USA’s Minnesota to formally accept flying cars as a category of vehicles allowed to use its roads!
If you thought flying cars were a distant fantasy or belonged only to the realm of Harry Potter, we have some news for you! The American state of Minnesota has taken a step closer to making them a reality of the present, as it is set to formally recognise flying cars as a legitimate category of vehicles allowed to use its roads.
In a foresightful move, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently signed a bipartisan transportation bill package into law. This legislation includes a provision for roadable aircraft — essentially flying cars.
Key regulations within the bill outline the process for state registration of these roadable aircraft, thus paving the way for their use on Minnesota’s roads and highways.
Under the new legislation, drivers of roadable aircraft must follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, including cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles. This will ensure that flying cars, despite their dual capabilities, are integrated safely into existing traffic systems without causing disruptions or hazards.
Minnesota is the second American state to pass such legislation. New Hampshire was the first to pass a law for state registration of roadable aircraft back in 2020. It was aptly named the ‘Jetson Bill’, after the iconic cartoon series.
Samson Sky, the company behind the Switchblade flying sports car, has been advocating for states to pass laws permitting flying cars to legally operate on roads, enabling them to reach airports for takeoff. This would be a crucial step for the practical use of flying cars, bridging the gap between traditional road travel and air travel.
Looking ahead, two US companies, Samson Sky and Alef, along with two European companies, Pal-V and Klein, are set to begin production of flying cars by 2025. These companies are at the forefront of what could become a revolutionary shift in how we think about personal transportation.
The inclusion of flying cars in Minnesota’s legislative framework reflects a broader trend of innovation in transportation. As technology advances, the integration of roadable aircraft could lead to reduced traffic congestion, shorter travel times, and new opportunities for urban planning and development. But on the flip side, the adoption of flying cars also raises important questions about infrastructure, air traffic management and environmental impact.
Nevertheless, Minnesota’s bold step may inspire other states and countries to consider similar legislation, ultimately paving the way for a future where flying cars are a common sight, seamlessly blending the convenience of road travel with the speed of flight.
Kunal Kambli, News Writer