Purpose

To ensure that autonomous vehicle services operating commercially in Minnesota include accessibility for riders who use wheelchairs, by requiring a minimum number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in the fleets of these operators and giving the state authority to enforce the rule.

Main provisions

• Defines key terms:
  • Autonomous vehicle: a vehicle with technology meeting Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 as defined in the April 2021 SAE J3016 standard.
  • Commercial autonomous vehicle operations: the use of autonomous vehicles for commercial purposes (e.g., transporting passengers or goods).
• New requirement for operators:
  • Any entity engaged in commercial autonomous vehicle operations in Minnesota must certify to the commissioner that it has at least two wheelchair accessible vehicles in its fleet within one year of starting operations.
• Enforcement:
  • If an operator fails to meet the WAV requirement, the commissioner may suspend the operator’s authorization to conduct commercial autonomous vehicle operations in Minnesota until the requirement is satisfied.
• Scope:
  • Adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes, specifically Section 221.88, to formalize these requirements.

How it would change existing law

• Introduces a mandatory accessibility standard for AV operators by requiring WAVs in their fleets.
• Establishes an official certification process to the state (to the commissioner) confirming the WAV count.
• Creates a suspension power for the commissioner to enforce compliance, potentially pausing operations until the WAV requirement is fulfilled.

Definitions and key terms (for clarity)

• Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs): Vehicles equipped to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs.
• Autonomous vehicle: Vehicle with technology that meets SAE Levels 3–5 as defined in J3016.
• Commercial autonomous vehicle operations: Use of autonomous vehicles for business purposes, such as passenger or goods transport.
• Certification: Formal notice or proof provided to the commissioner confirming WAV fleet status.
• Commissioner: The state official responsible for overseeing transportation operations and licensing.

Compliance and enforcement (high-level)

• Timetable: WAV requirement must be met within one year of beginning autonomous operations.
• Consequences: Suspension of authorization to operate in the state if the WAV requirement is not met, until compliance is achieved.

Significance

• Promotes access and mobility for people with disabilities in autonomous vehicle services.
• Sets a measurable fleet standard that AV operators must meet to operate commercially in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms - wheelchair accessible vehicles - WAV - autonomous vehicle - Level 3 - Level 4 - Level 5 - SAE J3016 - commercial autonomous vehicle operations - certification - commissioner - suspension - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 221 - section 221.88 - fleet - accessibility