87R7348 BEE-F

By: Canales H.B. No. 3026

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the operation and regulation of certain automated motor vehicles.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The heading to Section 545.452, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 545.452. EXCLUSIVE REGULATION OF AUTOMATED MOTOR VEHICLES AND AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEMS [SUBCHAPTER AND DEPARTMENT GOVERN EXCLUSIVELY].

SECTION 2. Section 545.452(a), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) Unless otherwise provided by this subchapter, automated motor vehicles, including any commercial use or operation of automated motor vehicles, and automated driving systems [the following] are governed exclusively by:

(1) this subchapter; and

(2) Section 547.618 [:

[(1) automated motor vehicles, including any commercial use or operation of automated motor vehicles; and

[(2) automated driving systems].

SECTION 3. Subchapter K, Chapter 547, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 547.618 to read as follows:

Sec. 547.618. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR DEDICATED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE. (a) In this section, "dedicated autonomous vehicle" means an automated motor vehicle, as defined by Section 545.451, that is incapable of operation by a human operator present in the vehicle.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law and to the extent allowed by federal law, a dedicated autonomous vehicle is exempt from:

(1) the provisions of Section 547.3215 related to associated equipment;

(2) Sections 547.602 and 547.603; and

(3) Section 547.604, unless the vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine.

(c) If a vehicle safety inspection is required under this code for the operation of a dedicated autonomous vehicle, the inspection may not include any equipment:

(1) the requirements from which the vehicle is exempt under Subsection (b); or

(2) the inspection of which is not required under Section 548.051.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.