Autonomous Vehicles

Automated or autonomous vehicles (AVs) are defined in the Texas Transportation Code as a motor vehicle that includes an automated driving system, which is hardware and software that, when installed on a motor vehicle and engaged, are collectively capable of performing, without any intervention or supervision by a human operator. That includes all aspects of the entire dynamic driving task for the vehicle on a sustained basis and any fallback maneuvers necessary to respond to a failure of the system.

In 2017, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205 to amend the Texas Transportation Code with new policies governing the operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs). State law preempts local authority of self-driving vehicles; SB 2205 made rules uniform for AVs across the state, putting regulation and oversight in the hands of the state government rather than local municipalities. Texas passed another law, House Bill 3026, in 2021 related to the operation and regulation of autonomous vehicles.

Although cities in Texas cannot regulate AVs, Austin has worked with autonomous vehicle companies as they enter the market to offer staff's knowledge on the local transportation network to help AVs operate more safely.

Documented Incidents

Incidents listed above are gathered by Austin Transportation and Public Works staff from other City departments and via Austin 3-1-1 service requests. This dashboard is updated by staff weekly on Mondays (except holidays). View the Autonomous Vehicle Incident Dashboard in a new window

These reports to the City about AV incidents are not validated. This data reflects only those occurrences which have been directly reported to the City and may not capture all events that occur throughout the City of Austin. The incident log above does not include reports solely posted to social media.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a federal agency which requires AV companies to submit collision data within 1, 5, or up to approximately 45 days depending on the severity of the collision. Collision report data is available for download on their website under the Download Summary Incident Report Data heading. Click the ADS Incident Report Data button to download.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Autonomous Vehicle?

Autonomous vehicles (AVs), also known as automated or driverless cars, operate without a driver in the car. They are operated, managed and maintained entirely by private companies.

Who regulates AVs?

Cities in Texas cannot regulate autonomous vehicles. Per State law, SB 2205, Texas Transportation Code 545.452(b) states "A political subdivision of this state or a state agency may not impose a franchise or other regulation related to the operation of an automated motor vehicle or automated driving system." AVs must adhere to the same regulations as cars in which a driver is present (e.g., insurance, registration). State law also requires AVs to comply with all traffic laws.

Texas CAV Task Force

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) created the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Task Force in 2019 to become a central point for CAV advancement in Texas. The CAV Task Force was designed to provide the state with a single, unified resource for information regarding the coordination and advancement of CAV technologies across the state. Members include representatives from other state agencies and public entities, as well as key industry stakeholders. Members of the public are encouraged to contact TxDOT directly if they have questions about the CAV Task Force or regulations pertaining to connected and autonomous vehicles.

What do I do if I witness an incident involving an AV?

If the AV is creating a dangerous situation, call 9-1-1.

Non-emergency concerns can be reported via Austin 3-1-1 by selecting the "Non-Emergency Vehicle Issues" option. You may also contact the company; operator information is provided below.

What is the City of Austin doing to address AV safety concerns?

Multiple autonomous vehicle (AV) operators have afforded the City of Austin an open line of communication since launching operations within the city. Staff within the City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department have been collecting information about incidents that pose a risk to public safety and relaying that data to the appropriate operators. The City understands AV technology is novel and undergoing continual improvement. Efforts to improve safety and remove impedances for first responders to effectively perform their duties are always welcomed.

Known AV Operators in Austin