Chapter 168 — Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168 — Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act
15.001
Application of Laws 2005, Chapter 56, Terminology Changes
State agencies must use updated terminology from a 2005 law when they replace printed materials and signs, but they do …
168.001
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.002
Definitions
This section defines the key terms used in Minnesota's vehicle registration laws. It explains what counts as a 'motor …
168.01
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.011
All the definitions that used to be in this section have been moved to section 168.002. Look there for the current …
168.012
Vehicles Exempt From Tax or License Fees
Certain vehicles do not have to pay registration taxes or fees. These include government vehicles, school buses, …
168.013
Vehicle Registration Taxes
This section explains how Minnesota calculates the registration tax (tab fees) you pay each year for your vehicle. For …
168.0135
Motor Vehicle Registration Self-service Kiosks
Deputy registrars can request self-service kiosks where you can renew your vehicle registration, get new stickers, or …
168.014
Owner's Registration Certificate; Expiration
Your vehicle registration certificate and license plates expire when you sell or transfer the vehicle, or at the end of …
168.015
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.016
Collection of Tax Rate Increase
A five percent surtax on passenger cars, ambulances, and hearses must be collected as part of vehicle registration …
168.017
Monthly Series Registration System
Passenger cars, pickup trucks, ambulances, and hearses in Minnesota are registered under a monthly system. Your 12-month …
168.018
Quarterly Registration of Farm Trucks
Owners of farm trucks or trucks hauling fertilizer or farm chemicals within 50 miles can register their vehicle for just …
168.0185
Record of Vehicle Registration; Disclosure
The state keeps records of all registered vehicles by plate number, owner name, and vehicle identification number. You …
168.019
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.02
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.021
Plates for Physically Disabled Persons
People with permanent physical disabilities can apply for special disability license plates that display the wheelchair …
168.022
Mandatory Tax Refund Due to Lemon Law
If a car manufacturer has to buy back your vehicle under the Minnesota Lemon Law, the manufacturer can get a refund of …
168.03
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.031
Registration Exemption; Active Military Service
If you are on active military duty, your vehicle is exempt from registration taxes while you serve and for 90 days …
168.032
Proportionate Refund to Person on Active Military Service
If you already paid your vehicle registration tax for the year before entering active military service, you can …
168.033
May Pay Proportionate Part of Tax
If you have not yet paid your vehicle registration tax when entering active military service, you must pay the portion …
168.034
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.035
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.036
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.037
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.038
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.039
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.04
Military Personnel; Exemptions
Military members who are not Minnesota residents do not have to register their vehicles here, as long as the vehicle is …
168.041
Impounding Registration Plates
When a person is convicted of driving after their license was suspended, revoked, or canceled, the court must order the …
168.042
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.0422
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.05
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.053
Drive-away In-transit License
Anyone in the business of transporting vehicles by driving or towing them must get a drive-away in-transit license from …
168.054
Liability Insurance Policy
Anyone towing a motor vehicle on public roads as part of the drive-away business must carry liability insurance with at …
168.055
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.056
Towing Violation a Misdemeanor; Exceptions
Violating the drive-away in-transit license or insurance requirements is a misdemeanor. However, the rules do not apply …
168.057
Fees Credited to Highway User Fund
All fees collected from drive-away in-transit licenses go into the state highway user tax distribution fund.
