Certain autonomous vehicles regulations provision

A bill for an act

relating to transportation; regulating certain autonomous vehicles; amending

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, by adding subdivisions; proposing

coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision

to read:

new text begin

Subd. 3b.

new text end

new text begin

Automated driving system.

new text end

new text begin

"Automated driving system" means the hardware

and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on

a sustained basis, regardless of whether the dynamic driving task is limited to a specific

operational design domain.

new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 3c.

new text end

new text begin

Autonomous vehicle.

new text end

new text begin

"Autonomous vehicle" means a motor vehicle equipped

with an automated driving system designed to function as a level 4 or 5 system under SAE

J3016.

new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 24a.

new text end

new text begin

Dynamic driving task.

new text end

new text begin

(a) "Dynamic driving task" means the real-time

operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic, including

but not limited to:

new text end

new text begin

(1) lateral vehicle motion control via steering;

new text end

new text begin

(2) longitudinal motion control via acceleration and deceleration;

new text end

new text begin

(3) monitoring the driving environment via object and event detection, recognition,

classification, and response preparation;

new text end

new text begin

(4) object and event response execution;

new text end

new text begin

(5) maneuver planning; and

new text end

new text begin

(6) enhancing conspicuity via lighting, signaling, and gesturing.

new text end

new text begin

(b) Dynamic driving task does not include strategic functions such as trip scheduling

and selection of destinations and waypoints.

new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 24b.

new text end

new text begin

Dynamic driving task fallback.

new text end

new text begin

"Dynamic driving task fallback" means:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the response by the person or human driver to either perform the dynamic driving

task or achieve a minimal risk condition after occurrence of a dynamic driving task

performance-relevant system failure or upon operational design domain exit; and

new text end

new text begin

(2) the response by an automated driving system to achieve minimal risk condition,

given the same circumstances.

new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 29a.

new text end

new text begin

First responder interaction plan.

new text end

new text begin

"First responder interaction plan" means

a document of procedures specifying how first responders should interact with an autonomous

vehicle that, at a minimum, describes:

new text end

new text begin

(1) how to communicate with a fleet support specialist who is available during the times

the autonomous vehicle is in operation;

new text end

new text begin

(2) how to safely remove the autonomous vehicle from the roadway and steps to safely

tow the vehicle;

new text end

new text begin

(3) how to recognize whether the autonomous vehicle is in autonomous mode; and

new text end

new text begin

(4) any additional information the person operating the autonomous vehicle, manufacturer

of the autonomous vehicle, or manufacturer of the automated driving system deems necessary

regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the operation of the

autonomous vehicle.

new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 34a.

new text end

new text begin

Human driver.

new text end

new text begin

"Human driver" means a natural person in a vehicle with a

valid license to operate a motor vehicle who controls all or part of the dynamic driving task.

new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 40c.

new text end

new text begin

Minimal risk condition.

new text end

new text begin

"Minimal risk condition" means a condition to

which a person, a human driver, or an automated driving system may bring a vehicle after

performing the dynamic driving task fallback in order to reduce the risk of a crash when a

given trip cannot or should not be completed.

new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 49a.

new text end

new text begin

On-demand autonomous vehicle network.

new text end

new text begin

"On-demand autonomous vehicle

network" means a transportation service network that uses a software application or other

digital means to dispatch or otherwise enable the prearrangement of transportation with

autonomous vehicles for purposes of transporting passengers or goods, including for-hire

transportation and transportation of passengers or goods for compensation.

new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 50a.

new text end

new text begin

Operational design domain.

new text end

new text begin

"Operational design domain" means the

operating conditions under which an automated driving system is specifically designed to

function, including but not limited to environmental, geographical, and time-of-day

restrictions and the requisite presence or absence of certain traffic or roadway characteristics.

new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision

to read:

new text begin

Subd. 70a.

new text end

new text begin

SAE J3016.

new text end

new text begin

"SAE J3016" means the April 2021 revision of the Taxonomy

and Definitions for Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for On-Road Motor

Vehicles published by SAE International.

new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin

[169.251] OPERATION OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 1.

new text end

new text begin

Autonomous vehicle requirements.

new text end

new text begin

(a) A person must not cause or

allow an autonomous vehicle to operate on the public roads of Minnesota with the automated

driving system engaged unless the vehicle meets the conditions in this subdivision.

new text end

new text begin

(b) If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable

to perform the entire dynamic driving task relevant to the automated driving system's intended

operational design domain, the autonomous vehicle must achieve a minimal risk condition.

new text end

new text begin

(c) The autonomous vehicle must be capable of operating in compliance with the

applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of Minnesota when

reasonable to do so, except when an exemption has been granted by the commissioner.

new text end

new text begin

(d) When required by federal law, the autonomous vehicle must have the required

manufacturer's certification label indicating that, at the time of the autonomous vehicle's

manufacture, the autonomous vehicle has been certified to be in compliance with all

applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, including reference to any exemption

granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

new text end

new text begin

(e) The autonomous vehicle owner or the automated driving system operator must provide

proof of financial responsibility that satisfies the requirements of section 169.253.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 2.

