SF4718

Purpose

• The bill aims to change how replacement license plates and validation stickers are handled by the state. Specifically, it focuses on when a replacement must be issued and when a replacement fee must or must not be charged. It targets reducing or eliminating fees in cases where the plate or validation sticker is defective or fails to work properly.

Main Provisions

• When a plate or validation sticker is defaced, lost, destroyed, or otherwise damaged, the state commissioner must issue a new set after the vehicle owner submits a sworn statement describing the situation and (in most cases) after returning any available old plates or stickers.
• For defective plates or stickers that do not perform properly (other than normal wear and tear or damage after issuance), the commissioner must issue replacements without charging a fee.
• If plates are replaced, the commissioner should note the new plate numbers in official records and attempt to cancel the old plates to prevent their use on another vehicle.
• Duplicate registration certificates can be issued in similar cases, but for a fee.
• A licensed motor vehicle dealer may request replacement plates only when applying for a title in the name of a new owner or the dealer.
• Fees collected under these provisions are deposited into the Driver and Vehicle Services Operating Account.

Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Minnesota Statutes related to replacement plates and validation stickers, clarifying when replacements must be issued and under what circumstances a replacement fee applies.
• Creates a specific exception: replacements due to defects or non-performance of the plate/sticker are free.
• Maintains a fee-for-duplicate registration certificates and specifies where replacement-related fees go (Driver and Vehicle Services Operating Account).
• Adds a requirement to track and cancel old plates to prevent misuse.

Financial Implications

• In cases of defect or non-performance, replacements would be free, reducing out-of-pocket costs for vehicle owners.
• Fees would still apply for non-defective replacements and for duplicate registration certificates.
• Fees collected continue to support the Driver and Vehicle Services Operating Account.

Practical Effects and Who is Affected

• Vehicle owners who get replacements due to defects, loss, or damage would benefit from potential free replacements in defective cases.
• Vehicle dealers could request replacements when transferring titles to new owners.
• The state DMV/agency staff would implement new record-keeping, plate cancellation, and fee-deposit processes.

Relevant Considerations

• The bill maintains a process for sworn statements and for returning or replacing plates, but changes the fee structure for certain replacement scenarios.
• It preserves the mechanism to issue duplicate certificates and the requirement to deposit related fees into the state operating account.

Relevant Terms - replacement plates - license plates - validation stickers - defective - failure to perform - loss - destruction - defacement - normal wear and tear - damage - fee - duplicate registration certificates - Driver and Vehicle Services Operating Account - 168.29 (Replacement Plates) - certificate of title - dealer replacement provisions - record cancellation of original plates