US regulation of autonomous vehicles remains nascent and
dispersed. This fragmented environment means that states have
emerged as important laboratories of democracy. Since 2011, when
Nevada became the first state to authorize the operation of
autonomous vehicles, more than 30 states have enacted legislation
or issued executive orders relating to autonomous vehicles. These
states are experimenting with a wide range of approaches, some
cautious and others more ambitious.
On the cautious end are statutes and executive orders merely
authorizing further study. One example is a recent Minnesota
executive order which measuredly establishes an advisory council
"to study, assess, and prepare for the opportunities and
challenges associated with the widespread adoption of connected and
automated vehicles and other intelligent and emerging
transportation technologies." More substantive laws may
eventually follow.
