SF3764

Purpose

To create a Distinguished Flying Cross special license plate program in Minnesota. The goal is to recognize recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross by allowing them to display a special plate on eligible vehicles, with specific design, issuance rules, and transfer options.

Eligibility and issuance

• The commissioner must issue Distinguished Flying Cross special license plates (or a single motorcycle plate) to someone who:
  • is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross,
  • is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle,
  • pays the standard vehicle registration tax, and
  • complies with existing registration and licensing laws and rules.
• An eligible recipient may apply only when renewing registration or when applying for registration for the first time.
• Only one set of plates (or one motorcycle plate) can be issued per qualified applicant.

Design and emblem

• The plates must feature an emblem designed in consultation with the commissioner of veterans affairs.
• The emblem must include the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the phrase DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.

Fees, replacements, and exemptions

• Plates are issued at no charge to qualified recipients, and replacements are provided at no charge if the plates become damaged.
• There is no fee for a subsequent year when the vehicle carrying the plates is registered under the applicable vehicle registration law.
• The special plates are exempt from a cited fee-related provision (168.1293 subdivision 2).

Transferability

• The Distinguished Flying Cross plates may be transferred to a different qualified vehicle owned by the same individual, provided the new vehicle is eligible and registered to the same person, and the transfer does not require a fee.

Relationship to existing law

• This bill adds a new special license plate category under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168, outlining eligibility, issuance, design, and transfer rules, and it specifies exemptions from certain fees.

Significant changes to existing law

• Introduces a new, fee-free, Distinguished Flying Cross special license plate program for eligible recipients.
• Establishes design requirements and official collaboration with the veterans affairs office.
• Allows plate transfer between eligible vehicles owned by the same recipient.
• Creates an exemption from a specific existing provision related to fees for these plates.

Practical impact

• Eligible Distinguished Flying Cross recipients can display their recognition on eligible vehicles at no cost, with a standardized design and a process that includes renewal or initial registration for eligibility.
• The program adds a means to honor military service members while integrating with existing vehicle registration processes.

Relevant terms

• Distinguished Flying Cross
• special license plates
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168
• 168.013 (registration tax)
• 168.017
• 168.12
• 168.1293 subdivision 2
• emblem
• DFC medal
• DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
• recipient
• vehicle types (passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, recreational vehicle)
• commissioner
• veterans affairs
• transfer
• renewal
• first application for registration