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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the research and testing of motor vehicles with |
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automated driving systems on highways in this state. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 545, Transportation Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 545.428 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 545.428. RESEARCH AND TESTING OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITH |
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AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS. (a) In this section, "automated |
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driving system" means technology installed on a motor vehicle that, |
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when engaged, has the capability to operate the vehicle without the |
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need for supervision or control by a human operator, whether or not |
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a human operator is in the vehicle. |
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(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on which an |
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automated driving system is engaged on a highway in this state |
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unless: |
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(1) the person: |
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(A) is the owner of the vehicle; and |
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(B) provides notice to the department, the Texas |
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Department of Transportation, and the Texas Department of Motor |
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Vehicles that includes: |
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(i) the date that research or testing will |
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begin; |
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(ii) the general geographic location where |
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research and testing will occur; |
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(iii) the vehicle's registration and |
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information, including license plate information; and |
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(iv) evidence that the owner of the vehicle |
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has obtained an instrument of insurance, surety bond, or proof of |
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self-insurance in the amount of at least $10 million; and |
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(2) the vehicle: |
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(A) is operated only for the purpose of research |
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or testing; |
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(B) complies with all applicable federal motor |
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vehicle safety standards; |
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(C) displays a sign on the rear of the vehicle |
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that states: |
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(i) "THIS IS A TEST AUTOMATED MOTOR |
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VEHICLE"; and |
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(ii) the name of the owner of the vehicle; |
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and |
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(D) is not operated with any occupants other than |
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human operators in the vehicle. |
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(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(2)(D), a person may |
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operate a vehicle on which an automated driving system is engaged: |
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(1) with a human operator and passengers in the |
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vehicle if the person is satisfied that the person has collected |
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sufficient data regarding the safe operation of the systems; and |
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(2) without a human operator in the vehicle if the |
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person has certified to the National Highway Traffic Safety |
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Administration that the technology is capable of safe operation |
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without a human operator in the vehicle. |
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(d) For the duration of the research and testing of a motor |
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vehicle on which an automated driving system is engaged, the person |
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operating the vehicle shall: |
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(1) maintain records related to the safety and |
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efficacy of the vehicle; and |
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(2) provide periodic summaries of the records to: |
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(A) the Texas Department of Transportation; and |
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(B) the National Highway Traffic Safety |
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Administration. |
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(e) A person who operates a motor vehicle on which an |
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automated driving system is installed is not liable for damage that |
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arises from any modification made without the consent of the |
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operator to: |
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(1) the vehicle; or |
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(2) the automated driving system. |
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(f) A political subdivision of this state may not impose a |
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fee, registration, franchise, or regulation on: |
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(1) a motor vehicle on which an automated driving |
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system is installed; or |
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(2) the operator of a motor vehicle on which an |
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automated driving system is installed. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |