TXDMV starts rulemaking to authorize commercial automated vehicle operations under SB2807

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Board authorized publication of proposed rules to implement Senate Bill 2807, establishing a statutory framework for the commercial operation of automated motor vehicles (automated vehicles capable of performing operational and tactical driving functions without a human driver) on Texas streets and highways.

Director Jimmy Archer (Motor Carrier Division) and Enforcement Director Corey Thompson presented the proposed new Chapter 220 (authorization and operational requirements for automated motor vehicles) and related amendments to Chapter 224 describing administrative processes and enforcement procedures, including suspension, revocation and imposition of operational restrictions when a vehicle is unsafe.

Key elements presented to the Board include:

- Application and documentation: Proposed rules would set the form and manner for applications to operate one or more automated motor vehicles in commerce and define the documents authorization holders must file and maintain with the department. - Enforcement and remediation: The rules would articulate steps the department may take when it determines an automated vehicle is not in safe operational condition, including suspension, revocation, cancellation, or restricted operation; the rules also describe the process for rescission of an administrative action after corrective measures. - Administrative appeals: The rules provide for final determinations and the ability to request hearings at SOAH for disputed actions; the package contemplates special public meetings where the Motor Carrier Division director may review certain contested cases. - Implementation timing and IT: SB2807 is effective September 2025 and requires the agency and the Public Safety Commission to adopt implementing rules by December 1, 2025. The department told the Board it expects necessary programming to be completed by 2026 and will recommend an effective date aligned with programming completion.

The Board voted unanimously to publish the proposed rules and receive public comment. Department staff said there is no significant fiscal impact from adopting the proposed rule language but noted that IT and administrative readiness will determine the precise effective date for carrier compliance.

Why this matters

SB2807 creates a new regulatory class for automated vehicle operations in commerce and places the department and DPS in roles to assess safety, issue authorizations and take administrative enforcement when automated operations present a public risk. The proposed rules will shape the application requirements, ongoing documentation and the administrative processes for suspending or revoking authorizations.

Next steps

The department will publish the proposed chapter and amendments in the Texas Register for public comment and return for adoption once IT work and stakeholder comments are addressed; carriers will not be required to comply until the later statutorily permitted effective date tied to rule adoption and system readiness.