Minnesota Law Takes Effect: Retired Squad Cars Must Be Stripped of Police Markings Before Sale
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A new Minnesota law took effect Oct. 3 requiring retired police squad cars to be stripped of all police markings and equipment before being sold to the public, KTTC reported. The measure aims to close a public-safety loophole.
Under the law, badges, "police" lettering, light bars, sirens and dedicated radio gear must be removed or disabled before a decommissioned vehicle changes hands. Law enforcement agencies must verify each item on a checklist when disposing of retired cars, ensuring nothing remains that could be mistaken for an active patrol vehicle.
Supporters noted cases across the country in which criminals used police look-alike vehicles to impersonate officers and victimize motorists. Stripping the markings adds steps to vehicle disposal, they said, but significantly reduces the risk of impersonation and protects the public.
Sheriffs' offices and police departments across Minnesota have begun processing retired vehicles under the new rules. Dealers and auction houses must comply as well, with penalties for selling decommissioned squad cars that still carry police markings.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 明尼苏达州议会大厦，Wikimedia Commons / xiquinhosilva，CC BY 2.0
