Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch Sparks Debate Over Texas’ Autonomous Vehicle Laws

Tesla’s robotaxi fleet is hitting Texas roads—thanks to hands-off AV laws. But critics say safety safeguards are lacking.
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Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch Sparks Debate Over Texas’ Autonomous Vehicle Laws
How Texas Autonomous Vehicle Laws Gave Tesla a Green Light Tesla’s robotaxi fleet is about to hit the streets of Texas, and it’s no accident this is happening here first. Thanks to some of the most permissive texas autonomous vehicle laws in the country, the Lone Star State has become a haven for AV (autonomous vehicle) innovation. With minimal regulatory roadblocks and a fast-track permit process, companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox are finding Texas an ideal proving ground. But this accelerated adoption is stirring concerns among safety advocates, lawmakers, and everyday Texans. How did we get here—and what does it mean for the future of driverless transportation?                              Image : Google Why Texas Became the Epicenter for Autonomous Vehicle Testing Texas made its AV intentions clear back in 2017 with a landmark law designed to welcome self-driving technology. Senate Bill 2205 allowed AV companies to operate statewide without the need for local approval, provided th…