Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Minnesota Statutes Transportation (Ch. 160-174A) § 168B.011. Definitions

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

Subdivision 1. Scope. The terms used in this chapter have the meanings given them in this section.

Subd. 2. Abandoned vehicle. (a) “Abandoned vehicle” means a motor vehicle, as defined insection 169.011, that:

(1) has remained illegally:

(i) for a period of more than 48 hours on any property owned or controlled by a unit of government, or more than four hours on that property when it is properly posted; or

(ii) on private property for a period of time, as determined undersection 168B.04, subdivision 2, without the consent of the person in control of the property; and

(2) lacks vital component parts or is in an inoperable condition such that it has no substantial potential for further use consistent with its usual functions, unless it is kept in an enclosed garage or storage building.

(b) A classic car or pioneer car, as defined insection 168.10, is not considered an abandoned vehicle.

(c) Vehicles on the premises of junk yards and automobile graveyards that are defined, maintained, and licensed in accordance withsection 161.242, or that are licensed and maintained in accordance with local laws and zoning regulations, are not considered abandoned vehicles.

(d) A vehicle being held for storage by agreement or being held under police authority or pursuant to a writ or court order is not considered abandoned, nor may it be processed as abandoned while the police hold, writ, or court order is in effect.

Subd. 3. Junk vehicle. “Junk vehicle” means a vehicle that:

(1) is three years old or older;

(2) is extensively damaged, with the damage including such things as broken or missing wheels, motor, drive train, or transmission;

(3) is apparently inoperable;

(4) does not have a valid, current registration plate; and

(5) has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.

Subd. 4. Unauthorized vehicle. “Unauthorized vehicle” means a vehicle that is subject to removal and impoundment pursuant tosection 168B.035or168B.04, subdivision 2, but is not a junk vehicle or an abandoned vehicle.

Subd. 5. Agency. “Agency” means the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Subd. 6. Department. “Department” means the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Subd. 7. Impound. “Impound” means to take and hold a vehicle in legal custody. There are two types of impounds, public and nonpublic.

Subd. 8. Impound lot operator or operator. “Impound lot operator” or “operator” means a person who engages in impounding or storing, usually temporarily, unauthorized or abandoned vehicles. “Operator” includes an operator of a public or nonpublic impound lot, regardless of whether tow truck service is provided.

Subd. 9. Motor vehicle or vehicle. “Motor vehicle” or “vehicle” has the meaning given motor vehicle insection 169.011.

Subd. 10. Motor vehicle waste. “Motor vehicle waste” means solid waste and liquid wastes derived in the operation of or in the recycling of a motor vehicle, including such things as tires and used motor oil, but excluding scrap metal.

Subd. 11. Nonpublic impound lot. “Nonpublic impound lot” means an impound lot that is not a public impound lot.

Subd. 12. Public impound lot. “Public impound lot” means an impound lot owned by or exclusively contracted solely for public use by a unit of government undersection 168B.09.

Subd. 12a. Tow truck or towing vehicle. “Tow truck” or “towing vehicle” means a motor vehicle having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 8,000 pounds or more, equipped with a crane and winch, or an attached device used exclusively to transport vehicles, and further equipped to control the movement of the towed or transported vehicle.

Subd. 13. Unit of government. “Unit of government” includes a state department or agency, a special purpose district, and a county, statutory or home rule charter city, or town.

Subd. 14. Vital component parts. “Vital component parts” means those parts of a motor vehicle that are essential to the mechanical functioning of the vehicle, including such things as the motor, drive train, and wheels.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Minnesota Statutes Transportation (Ch. 160-174A) § 168B.011. Definitions - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/mn/transportation-ch-160-174a/mn-st-sect-168b-011/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard