Robotaxi is go. In certain areas of Austin, Texas, Tesla’s robotaxi service has commenced operations by providing invite-only trips to a select few influencers and Tesla enthusiasts. However, the automaker may soon have to abide by new rules that Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law last Friday if it wishes to keep its driverless ride-hailing EVs on the road. Apparently the regulations go into effect on September 1st.
And now that they have been enacted into law, they pose a fresh challenge to Tesla’s aspirations for robotaxi.
According to Reuters, the rule requires that operators of robotaxis without human controls must obtain permission from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles before installing them. It also gives the state the power to cancel permits if Robotaxis prove dangerous to the public. It also requires them to lodge data on how they will work with the police and first responders in case of an accident.
Following a letter from Democratic senators in Texas last week asking Tesla to reveal its plans for adhering to safety laws, the bill was signed into law. The new regulations will require autonomous vehicle operators to demonstrate that they employ onboard recording devices, adhere to state traffic laws, fulfill federal safety standards, and make sure their vehicles can stop safely in the event that the self-driving technology malfunctions. Additionally, the cars need to be titled, insured, and registered in Texas.
According to Tesla, the Robotaxis will bring the company into a new phase of expansion and raise its valuation into the trillions of dollars. However scientists studying AI and driverless vehicles are dubious of the automaker’s assertion that Robotaxis are safer than human drivers.
Tesla has actually been talking about this introduction for a decade now, so that fact that around ten to twenty self-driving Model Ys are currently operating in Austin is bog news. Luckily, that have a safety driver onboard operating inside a geofenced region, and a remote human controllers for backup, just in case. Additionally, Tesla released a number of guidelines for users, including the fact that the service will only be available from 6 a.m. to midnight and that it may be restricted or nonexistent in the event of inclement weather.
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Whether this service is actually available to the general public is still unclear. As of right now, it appears to be restricted to an invite-only list of Tesla’s most devoted supporters and influencers, who not surprisingly, are typically more understanding of any mistakes Robotaxis may make.