Relating to motor vehicles, including automated motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense.

Contracts

• Independent Contractor Agreements (All Carriers): You must amend agreements to mandate safety improvements (cameras, speed limiters, lane departure software). Cite Chapter 644A, Transportation Code to shield your organization from employee misclassification claims based on these mandates.
• Lease/Vendor Agreements (AV Operators): Master Service Agreements must explicitly define the "Authorization Holder." The law assigns liability for citations and regulatory compliance to this specific entity. Ambiguity here creates significant legal exposure.

Hiring/Training

• Fleet Support Specialist: You must designate and train personnel to serve as "Fleet Support Specialists." These individuals must be accessible to law enforcement and first responders at all times the vehicle is in operation to facilitate towing or disablement.
• First Responder Protocols: Your operations team must develop training materials or interaction guides for emergency services, detailing how to disable the Automated Driving System (ADS) externally.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• TxDMV Authorization: You must file an application listing all vehicle VINs, proof of insurance, and safety certifications before operations begin.
• DPS Emergency Plan: You must submit a formal "Emergency Services Interaction Plan" to the Department of Public Safety. This document must detail towing protocols and fleet support contact methods.
• 30-Day Update Rule: You must implement a trigger in your compliance software to notify TxDMV within 30 days of any change in material information (e.g., insurance carrier change, fleet additions/removals).

Fees & Costs

• Criminal Liability: Operation without authorization is a Class B Misdemeanor. The penalty applies per day of operation, creating a compounding financial and criminal liability for corporate officers.
• Insurance: AVs used for rideshare/delivery are classified as TNC vehicles for insurance purposes, requiring specific coverage limits under Insurance Code Subchapter B.