A group of Democratic lawmakers from Texas has asked Tesla to delay its planned robotaxi rollout in Austin. They want the company to wait until September, when a new autonomous driving law is set to take effect.
The lawmakers sent a letter on Wednesday. In it, they told Tesla that a delay would help build public trust and keep safety front and center.
This comes just days before Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, said the company might launch robotaxi rides — tentatively this Sunday.
Why the Delay?
Right now, Tesla can legally run self-driving cars in Texas. As long as the vehicles are registered and insured, they’re good to go.
But things are changing. A new state law — already passed by the legislature — is waiting for the governor’s signature. It would require autonomous vehicle companies to apply for special permits, give safety plans to the state, and explain how police can deal with their vehicles during emergencies.
Also, the state could revoke permits if a driverless car is found to endanger the public.
The lawmakers say it’s better to wait for this law to take effect before launching a major autonomous ride service like Tesla’s.
“Delaying is in the best interest of public safety,” they wrote.
Tesla’s Big Robotaxi Bet
Elon Musk has tied Tesla’s future to autonomous tech. Earlier this year, he said Tesla would start “autonomous ride-hailing for money” in Austin in June.
Investors and analysts have been watching closely. Tesla’s stock value depends heavily on hopes around robotaxis and future products like humanoid robots.
But so far, Tesla hasn’t shared much. Musk said they’ll begin with just 10–20 Model Y vehicles, running in the “safest parts” of Austin.
There’s no word yet on how rides will be priced, who can book them, or how they’ll be monitored. Tesla also hasn’t explained how it will comply with the new law.
And when asked to comment on the lawmakers’ request, Tesla stayed silent.
Politics at Play
Here’s the twist — Texas is a Republican stronghold. The Democrats asking for the delay have little power to enforce it directly. The Republican governor hasn’t signed the law yet, and Republicans control the legislature.
So, it’s unclear whether Tesla will listen.
But with public safety in the spotlight, and Tesla needing public trust for robotaxis to succeed, the pressure is definitely on.
Also Read Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Robot That Cooks, Cleans—And Learns From YouTube
