This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to establish regulations regarding the operation of commercial motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems. It introduces new definitions for "automated driving system" and "dynamic driving task," clarifying the responsibilities associated with these technologies. Specifically, the bill mandates that a natural person must be physically present in the vehicle, seated in the driver's seat, and actively monitoring the vehicle's performance while it is in operation. This person must also be prepared to intervene if necessary to prevent illegal or unsafe driving.

Additionally, the bill outlines criminal penalties for violations of these regulations. The owner or lessor of a commercial motor vehicle that operates in violation of the new rules will face misdemeanor charges for the first offense and gross misdemeanor charges for subsequent offenses, with escalating fines starting at $2,000 for the second violation. This legislative measure aims to ensure safety in the use of automated driving technologies in commercial transportation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 169.011