Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a new type of special license plate specifically for snowmobiles in Minnesota. The goal is to generate funds for the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails.

Main Provisions

• Issuance of Plates: Snowmobile special license plates will be available to owners of certain types of vehicles including passenger automobiles, noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay special fees, registration taxes, and contribute to snowmobile trail support funds.
• Design: The design of the snowmobile special plates will be determined by the commissioner in collaboration with the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association.
• Plate Transfer: Owners can transfer the special plates to another qualified vehicle that they own by paying a transfer fee.
• Exemption: These special plates are exempt from some existing regulations that apply to other types of special license plates.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new category of license plates specifically for snowmobiles, which did not previously exist. It also establishes a dedicated funding stream, through contributions required during the plate application, to support the development, maintenance, and grooming of snowmobile trails, as well as to acquire necessary land easements for trail expansion.

This represents a novel approach to fund outdoor recreational infrastructure by leveraging vehicle registration and customization processes.

Relevant Terms

• Snowmobile special license plates
• Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
• Trail development and maintenance
• Recreational vehicle plates
• License plate transfer and exemption