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HF 270

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 01/25/2021 01:42pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to transportation; regulating personal delivery devices; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2020, section 169.011, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 54c. new text end

new text begin Personal delivery device. new text end

new text begin "Personal delivery device" means a device that
is (1) manufactured for transporting cargo and goods in a pedestrian area or other areas as
described in section 169.976; and (2) equipped with automated driving technology, including
software and hardware, that enables the operation of the device with the remote support and
supervision of a human.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2.

new text begin [169.976] PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Agent" means a director, officer, employee, or other person authorized to act on
behalf of a business entity.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Business entity" means a legal entity, including a corporation, partnership, or sole
proprietorship, that is formed for the purpose of making a profit.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Pedestrian area" means a sidewalk, crosswalk, school crosswalk, school crossing
zone, or safety zone.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Personal delivery device" means a device that is (1) manufactured for transporting
cargo and goods in a pedestrian area or other areas as described in this section; and (2)
equipped with automated driving technology, including software and hardware, that enables
the operation of the device with the remote support and supervision of a human.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Applicable law. new text end

new text begin (a) The operation of a personal delivery device is governed
exclusively by this section and any applicable regulation adopted by a local authority that
is not inconsistent with this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, a personal delivery device operated in compliance with
this section is not considered a vehicle.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Operator of personal delivery device. new text end

new text begin (a) A person may operate a personal
delivery device under this section only if the person is:
new text end

new text begin (1) a business entity; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a human who is an agent of the business entity with the capability to monitor or
exercise physical control over the navigation and operation of the device.
new text end

new text begin (b) Except as provided under paragraph (c), when a personal delivery device operated
by a business entity is engaged, the business entity is considered to be the operator of the
device solely for the purpose of assessing compliance with applicable traffic laws.
new text end

new text begin (c) When a personal delivery device operated by a business entity is engaged and an
agent controls the device in a manner outside the scope of the agent's office or employment,
the agent is considered to be the operator of the device.
new text end

new text begin (d) A person is not considered to be the operator of a personal delivery device solely
because the person:
new text end

new text begin (1) requests a delivery or service provided by the device; or
new text end

new text begin (2) dispatches the device.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Device operation. new text end

new text begin A personal delivery device operated under this section must:
new text end

new text begin (1) operate in a manner that complies with the provisions of this chapter applicable to
pedestrians unless the provision cannot by its nature apply to the device;
new text end

new text begin (2) yield or not obstruct the right-of-way to all other traffic, including pedestrians;
new text end

new text begin (3) not unreasonably interfere with other traffic, including pedestrians;
new text end

new text begin (4) display the lights required by section 169.48 if operated at night;
new text end

new text begin (5) comply with any applicable regulations adopted by a local authority;
new text end

new text begin (6) not transport hazardous materials regulated under the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act, United States Code, title 49, section 5103, and required to be placarded
under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 172, subpart F; and
new text end

new text begin (7) be monitored or controlled as provided in subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Areas of operation. new text end

new text begin A personal delivery device may be operated:
new text end

new text begin (1) in a pedestrian area at speeds up to 12 miles per hour; or
new text end

new text begin (2) at speeds not to exceed 20 miles per hour on a roadway in an area that is not a
pedestrian area.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Personal delivery device equipment. new text end

new text begin (a) A personal delivery device operated
under this section must be equipped with:
new text end

new text begin (1) a label that clearly states the name and contact information of the owner of the device
and a unique identification number; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a braking system that enables the device to come to a controlled stop.
new text end

new text begin (b) A personal delivery device operated under this section at night must be equipped
with one or more lighted lamps or lanterns projecting a white light visible from a distance
of 500 feet to the front of the device and with a lamp or lantern exhibiting a red light visible
from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Local authority regulation. new text end

new text begin (a) A local authority may not regulate the operation
of a personal delivery device on a roadway or in a pedestrian area in a manner inconsistent
with this section, including but not limited to limiting the hours of operation or zones of
operation.
new text end

new text begin (b) This section does not affect the authority of a local authority's peace officers to
enforce the laws of this state relating to the operation of a personal delivery device.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Insurance requirements. new text end

new text begin A business entity that operates a personal delivery
device under this section must maintain an insurance policy that includes general liability
coverage of not less than $100,000 for damages arising from the operation of the device.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end