A group of Texas Democratic lawmakers is asking Tesla to postpone the introduction of its Robotaxis, as the launch of driverless cars in Austin is set to happen this weekend.
In a letter addressed to Eddie Gates, Tesla’s field quality director, seven legislators urged the company to delay the rollout until September. That’s when new Texas regulations for self-driving vehicles are expected to come into play.
These updated laws mandate that self-driving car operators must obtain approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before they can operate. To secure these permits, companies need to prove that they can adhere to state traffic laws. This includes meeting federal standards, being properly registered and insured, and having systems in place that can handle “minimal risk conditions” if the autonomous driving system fails.
“As representatives of the Texas Senate and the Austin House of Representatives, we are formally requesting that Tesla delay its autonomous operations until the new law is effective on September 1, 2025,” the lawmakers stated.
They further emphasized, “This would be the best course for ensuring public safety and establishing trust in Tesla’s operations.”
Earlier this month, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, mentioned that the company was tentatively planning to unveil Robotaxi services on June 22.
The launch represents a significant milestone for Tesla, especially after experiencing several turbulent months. Musk’s political connections during a brief period in the Trump administration turned the electric car maker into a political symbol, impacting the company’s stock prices and drawing mixed reactions from the public.
If Tesla proceeds with the launch as scheduled this weekend, the Texas legislators have requested a response detailing how the company plans to adhere to the new laws for its Austin driverless operations.
