How to Start a Food Truck in Minnesota: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Consider the weather and seasonal factors in Minnesota when planning the operation schedule and menu for the food truck. One should identify strategic locations and events in Minnesota that attract a large crowd, ideal for a food truck business. Developing a menu that resonates with the culinary preferences of Minnesota's residents can significantly contribute to the success of a food truck.
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Insurance Coverage for Food Trailers in Minnesota
Insurance Coverage for Food Trailers in Minnesota
In Minnesota, all food trailers with a GVW over 3,000 lbs must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The registration fee for a food trailer weighing less than 3,000 lbs is $18, and for trailers over 3,000 lbs, the fee is $30.
To register, you will need to provide a completed registration application, the trailer's title, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale. Farm-use trailers are exempt from registration but must meet certain safety standards. If the trailer is purchased from out-of-state, you will need to submit proof of sales tax payment.
Minnesota law requires the towing vehicle’s insurance to extend coverage to the trailer, but food truck owners are encouraged to get additional insurance for the trailer itself. The minimum liability coverage required for the towing vehicle is $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
Food trailers should also consider collision insurance to protect against damage or theft of their equipment.
Summarized Business Regulations for Cottage Food Laws in Minnesota
The Cottage Food Law in Minnesota permits individuals to produce and sell specific low-risk foods without a license. Established in 2015 and updated in 2021, it outlines guidelines for training, registration, food types allowed, labeling requirements, permissible sales locations, and maximum sales amounts. The recent 2021 amendments notably raised the sales cap to $78,000 per registered individual, expanded the Tier 1 sales cap to $7,665 exempt from registration fees, added pet treats for dogs and cats as approved cottage foods, allowed business entity formation for cottage food businesses under state law, and mandated labeling with specific information including a statement asserting the homemade nature of the products.
Example of Successful Food Trucks in Minnesota
Kabomelette Food Truck
Omelettes & Kabobs
Bad Rooster Food Truck
Cchicken and sauces
Alltaco Food Truck
Taco
How to Register and Title Your Food Truck in Minnesota [2025]
In Minnesota, all food trailers with a GVW over 3,000 lbs must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The registration fee for a food trailer weighing less than 3,000 lbs is $18, and for trailers over 3,000 lbs, the fee is $30.
To register, you will need to provide a completed registration application, the trailer's title, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale. Farm-use trailers are exempt from registration but must meet certain safety standards. If the trailer is purchased from out-of-state, you will need to submit proof of sales tax payment.
Minnesota Food Trailer Braking System Requirements
Minnesota requires food trailers with a GVW of over 3,000 lbs to be equipped with a separate braking system. Electric brakes are the most common, but hydraulic brakes are also acceptable if they meet state standards.
Food trailers under 3,000 lbs do not require separate brakes, but they must have functional brakes as part of overall vehicle safety standards.
Lighting, Reflectors, and Safety Chains Requirements for Food Trailers in Minnesota
Minnesota requires food trailers to have at least two red tail lights visible from a distance of 500 feet, amber reflectors on the sides, and working turn signals. Trailers must also be equipped with at least one safety chain connecting the trailer’s hitch to the towing vehicle. The safety chain must be rated to handle the full GVW of the trailer. Additional lighting may be required for trailers over 10,000 lbs.
