SF4014
Natural person requirement to be present when a commercial motor vehicle is operated by an automated driving system
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: HF3810
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill would regulate how automated driving systems can be used in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Minnesota. It requires a real, licensed human driver to be physically present in the vehicle to oversee and be able to intervene when an automated driving system is operating.
Main Provisions
Automated driving system (ADS) definition:
- ADS means hardware and software that can perform all aspects of the dynamic driving task for a vehicle on a part-time or full-time basis.
- It covers levels 4 and 5 automation as defined in SAE International standard J3016 (revised April 2021).
Dynamic driving task (DDT) definition:
- DDT includes operational aspects (steering, braking, accelerating, monitoring the vehicle and roadway) and tactical aspects (responding to events, changing lanes, turning, using signals).
- DDT does not include strategic aspects (such as determining destinations or waypoints).
Restrictions for CMVs with ADS:
- A person must not use an ADS to perform the DDT in a CMV unless a natural person who is properly licensed to operate the vehicle is physically present in the CMV, seated in the driver’s seat, monitoring the vehicle, and ready to intervene to prevent illegal or unsafe driving.
Liability and penalties for owners/lessors:
- If a CMV operated with an ADS violates this requirement, the owner or lessor is guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense and a gross misdemeanor for any subsequent offense, regardless of whether the offense involves a different CMV owned or leased by the same person.
- Financial penalties: the second conviction carries a $2,000 penalty, and the penalty doubles for each subsequent conviction.
Cross-reference to existing law:
- The bill defines relevant terms and adds restrictions by amending Minnesota Statutes related to automated driving systems in CMVs and how violations are treated in enforcement.
Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a subdivision (3b) to Minnesota Statutes section 169.011 defining “Automated driving system” (ADS) with reference to SAE J3016 levels 4 and 5.
- Adds a subdivision (24a) to Minnesota Statutes section 169.011 defining “Dynamic driving task” (DDT) including operational and tactical aspects but excluding strategic aspects.
- Amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.763 to set restrictions on using an ADS for the DDT in a CMV, requiring a physically present, licensed human operator who monitors and can intervene; sets penalties for owners/lessors as described above.
Significance and Impact
- This bill tightens safety controls on the use of autonomous driving technology in commercial trucks by ensuring a human supervisor is always present, capable of taking over if needed.
- It creates clear definitions for ADS and DDT to guide enforcement and compliance.
- It establishes concrete penalties for owners or lessors who fail to meet the supervision requirement, including escalating fines and criminal classifications.
Relevant Terms - Automated driving system - Dynamic driving task - Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) - Natural person - Properly licensed - Physically present - Seated in the driver's seat - Monitors the performance - Intervenes if necessary - Misdemeanor - Gross misdemeanor - Second conviction - $2,000 - Doubles for each subsequent conviction - SAE International standard J3016 (April 2021 revision) - Levels 4 and 5 automation - Minnesota Statutes section 169.011 - Minnesota Statutes section 169.763 - 49 CFR 390.5 (federal regulation referenced for CMV definitions)
Past committee meetings
- Transportation on: March 18, 2026 15:00
- Judiciary and Public Safety on: March 25, 2026 18:30
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 02, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 02, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Transportation | |
| March 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds Subd.3b: Automated driving system means hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing all aspects of the dynamic driving task for a vehicle on a parttime or fulltime basis described as levels 4 and 5 automation in SAE International standard J3016 as revised in April 2021."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds Subd.3b to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 defining an automated driving system.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.3b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds Subd.24a: Dynamic driving task means all of the following aspects of driving: (1) operational aspects including steering, braking, accelerating, and monitoring the vehicle and the roadway; and (2) tactical aspects including responding to events, determining when to change lanes, turning, using signals, and other related actions. b Dynamic driving task does not include strategic aspects including determining destinations or waypoints of driving."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Adds Subd.24a to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.011 defining dynamic driving task.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.011",
"subdivision": "Subd.24a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds Subd.1: Definition. For the purposes of this section, commercial motor vehicle has the meaning provided in Code of Federal Regulations title 49 section 390.5."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Sec. 3 defines Automated Driving Systems in Commercial Motor Vehicles; Subd.1 references the meaning of 'commercial motor vehicle' as provided by federal regulation.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.763",
"subdivision": "Subd.1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds Subd.2: Restrictions. A person must not use an automated driving system to perform the dynamic driving task in a commercial motor vehicle unless a natural person who is properly licensed to operate the vehicle is physically present in the vehicle, seated in the driver's seat, monitors the performance, and intervenes if necessary to avoid illegal or unsafe driving.",
"Adds Subd.2: Penalties. The owner or lessor of a commercial motor vehicle operated in violation is guilty of a misdemeanor for the first offense and a gross misdemeanor for any subsequent offense, regardless of whether the offense is committed with a different vehicle. The penalty for the second conviction is $2,000 and doubles for each subsequent conviction."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Sec. 3 imposes restrictions on the use of automated driving systems in commercial motor vehicles and outlines penalties for owners or lessors.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.763",
"subdivision": "Subd.2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Cites Code of Federal Regulations title 49 section 390.5 for the definition of 'commercial motor vehicle'."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References federal regulation CFR Title 49 § 390.5 for the definition of a 'commercial motor vehicle'; the bill does not amend this federal regulation.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "CFR Title 49 § 390.5",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee