No title may be issued or transferred for the ownership of any motor vehicle unless the tax levied by § 32-5B-1 is paid, except as provided in subdivision 32-5B-2(12) and vehicles taxed pursuant to § 32-5B-20.

Source: SL 1985, ch 241, § 6; SL 1988, ch 236, § 24; SL 1994, ch 245, § 8.