Behind the Badge, Feb. 21

Breitung Chief of Police Dan Reing answers your questions regarding Minnesota law enforcement.

February 21, 2025

In continuing from the theme of license plate from last week, I received another question:

Q:  Can you be stopped for obstructed license plates, specifically snow covering them? 

A:  Yes, you can. According to Minnesota law, the license plate is to be visible at all times. You can be stopped for this violation. This is also a matter of discretion as far as enforcement. If a vehicle is driving in a blinding snowstorm, then obviously the plate being covered is unavoidable. It could be different if it has been several days since any snow has fallen and the driver has had reasonable time to clear off the plate.

• 169.79 VEHICLE REGISTRATION; DISPLAYING LICENSE PLATES.
• Subdivision 1.Registration required. No person shall operate, drive, or park a motor vehicle on any highway unless the vehicle is registered in accordance with the laws of this state and has the number plates or permit confirming that valid registration or operating authority has been obtained, except as provided in sections 168.10 and 168.12, subdivision 2f, as assigned to it by the commissioner of public safety, conspicuously displayed thereon in a manner that the view of any plate or permit is not obstructed. A plate issued under section 168.27 or a permit issued under chapter 168 may be displayed on a vehicle in conjunction with expired registration whether or not it displays the license plate to which the last registration was issued.”

My email is: daniel.reing@breitungtownship.org  Please title the email “law enforcement question.”