168.06
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.073
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.075
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.08
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.09
Registration; Reregistration
Every motor vehicle and trailer driven on Minnesota roads must be registered, have the taxes and fees paid, and display …
168.091
60-day Temporary Vehicle Permit
Nonresidents who buy a vehicle in Minnesota can get a 60-day temporary permit for $1 to legally drive it out of state. …
168.092
60-day Temporary Vehicle Permit
When you buy a new or used vehicle in Minnesota, you can get a 60-day temporary permit to drive it while you complete …
168.093
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.094
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.098
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.10
Registration; Collector Vehicle
Every vehicle owner in Minnesota must register their vehicle and list it for taxation, unless specifically exempt. …
168.101
Ownership and Registration by Minor; Prohibitions
People under 18 generally cannot own a car or truck in Minnesota, with exceptions for 17-year-olds who finished driver …
168.102
School Bus; Preregistration Inspection
A school bus cannot be registered in Minnesota for the first time without a certificate from the State Patrol or the …
168.105
Classic Motorcycle Registration
Motorcycles at least 20 years old that are used only for shows, club events, and parades — not daily transportation — …
168.11
Registration Certificate
When you register your vehicle and pay the tax, the registrar issues a registration certificate with your name, address, …
168.12
Plates
This section covers license plates in Minnesota, including their design, how long they are valid, and how they are …
168.121
Special Plates Remembering Victims of Impaired Drivers
You can get special license plates that say 'Remembering Victims of Impaired Drivers' with a broken heart image for your …
168.123
Veterans; Special Plates
Veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces and were honorably discharged can get special license plates for their car, …
168.1235
Veterans Service Group Emblems
Members of congressionally chartered veterans organizations like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV can get special …
168.124
Special Plates for Medal of Honor Recipients
Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor can get free special license plates inscribed 'MEDAL OF HONOR' for their …
168.125
Special Plates for Former Prisoners of War
Former prisoners of war can get free special 'EX-POW' license plates for their car, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle. …
168.1251
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.1253
Gold Star License Plate
Family members of service members who died in active duty or from service-connected injuries can get Gold Star license …
168.1255
'proud to Be a Veteran' Plate
Veterans can get 'Proud to Be a Veteran' license plates for their car, pickup truck, van, or recreational vehicle. You …
168.1256
Retired Law Enforcement Special Plates
Retired law enforcement officers who held a peace officer license for at least ten years can get special 'Retired Law …
168.1258
'lions Clubs International' Plates
Members of Lions Clubs International can get special license plates displaying the Lions emblem for their passenger car, …
168.1259
Minnesota Professional Sports Team Philanthropy Plates
Minnesota offers special license plates featuring professional sports team logos. Part of the fee goes to the team …
168.126
Commuter Vans; Registration, Special License Plates
Commuter vans that carry 7 to 16 people on regular routes get a special registration category with unique license plates …
168.127
Fleet Vehicles; Registration, Fee
Companies with 50 or more passenger vehicles can register them as a fleet, getting uniform plates and paying …
168.128
Limousine Plates
Limousines get a special registration category with unique license plates. The operator must show proof of insurance and …
168.1281
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.1282
'start Seeing Motorcycles' Special Plates
You can get special 'Start Seeing Motorcycles' license plates for your car, pickup truck, van, or recreational vehicle …
168.1283
Rotary International Plates
Members of Rotary International can get special license plates featuring the Rotary emblem for their car, pickup truck, …
168.1284
Minnesota 100 Club Plates
Members and supporters of the Minnesota 100 Club, which supports families of fallen first responders, can get special …
168.1285
Minnesota Agriculture Plates
Minnesota offers special agriculture-themed license plates for cars, pickup trucks, vans, and recreational vehicles. …
168.1286
Honorary Consul Plates
Honorary consuls appointed by foreign governments can get special license plates with a unique emblem for their car, …
168.1287
Minnesota Blackout Plates
Minnesota offers special 'Blackout' plates with a dark design for cars, pickup trucks, vans, and recreational vehicles.
168.1288
Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Plates
Minnesota offers special license plates to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Part of the …
168.1289
Rental Motor Vehicle Plates
Rental car companies can get special license plates for their rental fleet vehicles. These plates replace the standard …
168.129
Special Collegiate Plates
You can get special license plates featuring a Minnesota college or university emblem for your car, pickup truck, van, …
168.1291
Certain Special Plates; Uniform Design, Unique Emblems
Minnesota sets a uniform size and design standard for certain special license plates while letting each type have its …
168.1292
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.1293
Certain Special Plates; Authorization, Discontinuance
The legislature must specifically authorize each new special license plate type. If a special plate fails to maintain at …
168.1294
Law Enforcement Memorial Plates
You can get special 'Law Enforcement Memorial' license plates to honor fallen law enforcement officers. Part of the fee …
168.1295
State Parks and Trails Plates
Minnesota offers special 'State Parks and Trails' license plates for cars, pickup trucks, vans, and recreational …
168.1296
Critical Habitat Plates
Minnesota offers special 'Critical Habitat' license plates featuring a loon design. Part of the fee goes to protect …
168.1297
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.1298
Special 'support Our Troops' Plates
You can get special 'Support Our Troops' license plates for your car, pickup truck, van, or recreational vehicle. Part …
168.1299
Minnesota Golf Plates
Minnesota offers special golf-themed license plates for cars, pickup trucks, vans, and recreational vehicles. Part of …
168.13
Proof of Ownership
The registrar will not issue license plates for any vehicle unless the title certificate or registration certificate is …
168.14
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.15
Rights as to Registration Certificate and Plates
When you sell or transfer your vehicle, the registration and plates stay with the vehicle unless you transfer the plates …
168.16
Registration Tax Refund; Appropriation
You can get a refund of your vehicle registration tax if there was a computing error or if you registered a vehicle that …
168.163
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.165
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.17
Suspension of Registration
The registrar can suspend, revoke, or cancel your vehicle registration if you violate registration laws or if you paid …
168.18
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.181
Nonresidents, Reciprocity Agreements or Arrangements
Minnesota can enter agreements with other states and countries to let their residents drive here without separate …
168.183
Motor Vehicles of Certain Nonresidents
Nonresidents who bring commercial vehicles into Minnesota must pay registration taxes based on the portion of miles they …
168.185
Usdot Numbers
Owners of trucks or truck-tractors weighing more than 10,000 pounds must report their USDOT carrier number when …
168.187
Interstate Registration and Reciprocity
Minnesota participates in the International Registration Plan, which lets commercial vehicles registered in one state …
168.19
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.191
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.20
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.201
Denial or Withdrawal of Benefits and Privileges
The registrar can deny or take away the benefits of reciprocity agreements from specific people or companies if, in the …
168.21
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.211
Subjection to State Laws Generally
Vehicles operating in Minnesota under reciprocity agreements must still follow all Minnesota laws that apply to vehicles …
168.22
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.221
Commercial Vehicles; Taxes or Fees
The registrar can set rules for collecting partial taxes on commercial vehicles under reciprocity agreements. If another …
168.23
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.231
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.24
Roadable Aircraft Registration
If you own a roadable aircraft (a vehicle that can both fly and drive on roads), you must follow all the same titling, …
168.25
Vehicles Used for Testing
Vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and dealers can get special test plates for vehicles used for testing or …
168.26
Certain Manufacturers Need Not Register
Vehicle manufacturers do not have to register vehicles that will never be driven on public roads or vehicles being …
168.27
Motor Vehicle Dealers; Violations, Penalties
Anyone who buys and sells motor vehicles as a business in Minnesota must have a dealer license. This section covers the …
168.2701
Liability of Lessors for Unpaid Traffic Fines
When a rental or leased vehicle gets a traffic ticket, the leasing company must give the issuing authority the driver …
168.2702
Motor Vehicle Leases; Indemnity Agreements
A vehicle lease agreement can legally require the lessee to cover the lessor for any claims from traffic violations, …
168.271
Informational Labels on Pickup Trucks; Penalty
Dealers must put informational labels on new pickup trucks showing the cargo-carrying capacity, curb weight, and gross …
168.274
Definitions
This section defines key terms used in the Sunday sales ban for motor vehicles, including what counts as a motor vehicle …
168.275
Sale of Motor Vehicle on Sunday Forbidden
It is illegal for car dealers to buy, sell, or trade vehicles on Sundays in Minnesota. The first offense is a …
168.276
Suspension or Revocation of Dealer License
Courts must report Sunday car sales convictions to the motor vehicle registrar. A second conviction gets the dealer a …
168.277
Motor Vehicle Purchases; Disclosure
When buying a motor vehicle, the seller must disclose certain information about the vehicle. The definitions in this …
168.28
Vehicles Subject to Tax; Exceptions
Any motor vehicle that has ever been driven on Minnesota public roads is subject to registration tax. Dealer vehicles …
168.29
Replacement Plates
If your license plates or validation stickers are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you can get replacements by …
168.30
