Texas lawmakers are considering new legislation that would regulate the use of autonomous vehicles. The proposal would require fleets of driverless trucks and passenger cars to get special permits and register with the state.

Key details: Companies would need to inform the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles before operating any autonomous vehicle without a driver. This aims to ensure that the state can track any ongoing issues with these fleets and potentially limit their use if necessary, according to the Houston Chronicle.

• The new rules will apply exclusively to fleets and not private autonomous cars.
• Current federal rules only mandate reporting of collisions involving autonomous vehicles.

What they're saying: State Senator Robert Nichols, the Senate Transportation Committee chair, stated, "The state needs to be in a position to step in and have a set of rules." He also emphasized that the industry is already cooperating and they do not wish to disrupt innovation.

Why it matters: This move could bolster safety and accountability as Texas continues to be a leader in autonomous vehicle technology.

However, it's still to be seen how this will impact truck drivers and the broader trucking industry. The lawmakers plan to balance innovation with oversight to ensure the technology is reliable and safe for everyone on the road.