This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, to regulate the operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. It introduces definitions for terms such as "automated driving system," "autonomous vehicle," and "first responder interaction plan." The legislation requires autonomous vehicles to achieve a "minimal risk condition" during system failures and mandates compliance with traffic laws. Operators of autonomous vehicles without a human driver must obtain authorization from the commissioner and provide a first responder interaction plan. Additionally, the bill outlines operational requirements for on-demand autonomous vehicle networks, including fare disclosure and vehicle inspections, while clarifying that these networks are not classified as common carriers.

The bill preempts any local ordinances that conflict with state law, ensuring uniform regulations for autonomous vehicles and preventing local entities from imposing additional requirements, licenses, or fees specifically for on-demand autonomous vehicle networks. However, it allows airports to impose reasonable fees on these networks, as long as they align with fees charged to similar service providers. Airports can also designate staging and pickup locations for on-demand vehicle operations, comparable to those for other passenger transportation services. The bill maintains that on-demand autonomous vehicle network companies are not exempt from general taxes and that local entities can enforce traffic and road rule ordinances.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 169.011