Purpose

authorize a pilot program to test vehicle platoons (connected groups of vehicles traveling together) on specific roads in Wilkin County and Grant County, Minnesota. The bill outlines how these platoons can be approved, operated, and evaluated, and requires a report on the results by a set date.

Key terms and definitions

• vehicle platoon: a convoy of two or more vehicles traveling closely together, as defined by Minnesota law (169.011, subdivision 92a).
• vehicle platoon plan: a formal plan detailing how a platooning system will be used on specified roads.
• relevant road authority: Wilkin County (and, for certain locations, both Wilkin County and Grant County).
• commissioner: Minnesota’s commissioner of transportation.
• state highway: a trunk highway in Minnesota.
• platooning system: the technology and methods used to create and manage a vehicle platoon (as allowed under Minnesota statutes 169.881).

Plan approval and authority

• A person may apply to a relevant road authority for approval to use a platooning system at the locations listed in the bill, in addition to seeking approval from the commissioner (169.881).
• For most locations, the road authority alone can approve or deny the plan; for the location in subdivision 4 paragraph f, both Wilkin County and Grant County must approve.
• Before operations begin, the relevant road authority and the commissioner must both approve the plan.
• If a plan is denied, the road authority must provide written notice with reasons.
• An approved platoon plan remains valid for the pilot project period.
• The road authority must approve/deny within 60 days of receiving an application and must consult with local and county law enforcement about public safety or traffic concerns.

Requirements for platoon operations

• Plans must include:
  • total length of the platoon,
  • vehicle spacing configuration,
  • proposed operating time frames,
  • certification that each human driver has a valid license for the vehicle type,
  • verification that vehicle height, width, and weight comply with Minnesota law (chapter 169),
  • vehicle identification information.
• The approved plan may include reasonable conditions to:
  • promote public safety,
  • minimize congestion,
  • avoid road construction or other projects,
  • prevent damage to roads or structures.

Locations and scope

• The pilot may operate only on the specified routes and corridors in Wilkin County and Grant County, including:
  • Nashua to Breckenridge corridor (certain state highways and segments),
  • Wolverton to Breckenridge corridor,
  • Foxhome to Breckenridge corridor,
  • Doran to Breckenridge corridor,
  • Norcross (Grant County) to Breckenridge corridor,
  • all routes proceed to the North Dakota border.
• These are defined as particular segments on state highways, county roads, and county/state aid highways listed in the bill.

Expiration

• Each platoon plan approved under this section expires on January 1, 2030.

Reporting and evaluation

• By January 1, 2029, the approving road authorities and the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance and policy.
• The report must evaluate:
  • the impact of approved platoon plans on different road segments and pavement types,
  • the effect on traffic patterns and public safety,
  • whether public awareness campaigns were conducted,
  • technical and administrative challenges in managing and evaluating platoon plans,
  • whether any plans should be made permanent at the listed locations,
  • whether platoon plans should be expanded to other locations in Minnesota,
  • how a statewide platooning program could be adopted and administered in coordination with local road authorities.

Significance and potential changes to existing law

• Establishes a formal vehicle platoon pilot program on limited roads in two counties, with explicit approval processes (both road authorities and the commissioner) and a defined expiration.
• Creates location-specific rules and requirements for planning, safety, and operation, including driver licensing, vehicle dimensions, and road compatibility.
• Introduces a structured reporting and evaluation framework to consider expansion or statewide adoption.

Relevant Terms - vehicle platoon - platooning system - vehicle platoon plan - relevant road authority - commissioner - Wilkin County - Grant County - state highway - public safety - traffic concerns - North Dakota border - Minnesota Statutes 169.881 - Minnesota Statutes 169.011 (subdivision 92a)