Latest news with #DepartmentofMotorVehicles
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers send letter to Tesla asking to delay robotaxi rollout in Austin
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Tesla urging the company to delay its robotaxi operations in Austin. Tesla reportedly planned to launch the self-driving service on Sunday, June 22. The letter said the Texas Legislature approved a revision to the state's 2017 autonomous vehicle operations framework. It mentioned how this new law goes into effect this September. '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,' the letter read. In order to get that authorization, an operator must demonstrate 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 Registered, titled, and insured under Texas law Safety concerns emerge as Tesla robotaxis prepare for launch Along with those requirements, operators have to submit a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety to explain the following: How first responders interact with the autonomous vehicles How to communicate with fleet support and safely remove or tow vehicles from the roadway Any additional information regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the vehicles '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,' the letter read. Austin-based business says it will offer Tesla robotaxi rentals in 2026 The letter said if Tesla still proceeds with its plans to launch this month, they request the company responds to this letter with detailed information demonstrating that Tesla will be 'compliant with the new law upon the launch of driverless operations in Austin.' Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk discussed plans with CNBC to launch the service in Austin. 'We want to deliberately take it slow,' Musk said. 'I mean, we could start with 1,000 [robotaxis] 10,000 on day one, but I don't think that would be prudent. So we will start with probably 10 for a week, then increase it to 20, 30, 40.' Musk himself mentioned testing already started. Just last week, he posted on X that, 'for the past several days, Tesla has been testing self-driving Model Y cars (no one in driver's seat) on Austin public streets with no incidents.' The service is reportedly already available for some employees. In April, Tesla's AI account posted a video on X claiming that 'supervised ride hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin and [the] San Francisco Bay Area.' This letter adds to another one Tesla recently received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). US agency asks Tesla questions about its Austin 'robotaxi' plan In a letter sent to Tesla in May, the NHTSA asked the company to explain how it plans to operate safely. Questions focused on things like: Crash reporting Complying with traffic safey laws Automated responses to emergencies NHTSA asked how the robotaxis will safely operate in low-visibility, like sun glare, fog, rain or snow. Those conditions are tied to previous accidents involving the company's driver-assistance software. KXAN reached out to see if NHTSA heard back. The agency told us earlier this month that its investigation remains open and that Tesla's response must be submitted by June 19. NHTSA said any updates will be posted in the investigation file online. KXAN reached out to Tesla for comment, and we're waiting for a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hill
Texas Democrats ask Tesla to delay robotaxi rollout
A group of Democratic lawmakers in Texas is urging Tesla to delay the rollout of its robotaxis in Austin, as the driverless cars prepare to hit the streets this weekend. In a letter to Tesla's director of field quality, Eddie Gates, the seven lawmakers asked the electric vehicle maker to push back its launch until September, when a new Texas law is set to take effect. The law, which revises earlier state guidelines for autonomous vehicles, requires the operators of self-driving cars to receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To secure authorization, companies need to show their cars can operate in compliance with state traffic laws, are equipped with a recording device, comply with federal standards, are properly registered and insured and can 'achieve a minimal risk condition' if the autonomous driving system stops working. '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,' the lawmakers wrote in the letter, shared on X by Texas state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt. 'We believe this is in the best interest of both public safety and building public trust in Tesla's operations,' they continued. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said earlier this month that the company was 'tentatively' aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, although he noted that they 'are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.' The robotaxi launch marks a key moment for Tesla, as it seeks to make a strong showing after months of turmoil. The electric vehicle maker became a political symbol for Musk during his fourth-month stint in the Trump administration, dragging down the company's stock price and attracting both peaceful and destructive demonstrations. If Tesla goes ahead with its planned launch over the weekend, the Texas lawmakers asked the company to respond to their letter with 'detailed information demonstrating that Tesla will be compliant with the new law upon the launch of driverless operations in Austin.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What's closed on Juneteenth in Rhode Island? Check the list
