Texas § TN.545.455 - AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION

§ TN.545.455. AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION

AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION; OFFENSE. (a) Any motor vehicle equipped with an automated driving system may operate in this state. An automated motor vehicle may operate in this state with the automated driving system engaged, regardless of whether a human driver is physically present in the automated motor vehicle. (b) Subject to Subsection (c), an automated motor vehicle may not operate on a highway or street in this state with the automated driving system engaged unless the vehicle is: (1) capable of operating in compliance with applicable traffic and motor vehicle laws of this state, subject to this subchapter; (2) equipped with a recording device, as defined by Section 547.615 (a), installed by the manufacturer of the automated motor vehicle or automated driving system; (3) equipped with an automated driving system in compliance with applicable federal law, including federal motor vehicle safety standards; (4) capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders the system unable to perform the dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain; (5) registered and titled in accordance with the laws of this state; and (6) covered by motor vehicle liability coverage or self-insurance in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of coverage that is required under the laws of this state or federal law, as applicable to the type and use of the vehicle. (c) In addition to satisfying the requirements of Subsection (b), a person may not operate an automated motor vehicle to transport property or passengers in furtherance of a commercial enterprise on a highway or street in this state without a human driver unless: (1) the person receives and maintains authorization to operate automated motor vehicles from the department under Section 545.456 ; and (2) the Department of Public Safety has been provided, in the form and manner prescribed by rule of the Public Safety Commission, a plan specifying how a person who provides firefighting, law enforcement, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services should interact with the automated motor vehicle during the provision of those services, including: (A) how to communicate with a fleet support specialist who is available during the period in which the vehicle is in operation; (B) how to safely remove the vehicle from the roadway and safely tow the vehicle; (C) how to recognize whether the vehicle is being operated with the automated driving system engaged; and (D) any additional information the person or the manufacturer of the vehicle or the automated driving system considers necessary regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the operation of the vehicle. (d) A person commits an offense if the person operates an automated motor vehicle in violation of Subsection (c). An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. If a corporation, an association, a limited liability company, or another business entity is convicted of an offense under this subsection, the entity shall be punished in accordance with Section 12.51 , Penal Code. (e) For purposes of Subsection (d), each day the person operates an automated motor vehicle in violation of Subsection (c) constitutes a separate offense. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (S.B. 2205 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017. Amended by: Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 709 (H.B. 2190 ), Sec. 38, eff. September 1, 2023. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1034 (S.B. 2807 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.