new text end

new text begin

Operating an autonomous vehicle without a human driver.

new text end

new text begin

(a) A person

must not cause or allow an autonomous vehicle to operate on the public roads of Minnesota

without a human driver, unless:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the automated vehicle satisfies the requirements of subdivision 1;

new text end

new text begin

(2) the person receives and maintains authorization from the commissioner to operate

autonomous vehicles without a human driver; and

new text end

new text begin

(3) the person provides the commissioner and the commissioner of public safety with a

first responder interaction plan.

new text end

new text begin

(b) A person seeking authorization to operate an autonomous vehicle without a human

driver must submit an application to the commissioner with the following information:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the name, address, and principal point of contact for the person applying for

authorization;

new text end

new text begin

(2) the vehicle information for each autonomous vehicle to be operated under the

authorization;

new text end

new text begin

(3) a written statement certifying that each autonomous vehicle in clause (2) complies

with subdivision 1; and

new text end

new text begin

(4) a first responder interaction plan.

new text end

new text begin

(c) The commissioner must verify that an application submitted under paragraph (b) is

complete and accurate and approve the application within 30 days of receipt. The

commissioner must deny incomplete or inaccurate applications within 30 days of receipt.

new text end

new text begin

(d) An authorization issued by the commissioner under this subdivision does not expire

and remains active unless suspended, revoked, or canceled by the commissioner.

new text end

new text begin

(e) The authorization holder must provide the commissioner with an update to the

information described in paragraph (b) no later than 30 days after the information materially

changes.

new text end

new text begin

(f) The commissioner may immediately suspend, revoke, or cancel the authorization

issued under paragraph (c) if the authorization holder fails to comply with paragraph (e).

The commissioner must promptly rescind the suspension, revocation, or cancellation upon

receiving the updated information.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 3.

new text end

new text begin

Human drivers permitted to operate.

new text end

new text begin

Nothing in this section prohibits or

restricts a human driver from operating an autonomous vehicle equipped with controls that

permit the human driver to take control of part or all of the dynamic driving task.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 4.

new text end

new text begin

Definition of driver; licensure of autonomous vehicles.

new text end

new text begin

When an automated

driving system installed on an autonomous vehicle is engaged and no human driver is

present:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the person who receives authorization under subdivision 2 to operate an autonomous

vehicle may be issued a citation or other applicable penalty if the autonomous vehicle fails

to comply with traffic or motor vehicle laws;

new text end

new text begin

(2) except as provided in clause (1), the automated driving system is considered the

driver of the autonomous vehicle for the purpose of assessing compliance with applicable

traffic or motor vehicle laws and is deemed to electronically satisfy all physical acts required

by a driver or operator of the vehicle; and

new text end

new text begin

(3) an automated driving system is considered to be licensed to operate an autonomous

vehicle under chapter 171 if the autonomous vehicle has been authorized by the commissioner

under subdivision 2.

new text end

Sec. 12.

new text begin

[169.252] COLLISIONS INVOLVING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES.

new text end

new text begin

In the event of a collision involving an autonomous vehicle:

new text end

new text begin

(1) a human driver of an autonomous vehicle must comply with the requirements of

section 169.09;

new text end

new text begin

(2) an autonomous vehicle without a human driver must remain on the scene of the crash

when required by section 169.09, consistent with the autonomous vehicle's capability under

section 169.251; and

new text end

new text begin

(3) the person authorized to operate an autonomous vehicle without a human driver

under section 169.251 must report any collision involving the autonomous vehicle consistent

with section 169.09.

new text end

Sec. 13.

new text begin

[169.253] FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

new text end

new text begin

(a) The owner of an autonomous vehicle must maintain proof of financial responsibility

in the same form and at the same minimum limits required for a motor vehicle under sections

65B.48 and 65B.49.

new text end

new text begin

(b) A person must not operate an autonomous vehicle with the automated driving system

engaged unless the person maintains proof of financial responsibility for the autonomous

vehicle in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for

third-party liability. Proof of financial responsibility under this paragraph must also satisfy

basic economic loss benefits and uninsured motorist benefits as required under section

65B.49 when the requirements are not satisfied by insurance policies or self-insurance

required under paragraph (a). Insurance policies and self-insurance applicable under

paragraph (a) and this paragraph may contract and coordinate with each other to determine

which will satisfy personal injury protection and uninsured motorist benefit requirements.

