AI Frontier Institute

Operation of certain autonomous vehicles and on-demand autonomous vehicle networks authorization

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S.F. 4618 (Minnesota, 94th session) has not been enacted. It was reported out of the Transportation committee on 2026-04-07 "to pass as amended" and re-referred to Judiciary and Public Safety. If enacted, it would create a new Minnesota Statutes chapter 169B to regulate autonomous vehicles (SAE level 4 or 5 systems). Key provisions: (1) Sec. 3 [169B.02] bars operating an autonomous vehicle with the automated driving system engaged unless it meets the chapter's requirements and has commissioner of public safety authorization. It sets failure responses (minimal risk condition or request to intervene), traffic-law compliance, and federal labeling. (2) Sec. 4 [169B.03] creates a permit process. It requires reapplication at years one and two and renewal every four years. Fees and update deadlines are left blank. Applicants must provide registration, operational design domain, and insurance. Driverless operation needs $10,000,000 per-occurrence third-party liability coverage, a first responder interaction plan (guidance due December 31, 2026), and independent third-party verification of performance in Minnesota conditions such as snow, ice and road salt. The permit is limited to passenger vehicles. The commissioner may investigate, inspect records including video, suspend or revoke authority, and adopt rules. (3) Sec. 5 [169B.04] treats the automated driving system as the driver when no human is present. The authorized operator receives citations and is responsible for violations. Teleoperation is not permitted except as approved in a first responder plan. The operator, vehicle manufacturer, system manufacturer, and any on-demand network are jointly and severally liable in collisions. It requires 24-hour incident reporting and quarterly summary data, and a public website of incident data. (4) Sec. 6 [169B.05] prohibits commercial autonomous vehicle operations, including on-demand networks, until a task force reports and the commissioner establishes a permit process. Network requirements include all-electric vehicles, no street hail, fare disclosure and receipts, inspections, a traffic study at the applicant's cost with municipal comment, equity and accessibility plans, wheelchair-accessible vehicle quotas, and emergency and passenger assistance protocols. Other network provisions: mandatory six-month suspension after certain court findings, possible labor-impact fees credited to the dislocated worker fund, infrastructure cost allocation, application of the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, a bar on disclosing customer data to law enforcement without a court order or warrant, and preserved local authority. (5) Sec. 1 amends section 168.012 by adding subdivision 14, exempting certain wheelchair accessible autonomous vehicles in on-demand networks from registration taxes. (6) Sec. 7 creates the Commercial Autonomous Vehicle Operations Impact Advisory Task Force. It would study workforce displacement, liability, algorithmic management, certification, congestion and other issues. It would convene by September 30, 2026, report by February 1, 2028, and expire that day.

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