Zincwarrior
Diamond Member
Texas is getting skittish about Tesla rolling out autonomous taxis in Austin. We currently have Waymo taxis vis uber that are developing an excellent safety record. But Tesla is not Waymo, and Musk is no longer a MAGA favorite.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Tesla urging the company to delay its robotaxi operations in Austin. Tesla reportedly planned to launch the self-driving service on Sunday, June 22.
The letter said the Texas Legislature approved a revision to the state’s 2017 autonomous vehicle operations framework. It mentioned how this new law goes into effect this September.
“Under the new framework, commercial autonomous vehicle operators transporting passengers or property must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver,” the letter read.
In order to get that authorization, an operator must demonstrate each vehicle is:
Along with those requirements, operators have to submit a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety to explain the following:
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Tesla urging the company to delay its robotaxi operations in Austin. Tesla reportedly planned to launch the self-driving service on Sunday, June 22.
The letter said the Texas Legislature approved a revision to the state’s 2017 autonomous vehicle operations framework. It mentioned how this new law goes into effect this September.
“Under the new framework, commercial autonomous vehicle operators transporting passengers or property must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver,” the letter read.
In order to get that authorization, an operator must demonstrate each vehicle is:
- Capable of operating in compliance with state traffic laws
- Equipped with a recording device
- Compliant with federal law, including federal motor vehicle safety standards
- Capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable
- Registered, titled, and insured under Texas law
Along with those requirements, operators have to submit a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety to explain the following:
- How first responders interact with the autonomous vehicles
- How to communicate with fleet support and safely remove or tow vehicles from the roadway
- Any additional information regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the vehicles
