SF4014

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)