Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update and simplify traffic regulations and vehicle registration requirements in Minnesota. It addresses the modification of laws concerning motor vehicle equipment, registration stickers, and technical adjustments to ensure improved safety and administrative efficiency.

Main Provisions

• Traffic Regulations and Motor Vehicle Equipment: The bill introduces changes to traffic control measures including the authorization of speed and red-light cameras between August 1, 2025, and August 1, 2029. It imposes new requirements on vehicle lighting, prohibiting certain types of lights that impair visibility and specifying conditions under which auxiliary lights can be used.

• Vehicle Light Requirements: The bill establishes rules for when and how vehicle lights are to be used, including specifying conditions for school buses, the use of headlamps and taillamps, and mandates on lighting for safely transporting farm implements.

• Registration and License Plates: Amendments include stipulating the issuance and design of vehicle plates and stickers, registration period extensions for leased vehicles, and provisions allowing for self-service kiosks for registration renewals. It also defines the responsibilities of vehicle owners to ensure plates are visible and in good condition.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Repeals and Overhauls: The bill repeals certain sections of Minnesota Statutes related to vehicle lighting, redundant equipment requirements, and outdated administrative procedures linked to vehicle registration. It consolidates and updates sections concerning vehicle traffic violations and administrative citations.

• Motor Vehicle Registration Adjustments: Changes include lifetime issuance of certain special plates for veterans, expansion of registration periods, and conditions under which plates can be renewed or transferred.

• Technical Updates: The bill makes several technical corrections for clarity and coherence, including defining procedures for handling registration under special circumstances (e.g., tax-exempt vehicles, disabled veteran vehicles).

Relevant Terms

• Motor vehicle registration
• Vehicle lighting regulations
• Speed and red light cameras
• Auxiliary lights
• Administrative citation
• License plates and validation stickers
• Traffic violations