HF4112 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Autonomous vehicles regulated.
AI Generated Summary
Purpose and Goals
- Establish a statewide framework for the operation, safety, accountability, and oversight of autonomous vehicles (AVs), automated driving systems (ADS), and on-demand AV networks in Minnesota.
- Define key terms and set safety and financial responsibility requirements, while clarifying how AVs interact with existing traffic laws.
- Centralize regulatory authority at the state level and limit local rules and licensing for AVs, with certain provisions for airports and general taxes.
Key Definitions Added to Minnesota Statutes
- Automated driving system: hardware and software capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis.
- Autonomous vehicle: a motor vehicle with an ADS designed to function at SAE J3016 level 4 or 5.
- Dynamic driving task: real-time driving functions such as steering, acceleration, environment monitoring, maneuver planning, and signaling—excluding trip planning and destination choice.
- Dynamic driving task fallback: what happens when ADS or human drivers must take over to return to a minimal risk condition.
- First responder interaction plan: procedures for how first responders should interact with an AV, including communication with fleet support, safe removal, mode recognition, and additional safety information.
- Human driver: a natural person with a valid license who can control all or part of the dynamic driving task.
- Minimal risk condition: a safe state an AV or human driver can reach when the dynamic driving task cannot be completed safely.
- Ondemand autonomous vehicle network: a software-enabled network that dispatches AVs for passengers or goods, including for-hire services.
- Operational design domain: the specific operating conditions under which the ADS is designed to function (environment, geography, time of day, traffic, etc.).
- SAE J3016: the 2021 revision of the standard taxonomy for driving automation systems.
Main Provisions and What the Bill Seeks to Accomplish
Section 11: Operating autonomous vehicles on public roads
- AVs must meet requirements before operating with ADS engaged.
- If ADS fails to perform the dynamic driving task, the vehicle must reach a minimal risk condition.
- AVs must comply with Minnesota traffic laws when reasonably possible, unless an exemption is granted.
- Federal certification labels (when required by law) must be present, showing compliance with federal safety standards and any NHTSA exemptions.
- Owners/operators must have proof of financial responsibility (insurance) for the AV.
- Authorization is required to operate AVs without a human driver, including submission of an application with vehicle information and a written statement certifying compliance and a first responder plan. Applications are to be reviewed within 30 days; incomplete or inaccurate applications can be denied within 30 days; authorizations do not expire unless suspended or canceled.
Section 11 (continued): Human drivers can still operate AVs
- Nothing prevents a human driver from taking control of an AV that has controls enabling manual takeover.
Section 12: Collisions involving autonomous vehicles
- If a human driver is present, follow standard crash reporting requirements.
- An AV without a human driver must remain at the scene as required by law.
- The AV operator authorized to operate without a human driver must report crashes in line with existing reporting rules.
Section 13: Financial responsibility requirements
- AV owners must maintain proof of financial responsibility equivalent to standard motor vehicle requirements.
- If the ADS is engaged and the vehicle operates without a human driver, the liability minimum is $1,000,000 for third-party liability.
- PIP and uninsured motorist benefits requirements apply as applicable, and policies may be coordinated with other coverages to meet these requirements.
- Insurance can come from a Minnesota-licensed insurer or an eligible surplus lines insurer.
- The financial responsibility requirement does not raise other insurance requirements merely due to AV use.
Section 14: Ondemand autonomous vehicle networks
- ONV networks may transport passengers or goods if they meet applicable sections (169.251 to 169.257).
- They cannot accept traditional street hail requests.
- Must not park unlawfully for longer than needed to pick up or drop off.
- Must disclose fare and fare calculation method on the network’s site or app before a ride starts.
- Must provide an electronic receipt after a ride, detailing origin, destination, time, distance, and fare.
- Vehicles must display distinctive signage or emblem at all times when active.
- Vehicles must be inspected before service and then annually; network must keep inspection records for three years.
- If wheelchair-accessible vehicles are not available, the network must direct requests to providers offering such service.
Section 15: Operation of commercial AVs
- AVs that are also commercial motor vehicles must follow CMV laws, except where those laws concern human drivers.
