Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, "vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in section 97A.015, subdivision 32, or a watercraft as defined in section 86B.005, subdivision 18.
(b) For purposes of this section, "owner" means the registered owner, last registered owner, or legal owner of a vehicle if the vehicle is not registered.
Subd. 2. Responsibility for removal. (a) The owner of a submerged vehicle is responsible for removing the vehicle from waters of the state, unless the vehicle is permitted or otherwise exempt from removal. Removal must be completed within 30 days of the vehicle entering the water or being discovered in the water, unless the owner is notified in writing by the political subdivision having jurisdiction that the removal must be completed sooner. Upon request of the political subdivision the commissioner may extend the 30-day time period for removal.
(b) The owner of the vehicle shall report that the vehicle is submerged in a body of water. The owner shall report the date and the circumstances surrounding the submergence to the sheriff of the county where the body of water is located within 48 hours of the vehicle entering the water.
(c) If the vehicle is not removed according to paragraph (a), the political subdivision in whose jurisdiction the lake or watercourse is located shall remove the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle is subject to a civil penalty of not less than twice nor more than five times the costs incurred by the political subdivision to remove, process, and dispose of the vehicle. Civil penalties imposed under this section may be enforced and distributed as provided in section 115A.99.
(d) The owner of a submerged vehicle is not responsible for removal of the vehicle if the vehicle was used without the owner's knowledge. This includes, but is not limited to, the operation of a vehicle that was under the control of a member of the owner's household. If the driver or operator of the vehicle is known, the driver or operator is responsible for removing the vehicle according to this section.
2001 c 185 s 15
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 85 - 87A — Recreation
Chapter 86B — Water Safety And Watercraft
Section 86B.001 — Water Use Policy.
Section 86B.005 — Definitions.
Section 86B.101 — Watercraft Safety Program.
Section 86B.105 — Sheriff's Safety Program.
Section 86B.106 — Barring Vehicles From Unsafe Ice.
Section 86B.107 — Removing Submerged Vehicles From State Waters.
Section 86B.111 — Navigation Markers And Buoys.
Section 86B.115 — Using Docks And Structures For Advertising.
Section 86B.121 — Races, Competitions, And Exhibitions.
Section 86B.125 — Leased Watercraft.
Section 86B.13 — Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program.
Section 86B.201 — State Law And Local Ordinance Authority.
Section 86B.205 — Water Surface Use Ordinance.
Section 86B.211 — Water Safety Rules.
Section 86B.301 — Watercraft Licenses Required.
Section 86B.305 — Youth Operators.
Section 86B.311 — General Rules For Operation.
Section 86B.313 — Personal Watercraft; Regulations.
Section 86B.315 — Towing Person On Water Skis Or Other Device.
Section 86B.321 — Noise Limits.
Section 86B.325 — Discharge From Marine Toilets Prohibited.
Section 86B.33 — Operating While Impaired.
Section 86B.335 — Testing For Alcohol And Controlled Substances.
Section 86B.341 — Duties And Liabilities At Accident Or Incident.
Section 86B.401 — Watercraft Licenses.
Section 86B.405 — Dealer's License.
Section 86B.411 — Government Watercraft Licenses.
Section 86B.415 — License Fees.
Section 86B.421 — Licensing By Political Subdivisions.
Section 86B.501 — Personal Flotation And Lifesaving Devices.
Section 86B.505 — Watercraft Capacity Plates.
Section 86B.515 — Sirens And Sound-producing Devices.
Section 86B.521 — Motorboat Noise Control.
Section 86B.525 — Device For Arresting Backfire.
Section 86B.531 — Fire Extinguishers And Fuel Area Ventilation.
Section 86B.532 — Carbon Monoxide Detection; System Requirements.
Section 86B.535 — Marine Toilets.
Section 86B.601 — Scuba Diving.
Section 86B.701 — Funding County Water Safety.
Section 86B.705 — Allocating Water Recreation Account, Fines, And Forfeited Bail Money.
Section 86B.706 — Water Recreation Account; Receipts And Purpose.
Section 86B.801 — Enforcement Authority.
Section 86B.805 — Enforcement Watercraft.
Section 86B.811 — Criminal Penalties.
Section 86B.815 — Violation As Evidence In Civil Action.
Section 86B.820 — Definitions.
Section 86B.825 — Certificate Of Title Required.
Section 86B.830 — Applying For And Issuing Certificate Of Title.
Section 86B.835 — Dealer Acquisition And Transfer.
Section 86B.840 — Transfer By Owner.
Section 86B.841 — Transfer-on-death Title To Watercraft.
Section 86B.845 — Temporary Watercraft Use Permits.
Section 86B.850 — Duplicate Certificate.
Section 86B.855 — Suspending Or Revoking Certificate.
Section 86B.860 — Responsibilities Of Commissioner.
Section 86B.875 — Inapplicable Liens And Security Interests.
Section 86B.880 — Security Interests.
Section 86B.885 — Owner-created Security Interest.
Section 86B.890 — Licensed Watercraft Previously Perfected.
Section 86B.895 — Satisfaction Of Security Interest.
Section 86B.900 — Disclosing Security Agreement.
Section 86B.905 — Effect Of Suspension Or Revocation On Security Interest.
Section 86B.910 — Undisclosed Security Interests.