Minnesota § 168.1296 - CRITICAL HABITAT PLATES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 168.1296 — CRITICAL HABITAT PLATES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 168.1296. CRITICAL HABITAT PLATES
Subdivision 1.General requirements and procedures.
(a) The commissioner shall issue critical habitat plates to an applicant who:
(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile or recreational vehicle;
(2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision 5;
(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;
(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;
(5) contributes a minimum of $30 annually to the Minnesota critical habitat private sector matching account established in section 84.943; and
(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.
(b) The critical habitat plate application must indicate that the annual contribution specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.
(c) Special critical habitat license plates, the designs for which are selected under subdivision 2, may be personalized according to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.
Subd. 2.Design.
After consultation with interested groups, the commissioner of natural resources and the commissioner shall jointly select a suitable symbol for use by the commissioner to design the plates.
Subd. 3.No refund.
Contributions under this section must not be refunded.
Subd. 4.Plate transfers.
Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, on payment of a transfer fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger automobile registered to the person to whom the plates were issued.
Subd. 5.Contribution and fees credited.
Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (5), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the Minnesota critical habitat private sector matching account established in section 84.943. The fees collected under this section must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705.
Subd. 6.Record.
The commissioner shall maintain a record of the number of plates issued under this section.
History:
1995 c 220 s 112; 1996 c 455 art 4 s 8; 1997 c 226 s 43; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 138; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 2 s 18; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 23; 2011 c 109 s 20; 2014 c 255 s 16; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 2 s 21; 2023 c 25 s 67; 2023 c 68 art 7 s 4
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 168.1296
What does Minnesota Statutes § 168.1296 cover?
Section 168.1296 ("CRITICAL HABITAT 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 § 168.1296?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 168.1296" (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 § 168.1296 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.