Minneapolis Considers Requiring Human Safety Monitors in Driverless Cars

Baltimore, MD, September 16, 2026 —

Minneapolis is evaluating a new ordinance that could mandate the presence of a paid human safety monitor in the driver’s seat of all autonomous vehicles operating within the city. The proposed regulation aims to address safety concerns associated with driverless technology.

Under the potential ordinance, companies deploying autonomous vehicles would be responsible for ensuring a human monitor is present and actively engaged during the operation of each vehicle. The summary provided does not specify the exact nature of the monitor’s duties beyond occupying the driver’s seat, nor does it detail the proposed compensation structure for these monitors.

Details regarding the timeline for consideration, potential public hearings, or the specific council members proposing the ordinance were not included in the available summary. It also does not specify any enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance should the ordinance be passed.

The consideration of such a measure by Minneapolis highlights ongoing discussions nationwide about the integration of autonomous vehicles into urban environments and the regulatory frameworks needed to ensure public safety. Companies developing and testing autonomous driving technology often face scrutiny regarding their safety protocols and the role of human oversight in complex driving scenarios.

The proposed ordinance, if enacted, would represent a significant step for Minneapolis in setting specific requirements for autonomous vehicle operations within its jurisdiction. Further details on the ordinance’s scope, implementation, and the specific requirements for the human safety monitors are expected as the city progresses through its legislative process.

Story summarized from the original created by Josie Fischels on thehill.com, see more information here.

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