Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a special license plate for snowmobiles in Minnesota. This initiative is designed to promote snowmobiling by providing a visual representation for enthusiasts while also raising funds for snowmobile trail maintenance and development.

Main Provisions

• Issuance of Plates: The bill mandates the commissioner to issue snowmobile special license plates to applicants who:

  • Own a registered passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle.
  • Pay special plate fees and other necessary fees as per Minnesota Statutes.
  • Pay the registration tax under section 168.013.
  • Contribute annually to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account.

• Design of Plates: The commissioner, after consulting with the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, will decide on an appropriate design for the snowmobile special plates.

• Plate Transfer: The special plates can be transferred to another qualified vehicle registered to the original holder for a transfer fee of $5.

• Exemption Clause: These special plates are exempt from certain provisions under section 168.1293, subdivision 2.

• Funding and Contributions: Money collected through initial contributions and subsequent annual donations is appropriated for the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails. This includes grants for grooming trails and acquiring necessary easements.

Significant Changes

The bill proposes the introduction of a new section to the Minnesota Statutes (chapter 168) to accommodate the issuance and regulation of these snowmobile special plates. It also establishes a new funding mechanism, directing contributions specifically to snowmobile trail support.

Relevant Terms

• Snowmobile special license plates
• Snowmobile trails
• Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association
• Vehicle registration
• Trail maintenance and grooming
• License plate transfer