This bill (S.F. No. 2494) proposes the creation of rental motor vehicle license plates in Minnesota. The key provisions include:

• Definitions: Establishes that an "auto rental company" is a business primarily engaged in renting at least 50 vehicles at per diem rates. A "rental motor vehicle" includes passenger vehicles, vans, pickup trucks, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, and recreational vehicles used for rental purposes.

• Issuance of Plates: Auto rental companies can apply for rental motor vehicle plates but are not required to do so. The plates will be issued if the company:

  1. Owns the rental vehicle.
  2. Pays the necessary license plate and registration fees.
  3. Follows applicable motor vehicle registration laws.

• Design & Validity: The plates will include the phrase "RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE" and be valid for seven years. They must be registered to a specific rental vehicle.

• Plate Transfer: Rental plates may be transferred to another rental vehicle owned by the same company for a $5 fee. If a vehicle is designated for resale, the plate must be removed.

• Exemptions: Rental motor vehicle plates will be exempt from certain specialty plate regulations and won't require the display of registration stickers.

This bill establishes a streamlined system for rental vehicle licensing and ensures rental companies have a standardized plate option.