Disability Plate on a Motorcycle

I saw the above scene a couple weeks ago and at first I thought “wow, what a rude scooter owner to park in a disabled spot.” Then I looked closer, and I saw it had a MN motorcycle disability plate. I was confused. In all my years looking at motorcycles, I’ve never seen one before.

I spent some time on the State website to learn a bit more about disability license plates in MN. According to Statue 168.021 a motorcycle can be licensed. If the owner already has a disability plate on another vehicle, they can apply and automatically get one for their motorcycle. Neat.

168.021 PLATES FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS.

Subdivision 1.Disability plates; application.

(a) When a motor vehicle registered under section 168.017, a motorcycle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 19, a one-ton pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 21b, or a self-propelled recreational vehicle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27, is owned or primarily operated by a permanently physically disabled person or a custodial parent or guardian of a permanently physically disabled minor, the owner may apply for and secure from the commissioner (1) immediately, a temporary permit valid for 30 days if the applicant is eligible for the disability plates issued under this section and (2) two disability plates with attached emblems, one plate to be attached to the front, and one to the rear of the motor vehicle, truck, or recreational vehicle, or, in the case of a motorcycle, one disability plate the same size as a regular motorcycle plate.

I read further in Statute 169.345 to what qualifies as a disability to get the eligible plates. The list is pretty long, so if you’re interested check it out. There are several on the list I think could still permit someone to operate a motorcycle safely such as “because of disability cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest”.

I was glad I saw the plate and took a picture of it. It encouraged me to stop and learn more about options for disabled folks. I’m happy to see Minnesota offering the disabled parking privileges to those on a motorcycle who need them.

Have you seen a disability plate on a motorcycle before? Does your State offer them? Let me know in the comments below.