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.301
Vehicle Transfer Deadline; Fees; Suspension
When you buy a vehicle, you must complete the title transfer within specific deadlines. Late transfers can result in …
168.31
Registration Tax Payment
Registration tax is due when you first start using your vehicle on public roads, and it must be renewed each year. If …
168.32
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.321
New Vehicle Manufacturer's Statement
Vehicle manufacturers must file a sworn statement each year showing the weight and specifications of every model they …
168.325
Division of Driver and Vehicle Services
The Division of Driver and Vehicle Services is part of the Department of Public Safety and is headed by a director who …
168.326
Expedited Driver and Vehicle Services; Fee
You can pay a $20 expedited service fee to speed up processing of your driver license, ID card, or vehicle title …
168.327
Driver and Vehicle Record Fees
You can request copies of driver's license records, vehicle registration records, title records, and accident records …
168.33
Commissioner as Registrar of Vehicles; Deputy Registrars
The Commissioner of Public Safety serves as the state's vehicle registrar. This section also allows the commissioner to …
168.34
Information Furnished
The motor vehicle registrar must maintain an information bureau to answer public questions about registrations by phone, …
168.345
Use of Vehicle Registration Information
Vehicle registration information can be used for specific purposes allowed by law, including law enforcement, insurance, …
168.346
Privacy of Personal Information
Personal information from vehicle registration records is protected under both federal and state privacy laws. Access is …
168.35
Intent to Escape Tax; Gross Misdemeanor
Intentionally delaying or avoiding vehicle registration to escape paying taxes is a gross misdemeanor, which is a more …
168.36
Unlawful Use of Unregistered Vehicle Certificate, Plates
Using or operating an unregistered vehicle, or displaying a registration certificate or plates that do not belong to the …
168.37
Plate Tabs or Stickers; Monthly Registration System
Minnesota uses a monthly registration system where your registration expires on the last day of your assigned month. …
168.38
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.381
Manufacture of Vehicle Plates; Appropriations
License plates in Minnesota are manufactured at state correctional facilities. The commissioner of corrections and the …
168.39
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.40
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.41
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.413
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.42
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.423
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.43
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.44
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.45
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.46
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.47
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.48
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.49
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.50
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.51
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.52
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.53
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.54
Motor Vehicles, Transfer of Ownership
When vehicle ownership is transferred, a $3 transfer fee is charged by the commissioner, except for vehicles sold for …
168.61
Intercity Bus
An intercity bus is a large bus with at least 35 passenger seats that travels regular routes of at least 50 miles …
168.62
Intercity Bus Registration
Intercity bus companies register a percentage of their fleet in Minnesota based on the share of total miles traveled in …
168.63
Intercity Bus; Registrar Duties
The motor vehicle registrar handles administration and enforcement of intercity bus registration, including auditing …
168.64
Intercity Bus Rules, Requirements
The registrar can make rules governing intercity bus registration, require reporting from bus companies, and set …
168.65
Intercity Bus Violations
It is illegal for an intercity bus operator to run buses in Minnesota without proper registration, make false statements …
168.66
The definitions that used to be in this section have been moved to section 53C.01. Look there for current definitions …
168.67
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.02. Look there for the current law on sales finance company …
168.68
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.03. Look there for the current law on suspension or revocation …
168.69
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.04. Look there for the current law on complaints about vehicle …
168.70
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.05. Look there for the current law on the commissioner …
168.705
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.06. Look there for the current law on examination and …
168.706
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.07. Look there for the current law on sales finance company …
168.71
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.08. Look there for the current law on motor vehicle retail …
168.72
Most of the content of this section has been moved to section 53C.09. Look there for the current law on vehicle …
168.73
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.10. Look there for the current law on prepayment and refund …
168.74
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.11. Look there for the current law on extending vehicle …
168.75
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.12. Look there for the current law on violations and remedies …
168.76
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.13. This is a standard severability clause for the motor …
168.77
The content of this section has been moved to section 53C.14. The vehicle installment sales laws may be cited as the …
168.78
The content of this section has been moved to section 168.277. Look there for the current law on motor vehicle purchase …
168.81
The content of this section has been moved to section 299C.215. Look there for the current law.
