Minnesota lacks comprehensive state-specific regulations for self-driving cars and drones as of early 2026, relying instead on existing traffic laws, federal guidelines, and case-by-case compliance for testing. Automated vehicle operation must adhere to general statutes on vehicle safety, licensing, and insurance, with Waymo recently starting mapping and human-supervised testing in Minneapolis amid calls for legislative clarity.​
Self-Driving Cars
No dedicated autonomous vehicle (AV) laws exist; testing is permitted if vehicles meet federal NHTSA standards and state rules on human oversight, registration, and accident reporting. State officials anticipate 2026 legislative action to address liability, insurance, and winter-road challenges, as Waymo’s rollout highlights gaps in oversight for fully driverless deployment.​
Drone Regulations
Minnesota follows FAA rules under Part 107 for commercial drones (under 55 lbs), requiring registration, remote pilot certification, and visual line-of-sight operations below 400 feet. State additions ban drone use near prisons, wildlife refuges, and critical infrastructure, with privacy protections against surveillance without warrants; recreational flights need TRUST certification.​
Emerging Developments
Federal SELF DRIVE Act proposals in 2026 aim to standardize AV safety nationwide, potentially limiting state variations, while Minnesota’s governor’s council pushes for data-sharing on AV performance. Drone delivery trials face local zoning hurdles, reflecting caution on airspace integration without expanded rules.​
SOURCES
[1](https://www.knowyourrights.com/blog/the-future-of-self-driving-vehicles-in-minnesota/)
[2](https://www.govtech.com/transportation/waymo-to-begin-testing-its-autonomous-evs-in-minneapolis)
[3](https://conservancy.umn.edu/items/79466cb9-bf2b-4c56-9171-140642506302)
[4](https://www.act-news.com/news/house-introduces-discussion-draft-of-self-drive-act-of-2026/)
[5](https://dot.state.mn.us/automated/preparingmn.html)
