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Texas Tightens The Screws On Tesla’s Robotaxi Rollout

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Texas Tightens The Screws On Tesla’s Robotaxi Rollout


Tesla’s robotaxi service appears to have launched in Austin, offering invite-only rides to a small group of Tesla fans and influencers. But if the automaker wants to continue operating its driverless ride-hailing EVs, it may soon have to comply with new regulations that were signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday. The rules take effect on September 1.

InsideEVs reported on these policy changes last week. But now that they’ve been signed into law, they represent a new complication for Tesla’s robotaxi dreams. 

As reported by Reuters, the law requires operators of Robotaxis to obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles before deploying them without human controllers. It also gives the state the authority to revoke the permits if the Robotaxis prove to be a danger to the public. Moreover, it requires them to submit information on how the companies will coordinate with the police and first responders in case of a crash or accident.  

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If you experienced the Tesla Robotaxi in Austin, or work at Tesla and have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at tips@insideevs.com. We’re happy to chat securely and anonymously.

The bill was signed into law after Democratic lawmakers in Texas wrote a letter to Tesla last week, urging the company to disclose how it plans to comply with safety regulations. Starting September 1, the new rules will require autonomous vehicle operators to prove they follow state traffic laws, use onboard recording devices, meet federal safety standards and ensure vehicles can safely stop if the self-driving system fails. The vehicles must also be registered, titled and insured in Texas.

 

Tesla has said that the Robotaxis will usher in a new era of growth for the company, potentially lifting its valuation into the trillions of dollars. The automaker has also claimed that the Robotaxis are safer than human drivers, something that AI and autonomous vehicle scientists are skeptical of.

After a decade of delays and promises, some 10-20 self-driving Model Ys are now rolling in Austin with a safety driver on board driving in a geofenced area, with remote human controllers for backup. Tesla also issued a whole bunch of rules for the riders, saying that the service will only run between 6 a.m. and midnight and that it could be limited or unavailable in case of adverse weather.

 

There’s no indication yet if the service is open to the public. So far, it only seems limited to an invite-only list of Tesla’s most ardent fans and influencers, who generally tend to be more forgiving of any errors the Robotaxis might make.

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Have a tip? Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

Correction: The regulations were signed into law on Friday, not Thursday. We regret the error.



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Texas Football Opt-Outs: Who’s Likely Playing and Who’s Out for the Citrus Bowl

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Texas Football Opt-Outs: Who’s Likely Playing and Who’s Out for the Citrus Bowl


At this point in time, opting out of bowl games is nothing new, but Texas is going to have more opt-outs in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan than many—self included—expected. This problem pales in comparison to what’s going on in Ann Arbor, but the amount of lost experience will be something for Texas to overcome, primarily on defense.



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Latest in recruiting war for elite 2028 QB has Texas Football joyful

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Latest in recruiting war for elite 2028 QB has Texas Football joyful



Neimann Lawrence list the Longhorns as one school that is standing out

As the Longhorns continue to build for the future, one of their targets is four-star prospect Neimann Lawrence. The Miami native is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2028 class and is attracting interest from some of the nation’s top programs. On Monday, Lawrence revealed the schools that have stood out so far, including the Longhorns. 

While Mondays update was encouraging, Texas was not the only school Lawrence mentioned. He also highlighted Michigan, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. That is not an easy list of schools to go to battle with; the Longhorns have time to make themselves stand out. 

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Currently, the Miami Northwestern High star is ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in is class by 247Sports. They also rank him as the ninth-best player from Florida and the 39th-best player in the nation. With collegiate debut still over a year away, those rankings could change. 

At the moment, the Longhorns do not have a commitment in the 2028 class, but they have made offers to some of the top recruits. That includes Brysen Wright, Jalanie George, Jamarios Canton, Micah Rhodes, and King Pitts. Landing any of those players would give Texas a bright future. 

With a decision still months away, Lawrence will be a player to watch. A lot could change as his recruitment continues, but it is a good sign for Texas that they are standing out early on in the process. 



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Orange County wedding photographer deported on way to job in Texas

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Orange County wedding photographer deported on way to job in Texas


An Orange County photographer is speaking out after he was deported as he was heading to Texas to photograph a wedding.

What they’re saying:

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“I was trying to do it the right way, the legal way and it just feels like they don’t care about that,” said Adan Caceres.

Caceres came to the United States under asylum in 2014, fleeing a violent El Salvador.

“My mom’s sister was murdered and she was thrown in front of our house. She also was abused sexually before they murdered her and then my brother and I were threatened by the gangs,” said Caceres.

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He says he never received the deportation order that was issued in 2018 and only learned about it in 2023. He then started the process of reopening his case.

“I was paying my taxes. I’m a business owner, I’m a wedding photographer. I’m also married,” said Caceres.

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In October, Caceres was going through security at John Wayne Airport, heading to a job in Texas, when he was detained. He says from Santa Ana, he was sent to the Adelanto Detention Center then one in El Paso, Texas where he says the conditions were inhumane.

“We’re not even asking ‘hey let us out’ we’re asking for water, we’re asking for us to be able to use the restroom, these are basic human rights,” said Caceres.

He says now that he’s back in the country he once fled, he’s most concerned about his wife back in Orange County.

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“I was providing a lot of income for our household and now my wife has to take care of all of those things on her own; paying car insurance, the rent, all the bills,” said Caceres.

Caceres says he had no criminal history and feels he was on the path to citizenship when it was ripped away from him, leaving his future with his family uncertain.

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“I don’t know if I’m going to see them. I don’t know when I’m going to see them,” said Caceres.

The other side:

FOX11 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security asking about Caceres’ case but had not heard back at the time this story aired. 

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The Source: Information for this story came from an interview with Adan Caceres.

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