Texas lawmakers are set to propose new rules for fleets of autonomous vehicles. The legislation aims to ensure these driverless vehicles get proper permits and registration.

The details: Companies with autonomous commercial trucks and passenger vehicles will need to notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for specific permits before hitting the road solo.

• These measures are designed to track issues within autonomous vehicle fleets.
• The rules will allow the state to restrict any company if necessary.

The proposed legislation doesn't apply to privately owned driverless vehicles. It focuses on fleets, keeping an eye on their performance and safety record.

State Senator Robert Nichols emphasized, “The state needs to be in a position to step in and have a set of rules. We are not fixing to slip something through here. We are going to have a methodology,” reported Houston Chronicle.

Why it matters: Federal laws only require autonomous vehicle manufacturers to report collisions. The new state rules aim to provide more oversight at the operational level.

The new legislation could help track innovations and issues in the autonomous vehicle sector in Texas.