Bill Text: TX SB2205 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Relating to automated motor vehicles.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 3-1)

Status: (Passed) 2017-06-15 - Effective on 9/1/17 [SB2205 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-SB2205-Introduced.html

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85R12461 BEE-D
By: Hancock S.B. No. 2205

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