Seven Texas lawmakers have urged Tesla to postpone its planned June 22 robotaxi launch in Austin until new state regulations take effect on September 1.
The rules would require autonomous vehicles to meet safety standards, register under Texas law, and provide emergency interaction plans.
Lawmakers said Tesla may proceed if it shows readiness to comply. “I don’t know that it is ready to be launched,” said Rep. Vikki Goodwin on CBS Austin. “There is more work that needs to be done.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company has been testing driverless vehicles in Austin. On June 10, a Model Y was spotted operating without a driver. However, The Dawn Project reported safety concerns after the car failed to stop for a school bus sign and dummy during a test.
Musk acknowledged potential delays, saying, “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.” Tesla faces competition in Austin from Waymo, Zoox, VW, and Hyundai.