Texas robotaxi rules
Driverless vehicles can carry paying riders in Texas. Since May 28, 2026, though, any company running commercial automated vehicles has needed an active authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, a requirement created by Senate Bill 2807 in 2025.
Updated . By the Robotaxi Atlas desk.
What SB 2807 requires
According to the TxDMV bulletin, companies "must maintain an active authorization issued by TxDMV" to operate commercial automated vehicles. That requirement took effect on May 28, 2026. The agency said on Jun 2, 2026 that enforcement had begun and set out a process for complaints.
The rule covers the whole state and every company in the business, including those that book rides through a partner such as Uber or Lyft. This summary rests on that bulletin, a primary source.
Cybercab and the state register
As of Sep 2026, TxDMV records showed 45 Tesla Cybercabs authorized for driverless operation in Texas, according to FOX 7 Austin and electrive. Public Cybercab rides in Austin followed a launch event on Sep 3, 2026, and riders book them in Tesla's Robotaxi app.
Who is running under Texas rules
Texas has more active services than any other state covered here. Waymo runs driverless rides in Austin (Uber app only), Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, which restarted on Sep 17, 2026 after a flood pause and opened to all riders on Oct 14, 2026. Tesla Robotaxi also runs driverless rides in Austin, Dallas and Houston.
Zoox carries employees and their guests in Austin and is testing in Dallas and Houston. In Dallas, Avride runs on Uber with a specialist behind the wheel. May Mobility is aiming for an Uber launch in Arlington in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027, and Uber, Nuro and Lucid expect to start Houston service in mid-2027.
Cities affected
- Austin Driverless
- Dallas Driverless
- Houston Driverless
- San Antonio Driverless
- Arlington Announced
Questions people ask
Do robotaxi companies need a permit in Texas?
Since May 28, 2026, any company operating commercial automated vehicles in Texas has needed an active TxDMV authorization under SB 2807. TxDMV announced on Jun 2, 2026 that it was enforcing the rule.
How many Cybercabs are authorized in Texas?
FOX 7 Austin reported that TxDMV showed 45 Tesla Cybercabs authorized for driverless operation in Texas in Sep 2026.
Where can you ride a robotaxi in Texas?
Waymo and Tesla Robotaxi both offer driverless rides in Austin, Dallas and Houston. Waymo also runs in San Antonio, open to all riders since Oct 14, 2026.