This week, people across the country will celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated each year on June 19, the holiday's roots go back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of Black people after the end of the Civil War - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the holiday has become known as America's second independence day, and it officially became a federal holiday in 2021. It became an official holiday in Rhode Island in 2023. As a federal holiday, many businesses and organizations will be closed for the observance of Juneteenth, but not all. Here is a guide of what is open and what is closed on Juneteenth in Rhode Island. All state, local and federal offices will close to observe Juneteenth, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While many schools are already out for the summer, those that are not will likely be closed for the holiday. It is best to check with your school district. Libraries will be closed on June 19. Trash collection on Juneteenth is often delayed by one day, but the decision is up to each specific town or provider. More: When do Rhode Island public schools end? Here's the last day of school for every district The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed on Juneteenth, meaning no mail will be delivered. However, FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available, according to the company's website. FedEx Office locations will also be open. Holiday info: When is Juneteenth? Is it a federal holiday? What to know The New York Stock Exchange is closed on Juneteenth. All banks will be closed on Juneteenth, but online banking and ATM services will still be available. Transactions made on June 19 will not be posted until the next business day. 2025 holiday schedule: See full list of dates for Easter, Memorial Day, federal holidays, more Most supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores and retail chains remain open on Juneteenth. Some stores, such as Costco, choose to close for the holiday, so check before you shop. Many restaurants and fast-food chains remain open for the holiday, but locally-owned eateries may be closed. Check with the individual restaurant. All National Parks will be open and free on June 19. Jenna Prestininzi of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: See what's closed and open on Juneteenth in Rhode Island
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What's closed on Juneteenth in Connecticut? Check the list
This week, people across the country will celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated each year on June 19, the holiday's roots go back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of Black people after the end of the Civil War - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the holiday has become known as America's second independence day, and it officially became a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth became a legal state holiday in Connecticut in 2022. As a federal holiday, many businesses and organizations will be closed for the observance of Juneteenth, but not all. Here is a guide of what is open and what is closed on Juneteenth in Connecticut. All state, local and federal offices will close to observe Juneteenth, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While many schools are already out for the summer, those that are not will likely be closed for the holiday. It is best to check with your school district. Libraries will be closed on June 19. Trash collection on Juneteenth is often delayed by one day, but the decision is up to each specific town or provider. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed on Juneteenth, meaning no mail will be delivered. However, FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available, according to the company's website. FedEx Office locations will also be open. Holiday info: When is Juneteenth? Is it a federal holiday? What to know The New York Stock Exchange is closed on Juneteenth. All banks will be closed on Juneteenth, but online banking and ATM services will still be available. Transactions made on June 19 will not be posted until the next business day. 2025 holiday schedule: See full list of dates for Easter, Memorial Day, federal holidays, more Most supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores and retail chains remain open on Juneteenth. Some stores, such as Costco, choose to close for the holiday, so check before you shop. Many restaurants and fast-food chains remain open for the holiday, but locally-owned eateries may be closed. Check with the individual restaurant. All National Parks will be open and free on June 19. Jenna Prestininzi of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: See what's closed and open on Juneteenth in Connecticut
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What's closed on Juneteenth in New Hampshire? See the list
This week, people across the country will celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated each year on June 19, the holiday's roots go back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of Black people after the end of the Civil War - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the holiday has become known as America's second independence day, and it officially became a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is a "day of observance" in New Hampshire, and not an official state holiday. As a federal holiday, many businesses and organizations will be closed for the observance of Juneteenth, but not all. Here is a guide of what is open and what is closed on Juneteenth in New Hampshire. All federal offices will close to observe Juneteenth. Because it is not a state holiday, state offices will be open, including the Department of Motor Vehicles. While many schools are already out for the summer, those that are not will likely be closed for the holiday. It is best to check with your school district. Libraries will be closed on June 19. Trash collection on Juneteenth is often delayed by one day, but the decision is up to each specific town or provider. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed on Juneteenth, meaning no mail will be delivered. However, FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available, according to the company's website. FedEx Office locations will also be open. Holiday info: When is Juneteenth? Is it a federal holiday? What to know The New York Stock Exchange is closed on Juneteenth. All banks will be closed on Juneteenth, but online banking and ATM services will still be available. Transactions made on June 19 will not be posted until the next business day. 2025 holiday schedule: See full list of dates for Easter, Memorial Day, federal holidays, more Most supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores and retail chains remain open on Juneteenth. Some stores, such as Costco, choose to close for the holiday, so check before you shop. Many restaurants and fast-food chains remain open for the holiday, but locally-owned eateries may be closed. Check with the individual restaurant. All National Parks will be open and free on June 19. Jenna Prestininzi of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Here's what's open and closed on Juneteenth in New Hampshire
