He has 'Bones' to pick with state over plate

The Driver and Vehicle Services agency will return driver's fee after a mistake over a vanity license plate.

By LORA PABST, Star Tribune

Last update: September 14, 2009 - 2:13 PM

Mike Pettibone wanted his nickname to ride with him on his blue Pontiac Solstice convertible. So in June, the 63-year-old retiree from Andover submitted his application for a vanity license plate after being told "BONES" was available.

But someone at Driver and Vehicle Services goofed. Not only was "BONES" already taken, Pettibone hasn't gotten his $108.50 fee back.

"It's just left such a sour taste in my mouth," Pettibone said this week. "I don't know if they realize this is someone's money they're dealing with."

Kristine Chapin, a Minnesota Department of Public Safety spokeswoman, told Whistleblower that Pettibone's situation was unacceptable. She promised that training would be added so employees know the policies about personalized plates.

"We'll get the guy an apology, a check and an explanation," Chapin said.

Pettibone bought the roadster in 2006 as a Christmas present for his wife, although he drives it too. During his first visit to the Driver and Vehicle Services office in Anoka, an employee told him someone had previously had the phrase "BONES." But he was in luck, because the car owner had let the plate expire.

She failed to tell him that a state law says personalized plates can't be reissued for a year after they expire because state officials want to give procrastinators some extra time to hold onto their prized plates. Pettibone didn't find out until a month later when he got a letter stating his fee would be refunded automatically.

With no sign of his money after two and a half months, Pettibone called the state and found out nothing had been done about his refund. Two state employees said he must fill out a form to get his money back.

On Wednesday, Pettibone said he got a call from another state official letting him know that his check would be in the mail within a week.

He's still holding out hope that the person who is driving around with "BONES" won't renew the plate. Until then, he'll have to make do with the standard letters and numbers.

Lora Pabst • 612-673-4628