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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 vehicle's dynamic driving task on a sustained basis, as well as any fallback maneuvers necessary to respond to a system failure.

In 2017, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205, amending the Texas Transportation Code to establish new policies governing the operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs). State law preempts local authority over self-driving vehicles; SB 2205 standardized rules for AVs across the state, placing 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.

In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 2807, which authorizes the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to oversee the safe deployment and operation of autonomous vehicles across the state.

Under SB 2807, TxDMV is responsible for:

  • Authorizing Level 4 and Level 5 AV operations, which do not require a human driver.
  • Setting safety, insurance, and operational standards for AVs.
  • Enforcing compliance through investigations, suspensions, or revocations of AV authorizations.
  • Ensuring AVs can safely respond to system failures and follow all applicable traffic laws.


Contact TxDMV

Although cities in Texas cannot regulate AVs, Austin continues to collaborate with TxDMV and companies as they enter the market, leveraging staff knowledge of the local transportation network to help AVs operate more safely.

Autonomous Vehicle Documented Incidents

Visit Interactive Dashboard

The incidents listed on the dashboard linked above are compiled by Austin Transportation and Public Works staff from other City departments and from Austin 3-1-1 service requests. This dashboard is updated by staff on Mondays each week (except holidays).

These reports to the City about AV incidents are not validated. This data reflects only occurrences reported directly to the City and may not capture all events 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 that 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. 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 coordinating and advancing CAV technologies. 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 with questions about the CAV Task Force or regulations related 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 that AV technology is novel and continually improving. Efforts to improve safety and remove impediments that prevent first responders from effectively performing their duties are always welcome.

Known AV Operators in Austin

ADMT


Visit ADMT Website

 

Avride


Visit Avride Website

 

Motional


Visit Motional Website

 

Tesla


Visit Tesla Website

 

Waymo


Visit Waymo Website

 

Zoox


Visit Zoox Website

Documented Incidents