Temporary permit display expansion

A bill to help a state entity more efficiently administer a temporary license plate program received overwhelming House support.

Sponsored by Rep. Connie Ruth (R-Owatonna), HF3089 would allow the Driver and Vehicle Services Division of the Public Safety Department to issue a 60-day permit for certain vehicles when initially registered.

“Currently if you order a special plate, you would have to get a regular plate while the special plate is being produced,” Pat McCormack, the division director, previously told the House Transportation Finance Division. “So we’re using that plate for a very short time — maybe three to four weeks — and then we have to make sure we get the plate back and dispose of it properly. With the cost of aluminum, at this point, and with the process of moving toward a flat plate program, we believe that this initiative will help to streamline our plate administration program.”

Under the bill, when a dealer initially files title and registration paperwork with a deputy registrar or DVS staff, the license holder could receive a 60-day permit. Dealers would not be able to issue the special 60-day permit, so as not to confuse an owner with a 21-day permit new vehicle owners receive stating the plate has been applied for.

Approved 130-0 March 31, the bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. John Doll (DFL-Burnsville) is the sponsor.

McCormack said that once flat plate production begins, she believes owners of specialized plates will easily get the plates within 60 days and probably closer to three weeks.