Minneapolis robotaxi safety-monitor ordinance (proposed 2026)
Minneapolis, MN — Proposed Ordinance Requiring Paid Human Safety Monitors in Driverless Rideshare Vehicles (September 2026)
Minneapolis, MN · Minneapolis City Council, proposed ordinance requiring human safety monitors in autonomous rideshare vehicles (Committee of the Whole 7-4, Sept. 29, 2026)
- Status
- Proposed / pending
- Applies to
- Operators of autonomous (driverless) rideshare vehicles in Minneapolis, e.g. Waymo, Zoox
A proposed Minneapolis ordinance would require a human safety monitor in the driver's seat of driverless rideshare vehicles (robotaxis) such as Waymo and Zoox. The monitor would need a driver's license and would have to be paid at least minimum pay rates. The City Council's Committee of the Whole advanced it 7-4 on September 29, 2026, and a final council vote was set for October 1, 2026. Mayor Jacob Frey has called it a 'back-door ban' and is expected to veto it; if passed, it would not take effect until October 2027.
Who is protected: Rideshare drivers in Minneapolis (job protection) and riders/public
Legal detail
Committee of the Whole vote 2026-09-29: 7-4. Yes: Wonsley, Osman, Chughtai, Chavez, Payne, Chowdhury, Stevenson. No: Warren, Vetaw, Palmisano, Rainville. Absent: Shaffer (voiced opposition), Whiting. Final vote scheduled Thursday 2026-10-01 (MPR). Requirements reported: human safety monitor in driverless rideshare vehicles; monitor must hold a driver's license and be paid minimum wage/minimum pay rates. Delayed effect: would not take effect until October 2027 (per both sources). Veto: Mayor Frey expected to veto; nine of 13 votes needed to override. MPR notes it is unclear whether local governments have legal authority to regulate AVs; Minnesota legislature failed to pass statewide AV regulation in spring 2026. NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance file number, final vote outcome, exact text, enforcement and penalty provisions.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Citation | Minneapolis City Council, proposed ordinance requiring human safety monitors in autonomous rideshare vehicles (Committee of the Whole 7-4, Sept. 29, 2026) |
| Topics | autonomous vehicles · AI hiring and employment · consumer protection |
| News report | Minneapolis City Council to vote on robotaxi regulation Thursday — MPR News |
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