Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

Minnesota’s ‘Jetson Law’ Green-Lights Flying Cars on Roads

Minnesota joins New Hampshire as the first states to permit roadable aircraft—vehicles that can both drive and fly—to use public roadways.

Thursday, August 01, 2024 at 04:58 PM ET

Verified

Flying cars or roadable aircraft, such as Samson Sky’s Switchblade, are now permitted to drive on Minnesota roadways. [Courtesy: Samson Sky]

Key Takeaways:

Minnesota has become the second U.S. state, following New Hampshire, to pass a "Jetsons law" allowing "roadable aircraft" (flying cars) to operate on its public roadways.
The new legislation classifies these vehicles as motor vehicles, requiring them to comply with both FAA regulations for flight (e.g., using airfields for takeoff/landing) and state motor vehicle rules for ground operation, including special registration decals.
While several companies are developing prototypes, no flying cars are currently certified for use in the U.S., and their commercial availability is still years away due to design complexity and the challenges of dual regulatory oversight.

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Minnesota just became the second U.S. state to allow so-called “flying cars” to drive on its roadways.

The state’s 2024 transportation policy bill, which was signed by Governor Tim Walz in May and includes a measure that would categorize roadable aircraft as motor vehicles, went into effect Thursday, allowing cars that can take to the sky using wings or propellers to drive on the highway.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.