Robotics
Sep 16, 2026
Minneapolis Considers Ordinance Requiring Drivers for Autonomous Vehicles
Sep 16, 2026
AI Summary
Minneapolis city councilors have proposed an ordinance mandating licensed drivers to monitor autonomous vehicles, addressing safety and job concerns. The measure, which would require drivers to have immediate access to vehicle controls, is set for a public hearing on September 22.
- Four Minneapolis city councilors proposed an ordinance requiring licensed drivers to monitor autonomous vehicles on the road, citing safety and worker concerns.
- The ordinance would mandate that these drivers have immediate access to controls for steering, braking, and acceleration, and would be paid at least minimum wage.
- A public hearing for the measure is scheduled for September 22, and if passed, it would take effect next October.
- No other U.S. city has proposed a similar measure, although over 65 bills to regulate self-driving technology have been introduced across 25 states.
- Waymo, owned by Alphabet, began testing its autonomous vehicles in Minneapolis in November 2025, with fewer than 10 cars currently in operation.
- A Pew Research Center poll indicates that 71% of Americans feel uncomfortable riding in self-driving cars.
- Council members expressed concerns that unregulated autonomous vehicles could disrupt traffic and displace gig workers.
- Unions representing rideshare drivers argue that the rise of self-driving cars threatens their jobs and does not necessarily improve road safety.
- Studies suggest that the introduction of robotaxis could significantly reduce income for traditional taxi drivers and frontline jobs.
- Waymo's co-CEO has stated that the presence of robotaxis has not eliminated jobs in markets where they operate and has emphasized the creation of new roles in manufacturing and fleet management.
autonomous vehiclessafetyregulationminneapoliswaymo