In one paragraph
Texas rewrote its rules for self-driving vehicles. A vehicle with an automated driving system may operate with or without a human driver aboard if it can follow Texas traffic laws, has a manufacturer-installed recording device, meets federal safety standards, can bring itself to a safe stop if the system fails, is registered and titled, and carries the required insurance. Carrying passengers or goods commercially with no human driver requires authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and a first-responder plan filed with the Department of Public Safety. The act took effect September 1, 2025.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Running driverless deliveries or rides in Texas requires TxDMV authorization and a DPS-filed first-responder plan. Local permits can't be required.
Key provisions
- Driverless operation allowed if the vehicle meets six conditions, including a recording device, federal safety compliance and the ability to reach a 'minimal risk condition' (Transp. Code § 545.455(b))
- Commercial driverless service needs TxDMV authorization and a first-responder interaction plan filed with DPS; operating without them is a Class B misdemeanor, each day a separate offense (§ 545.455(c)-(e), § 545.456)
- When engaged, the automated driving system is the operator; citations go to the owner or authorization holder (§ 545.454)
- Cities and counties may not impose franchises or other regulation on automated vehicles; state agencies may not discriminate against them (§ 545.452)
- TxDMV may suspend, revoke or restrict an authorization when a vehicle endangers the public, after notice and a chance to correct (§ 545.459)
- Driverless ride services are transportation network companies under Occupations Code ch. 2402
- Compliance with the new authorization rules starts 90 days after the TxDMV and Public Safety Commission rules take effect (rules were due by Dec. 1, 2025)
Latest legislative action
Jun 20, 2025. Signed by the Governor; effective 9/1/25
Sponsors
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Curry | Primary |
| Hagenbuch | Primary |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 4)
passage May 30, 2025
30 yea1 nayPassed
passage May 28, 2025
96 yea42 nay2 otherPassed
passage May 27, 2025
87 yea52 nay3 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error