THE STATE OF TEXAS June 18, 2025 Eddie Gates Director, Field Quality Tesla, Inc.

THE STATE OF TEXAS
Seal at top of page

June 18, 2025

Eddie Gates
Director, Field Quality
Tesla, Inc.
45500 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538

Delivered electronically

Dear Mr. Gates:

Tesla has announced its intention to begin robotaxi operations in Austin, Texas, on June 22, 2025. This session, the Texas Legislature approved a revision to our state’s 2017 autonomous vehicle operations framework, which includes basic safety guardrails present in most other states’ autonomous vehicle laws. This new law takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Under the new framework, commercial autonomous vehicle operators transporting passengers or property must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver. To receive that authorization, an operator must demonstrate to the department that each vehicle is:
• Capable of operating in compliance with state traffic laws;
• Equipped with a recording device;
• Compliant with federal law, including federal motor vehicle safety standards;
• Capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable; and
• Registered, titled, and insured under Texas law.

Additionally, operators must submit a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety detailing how first responders should interact with the autonomous vehicles, including how to communicate with fleet support, safely remove or tow vehicles from the roadway, recognize whether a vehicle is being operated with the automated driving system engaged, and any additional information regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the vehicles.

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THE STATE OF TEXAS
(State seal at top)

We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to public safety, accountability, and trust as Tesla commences commercial operations in Austin.

Respectfully,

Senator Sarah Eckhardt
Senate District 14

Dean Judith Zaffirini
Senate District 21

Representative Lulu Flores
House District 51

Representative Vikki Goodwin
House District 47

Representative Gina Hinojosa
House District 49

Representative Donna Howard
House District 48

Representative Erin Zwiener
House District 45

As members of the Austin delegation in the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, we are formally requesting that Tesla delay autonomous robotaxi operations until the new law takes effect on September 1, 2025. We believe this is in the best interest of both public safety and building public trust in Tesla’s operations. If Tesla opts to proceed with the June 22, 2025, launch date, we request that you respond to this letter with detailed information demonstrating that Tesla will be compliant with the new law upon the launch of driverless operations in Austin.