The satisfaction of financial responsibility under this paragraph satisfies financial

responsibility under paragraph (a).

new text end

new text begin

(c) Financial responsibility under paragraph (b) may be satisfied by:

new text end

new text begin

(1) an insurance policy issued by an insurer licensed in Minnesota; or

new text end

new text begin

(2) a policy issued by an eligible surplus lines insurer pursuant to sections 60A.195 to

60A.2095.

new text end

new text begin

(d) No higher limits of insurance or additional coverages are required solely due to a

vehicle's use of an automated driving system other than the financial responsibility minimum

requirement under paragraph (b).

new text end

Sec. 14.

new text begin

[169.254] ON-DEMAND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE NETWORK.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 1.

new text end

new text begin

On-demand autonomous vehicle network permitted; requirements.

new text end

new text begin

(a)

An on-demand autonomous vehicle network may transport passengers or goods in Minnesota,

including for-hire, if the on-demand autonomous vehicle network complies with the

requirements of sections 169.251 to 169.257.

new text end

new text begin

(b) An on-demand autonomous vehicle network vehicle must not accept requests for

service via traditional street hail.

new text end

new text begin

(c) An on-demand autonomous vehicle network vehicle must not park unlawfully on

any public way for a time longer than is reasonably necessary to pick up or drop off

passengers.

new text end

new text begin

(d) An on-demand autonomous vehicle network must disclose to the rider the fare or

fare calculator method on the network's website or within the online-enabled technology

application service before the beginning of a prearranged ride.

new text end

new text begin

(e) Within a reasonable period after the completion of a ride, an on-demand autonomous

vehicle network must transmit an electronic receipt to the rider that lists:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the origin and destination of the ride;

new text end

new text begin

(2) the total time and distance of the ride; and

new text end

new text begin

(3) the total fare paid.

new text end

new text begin

(f) At all times while an autonomous vehicle is active on an on-demand autonomous

vehicle network, the vehicle must display a consistent and distinctive signage or emblem.

Acceptable forms of distinctive signage include but are not limited to symbols or signs on

vehicle doors, roofs, or grilles, including magnetic or other removable signs or symbols.

new text end

new text begin

(g) An autonomous vehicle must be inspected to confirm the vehicle is in good working

condition before being put into service on any on-demand autonomous vehicle network and

must be inspected annually thereafter. The on-demand autonomous vehicle network must

maintain documentation of autonomous vehicle inspections for three years.

new text end

new text begin

(h) If an on-demand autonomous vehicle network cannot provide a wheelchair-accessible

transportation network vehicle, the network must direct the request to a provider of

wheelchair-accessible vehicles if reasonably available.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 2.

new text end

new text begin

Not a common carrier.

new text end

new text begin

An on-demand autonomous vehicle network is not a

common carrier or ground carrier. Chapter 221 does not apply to on-demand autonomous

vehicle networks.

new text end

Sec. 15.

new text begin

[169.255] OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES.

new text end

new text begin

(a) An autonomous vehicle authorized to operate under section 169.251 that is also a

commercial motor vehicle must operate pursuant to state laws governing the operation of

commercial motor vehicles, except that any provision that by its nature reasonably applies

only to a human driver does not apply to an autonomous vehicle operating without a human

driver.

new text end

new text begin

(b) For an autonomous vehicle that is also a commercial motor vehicle, physical parts

of the automated driving system are considered a mirror or similar device for purposes of

measuring the width of the vehicle.

new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin

[169.256] AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE EQUIPMENT STANDARDS.

new text end

new text begin

An autonomous vehicle that is designed to be operated exclusively without a human

driver for all trips is not subject to motor vehicle equipment laws or regulations of Minnesota

that:

new text end

new text begin

(1) relate to or support motor vehicle operation by a human driver seated in the vehicle;

and

new text end

new text begin

(2) by their nature, are not relevant for an automated driving system.

new text end

Sec. 17.

new text begin

[169.257] CONTROLLING AUTHORITY.

new text end

new text begin

(a) Unless otherwise provided in this chapter and notwithstanding any other provision

of law, autonomous vehicles, automated driving systems, and on-demand autonomous

vehicle networks are governed exclusively by state law. Any local ordinance that conflicts

with state law is preempted.

new text end

new text begin

(b) A political subdivision, municipality, or local entity must not impose additional

requirements or restrictions specific to the operation of autonomous vehicles or automated

driving systems.

new text end

new text begin

(c) A political subdivision, municipality, or local entity must not require a license or

permit or impose a tax, rate, or fee for the operation of an on-demand vehicle network that

is specific to the operation of an on-demand autonomous vehicle network.

new text end

new text begin

(d) This section does not prohibit an airport from imposing reasonable fees on an

on-demand vehicle network consistent with any fees charged to companies that provide

similar services at the airport for the use of airport facilities. This section does not prohibit

an airport from designating locations for staging, pickup, or other similar on-demand vehicle

network operations at the airport, provided that the designated locations must be reasonably

equivalent to those required of other passenger transportation services.

new text end

new text begin

(e) This section does not exempt an on-demand autonomous vehicle network company

from taxes of general applicability.

new text end

new text begin

(f) This section does not prohibit any political subdivision from enforcing traffic and

road rule ordinances.

new text end