Beginning September 1, absolutely autonomous automobiles 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 automobiles 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 right now the place invited company bought to trip in absolutely autonomous Mannequin Ys. Whereas the legislation does not go into impact till just a few months later, Tesla’s robotaxi launch might have skirted this new regulation since all rides are accompanied by a human “security monitor” within the entrance passenger seat.
Within the coming months, Texas’ new legislation might 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 offer strategies of coping with self-driving automobiles in emergency conditions to police and first responders. Whereas this might change into a severe hurdle for Tesla, it is also prone to have an effect on Waymo, because it at the moment operates an autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin.
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