168.82
The content of this section has been moved to section 168.094, which has itself been repealed.
168.83
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.831
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.832
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.833
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.834
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.835
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.836
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.837
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
168.841
Definition of Rental Truck
A rental truck is a truck, truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer that is part of a fleet of two or more vehicles rented …
168.842
Registration and Taxation of Rental Truck
Rental truck companies must register a percentage of their fleet in Minnesota based on the share of total miles their …
168.843
Registration and Taxation of Rental Trailer
Rental trailer companies must register a number of trailers in Minnesota equal to the average number operated in and …
168.844
Other Fleet Rental Vehicles
Once a rental truck or trailer company registers the required number of vehicles in Minnesota, all other vehicles in the …
168.845
Rules for Rental Trucks and Trailers
The motor vehicle registrar manages the rental truck and trailer registration program and can make rules, create forms, …
168.846
Misdemeanor Violation of Rental Vehicle Laws
Submitting false information about a rental truck or trailer fleet, or violating rental vehicle registration rules, is a …
299C.215
This statute section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.
53C.02
Sales Finance Company; License, Fees, Refund
Any company that wants to finance vehicle sales on installment plans in Minnesota must get a license from the state, …
53C.03
Suspension or Revocation of Vehicle Sales Finance Company License; Appeal
The commissioner can suspend or revoke a sales finance company license for lying on the application, violating the …
53C.04
Complaint Alleging Violation of Vehicle Sale Installment Contract Laws
If you believe a vehicle sales finance company violated the installment contract laws, you can file a written complaint …
53C.05
Testimonial Powers of Commissioner
The commissioner has the power to issue subpoenas, compel witnesses to testify, and require companies to produce …
53C.06
Vehicle Conditional Sales Installment Contract; Examination, Special Investigation, Cost Assessment
The commissioner can investigate and examine the books, records, and contracts of any sales finance company, retail …
53C.07
Vehicle Sales Finance Company Books of Account, Annual Report
Sales finance companies must keep detailed books and records for at least two years after the last entry on each …
53C.08
Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Contract
Motor vehicle installment contracts must include specific required terms like the cash price, down payment, finance …
53C.10
Vehicle Installment Contract Prepayment, Refund Credits, Allowance
If you pay off a vehicle installment contract early, you are entitled to a refund or credit for the unearned portion of …
53C.11
Extension of Vehicle Installment Contract Schedules, Payments
The holder of a vehicle installment contract can agree to extend, defer, or renew the payment schedule. They can charge …
53C.12
Vehicle Sales Finance Company Violations; Remedies
Willfully violating the vehicle installment sales laws is a gross misdemeanor. Buyers harmed by violations can also sue …
53C.13
Severability Clause
If any part of the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act is found to be unconstitutional, the rest of the law stays …
53C.14
Citation of Act
Sections 53C.01 through 53C.14 are officially known as the Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act.