On Tuesday, April 14, State Sen. Torrey Westrom (R–Alexandria) attended the first-ever Minnesota Automated Vehicle (AV) Day at the Capitol, focused on the future of mobility and emerging autonomous vehicle technologies. Hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with Stantec and PAVE, the event gave Minnesotans an opportunity to learn about autonomous vehicle technology and experience self-driving vehicles firsthand.
“Minnesotans are intrigued by autonomous vehicles and the opportunities they present, including the potential to improve mobility and independence for Minnesotans who are unable to drive or choose not to, such as members of the disability community,” Westrom said. “This technology needs to be safe and able to integrate into Minnesota traffic, including our weather. That is why the University of Minnesota is participating in nation-leading research right here in our state.”
Westrom is a co-author of bipartisan legislation, Senate File 4010, which would establish a statewide regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in Minnesota. It also sets state law requirements for operations, insurance, safety standards, and oversight of autonomous driving systems.
SF 4010 would also address on-demand autonomous vehicle networks, including commercial robotaxi services such as those operated by Waymo. Autonomous vehicle testing has been permitted in the United States since the early 2010s, beginning with Nevada’s authorization of public-road testing in 2011. State regulatory frameworks have since evolved to support broader deployment.
As of early 2026, fully driverless robotaxi services operate in limited areas of select cities in California, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia, with additional pilot programs in other states. Waymo has reported that within its service areas, its vehicles have experienced approximately 80–90% fewer serious injury or worse crashes compared with human-driven baseline rates, based on published safety data.
“Autonomous vehicles are an emerging technology, and it’s important for Minnesota to be ahead of the curve so we can ensure it is safe while also welcoming opportunities for those who may benefit from it,” Westrom said. “Senate File 4010 establishes a clear statewide framework for autonomous vehicle operations. With no specific autonomous vehicle legislation in Minnesota, the state remains in a legal gray area, so most companies will not come to Minnesota until better laws are established. Clear rules are necessary to ensure safety and encourage investment in Minnesota.”