Texas will require permits for self-driving cars starting in September

Beginning September 1, totally autonomous vehicles would require a allow to function in Texas. This new restriction comes after the state’s governor, Greg Abbott, signed into legislation the SB 2807 invoice that requires authorization from the state’s Division of Motor Automobiles for self-driving vehicles on public streets with out human interplay.

The signing of the brand new legislation coincides with Tesla’s launch of its robotaxi service in Austin in the present day the place invited visitors bought to trip in totally autonomous Mannequin Ys. Whereas the legislation does not go into impact till a number of months later, Tesla’s robotaxi launch may have skirted this new regulation since all rides are accompanied by a human “safety monitor” within the entrance passenger seat.

Within the coming months, Texas’ new legislation could show to be greater than only a headache for Tesla. Apart from the permits, the upcoming regulation permits state authorities the flexibility to revoke permits and requires corporations to supply strategies of coping with self-driving vehicles in emergency conditions to police and first responders. Whereas this might turn into a severe hurdle for Tesla, it is also prone to have an effect on Waymo, because it presently operates an autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin.