US municipal regulation of autonomous vehicles

Local governments in the United States are exploring regulatory measures to manage the impact of autonomous vehicle companies on the workforce and public safety. In Minneapolis and San Diego, officials have expressed concerns that driverless technology, including services from companies like Waymo and Zoox, could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of rideshare, taxi, and delivery workers.

In Minneapolis, the City Council moved to pass the ‘Workers Drive Minneapolis’ ordinance, which would require commercial autonomous vehicles to have a licensed human safety monitor in the driver’s seat. During discussions, Council Member Jason Chavez cited safety concerns, claiming Waymo vehicles pose a threat to pets. While the ordinance passed, Mayor Jacob Frey announced his intention to veto the measure, describing it as a “backdoor ban” that “doesn’t make sense.” Supporters of the ordinance argue it protects jobs, while opponents suggest it could end autonomous taxi services and increase fares.

Efforts to regulate the technology have expanded across the Twin Cities. In Minneapolis, Council Member Robin Wonsley introduced the ‘Workers Drive Minneapolis’ ordinance, which seeks to mandate that human safety monitors hold a Minnesota driver’s license and earn at least the municipal minimum wage. The proposal also aims to prohibit remote vehicle operation and require city licenses for autonomous companies.

In St. Paul, City Council President Rebecca Noecker has authored a resolution calling for a comprehensive study regarding ‘autonomous vehicle labor and community protections’ prior to any robotaxi roll-outs. This study would investigate the impacts on transportation workers, emergency response, winter-weather operations, and the needs of disabled residents, while evaluating the city’s authority to monitor commercial autonomous operations.