Minnesota § 168.1289 - RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE PLATES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 168.1289 — RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE PLATES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 168.1289. RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE PLATES
Subdivision 1.Definitions.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.
(b) "Auto rental company" means a corporation, partnership, individual, or other person that is engaged primarily in the renting of at least 50 rental motor vehicles at per diem rates.
(c) "Rental motor vehicle" means a passenger automobile, noncommercial one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or recreational vehicle made available for rental by an auto rental company.
Subd. 2.Issuance of plates.
(a) An auto rental company may, but is not required to, apply for rental motor vehicle plates under this section.
(b) Upon proper application, the commissioner must issue rental motor vehicle plates or a single motorcycle plate to an auto rental company that:
(1) is a registered owner of a rental motor vehicle;
(2) pays license plate fees under section 168.12, subdivision 5, for each set of plates for each rental motor vehicle, along with any other fees required by this chapter;
(3) pays the registration tax for each rental motor vehicle as required under section 168.013;
(4) pays the fees required under this chapter; and
(5) complies with section 168.017 and rules governing registration of rental motor vehicles.
(c) Rental motor vehicle plates issued under this section are issued for a seven-year period and must be replaced as required under section 168.12, subdivision 1, paragraph (f), clause (2), except that rental motor vehicle plates issued for a motorcycle or motorized bicycle are for the life of the vehicle.
(d) Each set of rental motor vehicle plates issued under this section is only valid if the plates are registered to a single rental motor vehicle.
Subd. 3.Design.
The commissioner must adopt a suitable plate design that includes the phrase "RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE."
Subd. 4.Plates transfer.
(a) On application to the commissioner and payment of a transfer fee of $5 for each set of plates, rental motor vehicle plates may be transferred to another qualified rental motor vehicle that is registered to the same auto rental company to which the rental motor vehicle plates were originally issued.
(b) A deputy registrar who collects the $5 transfer fee under paragraph (a) must retain the fee.
(c) Rental motor vehicle plates issued under this section must be removed from the rental motor vehicle if the vehicle is held for resale under section 168A.11.
Subd. 5.Exemptions.
(a) Rental motor vehicle plates issued under this section are not subject to section 168.1293, subdivision 2.
(b) Notwithstanding sections 168.09, subdivision 4, and 169.79, subdivision 8, rental motor vehicle plates issued under this section are not required to display validation stickers issued pursuant to section 168.12, subdivision 1.
Subd. 6.Application.
This section applies on the earlier of July 1, 2026, or the date the commissioner makes rental motor vehicle plates available.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 168.1289
What does Minnesota Statutes § 168.1289 cover?
Section 168.1289 ("RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLE PLATES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 168.1289?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 168.1289" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 168.1289 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.