- Vehicle dimensions related to CMVs (e.g., width) recognize the ADS configuration.
Section 16: AV equipment standards
- AVs designed to operate exclusively without a human driver for all trips are not subject to certain Minnesota motor vehicle equipment laws that are meant for human drivers.
Section 17: Controlling authority and local regulation
- AVs, ADS, and ONV networks are governed exclusively by state law; local ordinances conflicting with state law are preempted.
- Local entities cannot impose additional AV-specific requirements, licenses, permits, or taxes for ONV networks.
- Airports may impose reasonable fees and designate staging locations for AVs, as long as those are reasonably equivalent to other passenger services.
- This section does not exempt AV networks from general taxes or from enforcing traffic and road rules.
Notable Changes to Existing Law
- Adds comprehensive, codified definitions for ADS, AVs, dynamic driving task, and related concepts to Minnesota Statutes.
- Creates a framework for authorizing AVs to operate without a human driver, including application processes, safety requirements, and ongoing updates.
- Establishes a formal requirement for financial responsibility and a minimum liability limit for AVs.
- Establishes specific rules for on-demand AV networks, including fare disclosure, receipts, signage, inspections, and accessibility obligations where feasible.
- Clarifies how AVs interact with existing collisions reporting, and how ADS-equipped vehicles should be treated under current traffic laws when operating without a driver.
- Preempts local ordinances and restricts local licensing, permitting, or special taxes for AV operations, with limited airport-specific allowances.
Significant Operational Concepts Emphasized
- Minimal risk condition as a safety objective when the dynamic driving task cannot be completed safely.
- First responder interaction planning to ensure responders can engage with AVs safely.
- Operational design domain to limit ADS operation to defined conditions.
- Distinguishing autonomous (no human driver) operation from traditional vehicle operation, while allowing human takeover if desired.
Relevant Terms - Automated driving system - Autonomous vehicle - Dynamic driving task - Dynamic driving task fallback - First responder interaction plan - Human driver - Minimal risk condition - Ondemand autonomous vehicle network - Operational design domain - SAE J3016 - Authorization (to operate without a human driver) - Financial responsibility / insurance - Collision reporting - Not a common carrier - Preemption of local regulation - Wheelchair accessibility (as applicable) - Inspection and signage requirements - Commercial autonomous vehicles (CMV context)
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Commerce Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.3b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.3c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.24a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.24b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.29a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.34a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.40c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.49a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.50a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.70a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision in the statute governing operation of autonomous vehicles; the bill alters or adds autonomous vehicle requirements.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.251",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision related to operating an autonomous vehicle without a human driver; changes addressed in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.251",
"subdivision": "Subd.2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision permitting human drivers to operate autonomous vehicles; changes addressed in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.251",
"subdivision": "Subd.3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision defining driver licensure for autonomous vehicles; changes addressed in the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.251",
"subdivision": "Subd.4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision of collisions involving autonomous vehicles; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.252",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision of financial responsibility requirements; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.253",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision detailing operating without a human driver and related requirements; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.253",
"subdivision": "Subd.2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision permitting on-demand autonomous vehicle networks; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.254",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision not a common carrier; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.254",
"subdivision": "Subd.2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision governing operation of commercial autonomous vehicles; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.255",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited statute addressing autonomous vehicle equipment standards; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.256",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision establishing controlling authority; the bill references this existing section.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.257",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Chapter 221 referenced as not applying to ondemand autonomous vehicle networks; a reference to existing Minnesota Statutes.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "221",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Citation to Minnesota Statutes section 169.09 used in collision procedures; the bill references this existing law.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.09",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Citation to Minnesota no-fault insurance statute cited for financial responsibility requirements.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "65B.48",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Citation to Minnesota no-fault insurance statute cited for additional financial responsibility requirements.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "65B.49",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited range of statutes governing certain insurance or financial responsibility provisions.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "60A.195 to 60A.2095",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited chapter on driver licensing referenced in relation to automated driving systems.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "171",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cited subdivision (duplicate entry for completeness) related to autonomous vehicle operation.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.251",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee