04 Autonomous Vehicles Overview — original pdf
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Autonomous Vehicle Update Urban Transportation Commission August 5, 2025 Kristin Bray| Business Process Consultant Texas Legislative Update • Currently: Texas Transportation code 545.452 – cities cannot regulate or permit AVs. • SB 2807 effective September 1, 2025. Rules to be finalized and effective at a later date. • Gives the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) authority to permit AV companies. • Requires permits for any commercial use of autonomous vehicles. • Can suspend, revoke, or cancel permits. • As part of the application AV companies must provide the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) a First Responder Plan that includes: • How to communicate with fleet support staff. • How to safely remove the vehicle from the road and tow. • How to recognize the AV is in autonomous mode. DMV Proposed Rules • DMV has published proposed rules related to AVs in the Texas Register on 7/25/25. • Automated Motor Vehicles, Ch. 220 Updates • Adjudicative Practice & Procedure, Ch. 224 Updates • 30 days for public comment ending on 8/25/25 at 5 p.m. • City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office is submitting comments on behalf of all City departments to the State. Autonomous Vehicle Operation Phases Mapping Testing Deployment • The vehicle is driven by a person across the intended area of operations, collecting data. • Data compiled into a detailed map. • The vehicle drives itself in AV mode. • A safety driver may be present in tests as a precaution. • Vehicle accepts commercial passengers and operates on the roadway, fully autonomous. Current AV Operations in Austin Deployed Waymo Jaguar i-Pace 100+ Zoox Toyota Highlander ~20 Zoox Robotaxi – Not yet in Austin 0 Tesla Model Y ~20 VW ADMT ID. Buzz ~12 Avride Hyundai IONIQ 5 ~40 AV Safety Working Group The City has been proactive by establishing the AV Safety Working Group to: • Prepare and train for incidents, • Facilitate communication, • Collect data and standardize documentation. Data for Geofences Infrastructure & Events • Hospitals • Fire Stations • EMS Stations • Police Stations • Special Events • Schools & School Zones Emergencies An email is automatically sent from our Computer- Aided Dispatch system. Our expectation is an exclusion zone of 1,000 feet for one hour. AVs & Citations The City of Austin can cite AVs for moving violations. But not by giving them a ticket. APD can register complaints with the court for traffic misdemeanors. The City also cites AVs for parking violations. Keeps AVs accountable to traffic laws. Updated as of 7/25/25 How We Use This Data • Provide ongoing feedback to AV companies. • Figure out where issues are occurring, and if there’s a pattern. • Determine appropriate infrastructure improvements. • Collaborate with AV companies to resolve concerns. • Share with Federal and State agencies. Collaboration • Annual AV Stakeholder meeting with AV petting zoo. • Working with CapMetro, AISD, and UT on sharing procedures and information. • Communicating with State and Federal partners. • Participating in SAE and peer exchanges with other cities. Thank you! Report AV concerns to 3-1-1, Non-Emergency Vehicle Issues COAAVWorkingGroup@austintexas.gov https://www.austintexas.gov/page/autonomous-vehicles