Focus on New Laws: Equipment and Insignia Must Be Removed Before Transfer of Law Enforcement Vehicles

Starting Aug. 1, law enforcement agencies must fully decommission used police vehicles prior to sale or transfer to prevent public confusion or impersonation.

A provision in the omnibus public safety policy bill, Chapter 97, creates new requirements for the sale or transfer of law enforcement vehicles owned or leased by state or local law enforcement agencies. The law establishes Minnesota Statutes, section 169.981 and takes effect Aug. 1, 2026.

Equipment and insignia must be removed

Before a law enforcement vehicle is sold or transferred to the public, all equipment or insignia that could mislead someone into believing the vehicle belongs to law enforcement must be removed.

The law specifically requires the removal of:

• Emergency lights
• Sirens
• Amber warning lights
• Grille lights
• Emblems or outlines of emblems

The vehicle owner also must provide the buyer with a certificate of compliance verifying the vehicle meets the requirements of the law.

Exceptions

The requirements do not apply to vehicles sold or transferred to the federal government, a state, or a political subdivision. They also do not apply to vehicles owned and operated solely as collectors’ items and not used for general transportation.

Penalties provided

Violations are subject to a civil penalty of $2,500, as well as damages if the vehicle is used to commit a crime.

Civil penalties collected under the law will be deposited into the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Managed Victims of Crime Account and may be enforced by a city or county attorney.

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