License Plate Impoundment
Do I have any recourse against the State of MN impounding my plates without notifying me or my husband? Tonight I was pulled over by the police because my tabs were expired and then informed that my plates were impounded. I was unaware of any of this. The renewal never came because of the impounded plates. My husband was arrested for 2 DUI's last Feb/March '07. The state took the vehicle he was driving which was titled soley to me in forfeiture. Tonight the officers removed my license plates on the vehicle titled to both of us. They say I can apply for whiskey plates. The police say we should have received notification but we didn't. I have been driving this vehicle for over a year since my husband got the DUI. I was last stopped by the police June of 07 and given a warning for going slightly over the speed limit and nothing was brought up then. I find it hard to believe the state can just do this all behind the scenes. They say its because my husbands name was on the title. This is the only vehicle I have left so I am without wheels right now until I get those plates. I have no paperwork for any of this so am concerned I will have problems obtaining the plates. Any information or assistance on this would be greatly appreciated.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: License Plate Impoundment
Ther is no viable action against the tstate.
The plate impoundment would normally have been issued at the same time as the driver's license revocation at the time of arrest. It would indicate that plates from all vehicles must be turned in. It is quite easy to overlook.
I am sorry for your troubles.
Re: License Plate Impoundment
It is possible the police gave a notice to your husband around the time of his second DWI arrest -- normally they would "Notice of Plate Impoundment." It is also possible the Minneosta Department of Public Safety may have mailed something. If they did, they will have a copy of it on file at their office in St Paul, which could be checked.
It sounds like your immediate problem is getting "special plates" ("Whisky Plates") ASAP, so you can drive again. You may also want to look into the date you will be eligle to get regular plates again. Call the Minnesota "Department of Public Safety" and look at their web sites, for more information on how to do this.
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