Minnesota Legalizes Flying Cars

A new Minnesota law outlines state registration of “roadable aircraft” and legalizes their use on state roads and highways.

1 minute read

May 28, 2024, 6:00 AM PDT

By Mary Hammon @marykhammon


3D rendering of blue flying car over a cityscape and buildings, a river, and bridges in the background.

3D rendering of a two-person flying car over a city. | costazzurra / Adobe Stock

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a new law to allow flying vehicles to be used on state roads and highways, reports Israel Salas-Rodriguez for the The U.S. Sun. The legislation is the second of its kind in the United States; New Hampshire passed similar legislation back in 2020, when flying cars still seemed a distant possibility. But Minnesota’s new legislation and the Federal Aviation Administration regulators granting a first-of-its kind approval for a flight-capable car made by California Company Alef Aeronautics just last year seem to suggest the industry is gaining momentum.

According to The U.S. Sun piece, “The market is expected to expand significantly, with US companies Samson Sky and Alef and European companies PAL-V and Klein anticipating production starts in 2025.” Alef’s two-passenger flying vehicle is expected to cost $300,000, while Sampson Sky’s two-passenger flying vehicle, which successfully completed a maiden flight last November, is expected to cost around $140,000.

Minnesota’s new law outlines the registration requirements of cars capable of flying and allows “roadable aircraft” to be driven on state roads and highways, though takeoff and landing on public roads is prohibited unless in case of an emergency. “This development represents a significant advancement for the burgeoning flying car industry, writes Salas-Rodriguez.

Sunday, May 26, 2024 in The U.S. Sun

Single-family homes in a suburban neighborhood in Florida.

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power

The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

June 16, 2024 - The Guardian

Multistory apartment building under construction.

New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing

Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.

June 10, 2024 - Nooga Today

Aerial view of intersection in New York City with yellow cabs and zebra crosswalks.

Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths

Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.

June 13, 2024 - Todd Litman

Brick high-rise apartment buildings in New York City

Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply

New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.

June 18 - University of Kansas

Couple on one side of desk with banker on other side looking at paperwork.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?

Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

June 18 - Shelterforce Magazine

Rendering of Glory Park in Lewisville, Texas.

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas

The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.

June 18 - Lewisville Leader

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.