HF3865

Purpose

• Create and regulate a special Pioneer Minnesota license plate for certain collector vehicles. The bill changes how some older or historically important vehicles can be registered and driven, focusing on a dedicated plate for collectors rather than general transportation use.

Key definitions and scope

• Eligible vehicles: motor vehicles manufactured before 1936 or restored pioneer vehicles (as defined in the statute) that are owned and operated solely as collectors items.
• Use case: The plate and registration are specifically for collection purposes, not for everyday travel.

Main provisions

• Special plate concept: A new “collectors vehicle pioneer plate” option is created for eligible vehicles.
• Affidavit requirement: The vehicle owner must sign an affidavit that includes:
  • Owner’s name and address
  • Name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was purchased
  • Vehicle make, year, model, and VIN (manufacturer’s identification number)
  • A statement that the vehicle is owned and operated solely as a collectors item and not for general transportation
• Tax and fee: If the affidavit is true and correct and the owner pays a $25 tax and the plate fee (as allowed by the applicable law), the vehicle will be registered for taxation/registration and issued a single-number license plate.
• Plate appearance and wording: The issued plate must bear the inscription “Pioneer Minnesota” and the registration number (or other allowed characters) per the relevant statute, with no date displayed.
• Indefinite validity: The plate remains valid without renewal as long as the vehicle exists in Minnesota.
• Revocation authority: The commissioner can revoke the plate issuance for failure to comply with the affidavit and other requirements.

How it changes existing law

• Adds a new subclass of license plates and a defined process for collector vehicles (special “Pioneer Minnesota” plate) within the statutes governing vehicle registration and taxation.
• Introduces an explicit requirement for an owner-provided affidavit and a one-time tax/plate fee to obtain the plate.
• Establishes that the plate is a single-number plate with indefinite validity, tied to the continued existence of the vehicle in Minnesota.
• Grants the commissioner authority to revoke the plate if there is noncompliance with the specified requirements.

Practical effect

• Owners of eligible pre-1936 or restored pioneer collector vehicles can register their vehicles under a dedicated plate, provided they complete the affidavit, pay the required tax and fee, and use the vehicle only as collectors items.
• This plate emphasizes the historical/collector status and is not intended for regular daily driving.

Eligibility and compliance notes

• Vehicle must be used solely as a collectors item, not for general transportation.
• Vehicle must remain in Minnesota for the plate to stay valid.
• The commissioner can revoke the plate if the owner fails to meet the affidavit or use requirements.

Relevant Terms - collectors vehicle pioneer plate - pioneer Minnesota plate - pre-1936 vehicle - restored pioneer vehicle - collectors item - affidavit - vehicle identification number (VIN) - not for general transportation - indefinite validity - single-number license plate - plate inscription - tax and plate fee (e.g., $25)