditure from and after the date of the enactment of the appropriation. Materials

and equipment used in the manufacture of plates are subject only to the approval of the

commissioner.

(b) This section contemplates that money to be appropriated to the Department of Public

Safety to carry out the terms and provisions of this section will be appropriated by the

legislature from the highway user tax distribution fund.

(c) A sum sufficient is appropriated annually from the driver and vehicle services

operating account under section
299A.705
to the commissioner to pay the costs of purchasing,

delivering, and mailing plates
deleted text begin
, registration stickers,
deleted text end
and registration notices.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168B.035, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Towing prohibited.

(a) A towing authority may not tow a motor vehicle

because:

(1) the vehicle
deleted text begin
displays
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registration
deleted text begin
validation stickers that have
deleted text end
new text begin
has
new text end
been expired for

less than 90 days;

(2) the vehicle is at a parking meter on which the time has expired; or

(3) the vehicle is identified in conjunction with a citation to the vehicle owner or lessee

for (i) a violation under section
169.06, subdivision 10
, or (ii) a violation under section

169.14, subdivision 13
.

(b) A towing authority may tow a motor vehicle, notwithstanding paragraph (a), if:

(1) the vehicle is parked in violation of snow emergency regulations;

(2) the vehicle is parked in a rush-hour restricted parking area;

(3) the vehicle is blocking a driveway, alley, or fire hydrant;

(4) the vehicle is parked in a bus lane, or at a bus stop, during hours when parking is

prohibited;

(5) the vehicle is parked within 30 feet of a stop sign and visually blocking the stop sign;

(6) the vehicle is parked in a disability transfer zone or disability parking space without

a disability parking certificate or disability license plates;

(7) the vehicle is parked in an area that has been posted for temporary restricted parking

(i) at least 12 hours in advance in a home rule charter or statutory city having a population

under 50,000, or (ii) at least 24 hours in advance in another political subdivision;

(8) the vehicle is parked within the right-of-way of a controlled-access highway or within

the traveled portion of a public street when travel is allowed there;

(9) the vehicle is unlawfully parked in a zone that is restricted by posted signs to use by

fire, police, public safety, or emergency vehicles;

(10) the vehicle is unlawfully parked on property at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International

Airport owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission;

(11) a law enforcement official has probable cause to believe that the vehicle is stolen,

or that the vehicle constitutes or contains evidence of a crime and impoundment is reasonably

necessary to obtain or preserve the evidence;

(12) the driver, operator, or person in physical control of the vehicle is taken into custody

and the vehicle is impounded for safekeeping;

(13) a law enforcement official has probable cause to believe that the owner, operator,

or person in physical control of the vehicle has failed to respond to five or more citations

for parking or traffic offenses;

(14) the vehicle is unlawfully parked in a zone that is restricted by posted signs to use

by taxicabs;

(15) the vehicle is unlawfully parked and prevents egress by a lawfully parked vehicle;

(16) the vehicle is parked, on a school day during prohibited hours, in a school zone on

a public street where official signs prohibit parking; or

(17) the vehicle is a junk, abandoned, or unauthorized vehicle, as defined in section

168B.011
, and subject to immediate removal under this chapter.

(c) A violation under section
169.06, subdivision 10
, or
169.14, subdivision 13
, is not

a traffic offense under paragraph (b), clause (13).

Sec. 20.
new text begin
EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin

This article is effective October 1, 2026.

new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 26-06669

168.37 PLATE TABS OR STICKERS; MONTHLY REGISTRATION SYSTEM.

Subd. 3.

Design.

The registrar may rearrange the words and figures on plates issued for vehicles under the monthly series system of registration to provide space on the plates for tabs or stickers which the registrar shall issue to indicate the period of registration.

169.79 VEHICLE REGISTRATION; DISPLAYING LICENSE PLATES.

Subd. 8.

Plate registration stickers.

As viewed facing the plates:

(a) License plates issued to vehicles registered under section
168.017
must display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of each plate.

(b) License plates issued to vehicles registered under section
168.127
must display either fleet registration validation stickers in the lower right corner of each plate or distinctive license plates, issued by the registrar, with "FLEET REG" displayed on the bottom center portion of each plate.

(c) License plates issued after July 1, 2008, requiring validation must display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of the plate.