Police have run into problems where driverless vehicles don't respond to hand signals from officers directing traffic, and the city has been unable to issue tickets to the vehicles, according to a spokesperson for Austin's Transportation and Public Works department. The city recently came up with a way to submit complaints in municipal court when officers observe traffic violations.
Tesla reached out to Austin officials last May, and city officials provided information about local fire and police procedures, maps of schools and school zones, and traffic rules during special events, the spokesperson said. Austin City Council member Zo Qadri, who represents downtown areas frequented by robotaxis, said he's frustrated the city can't impose rules on "private companies using these public roads as a testing ground."
"Ultimately," he said, "we have no power."