Latest news with #DepartmentofMotorVehicles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla has not yet applied for robotaxi permits in California, state regulators say
Tesla has yet to apply for regulatory permits it needs to operate driverless taxis in California, two state regulators said on Thursday, a day after CEO Elon Musk said the company would expand its robotaxis to the San Francisco Bay Area within two months. "To date, Tesla has not applied for either a driverless testing or deployment permit," a spokesperson for California's Department of Motor Vehicles said in an email to Reuters on Thursday. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which in March issued the first in a series of permits Tesla requires, said on Thursday the company had not yet applied for any new permits. All it has so far is a transportation charter-party carrier permit (TCP) typically associated with chauffeur-operated services, which allows Tesla to own and control a fleet of vehicles and transport employees on pre-arranged trips. The successful expansion of robotaxis will be crucial to Tesla's future as sales of its aging lineup of electric vehicles have slumped with rising competition and a backlash against Musk's embrace of far-right political views. Much of the company's trillion-dollar valuation hangs on Musk's bet on robotaxis and humanoid robots that are powered by artificial intelligence. Tesla reached out to Arizona late last month to start a certification process for an autonomous vehicle ride-sharing service, and a decision is expected by the end of this month, the state's transportation department said on Thursday. "They have expressed interest in operating within the Phoenix Metro area," Arizona's Department of Transportation said in an email to Reuters. Tesla has applied to test and operate both with and without a driver, it said. Tesla shares, down 23% this year, closed up nearly 5% on Thursday. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment. Tesla last month rolled out a small test of its robotaxi service in a limited area of Austin, Texas, with about a dozen vehicles, a select group of passengers and many restrictions, including a safety monitor in the front passenger seat. Even as social media videos showed multiple traffic problems and driving issues over the first few days, CEO Elon Musk said in response to a post on his social media platform X on Wednesday that Tesla would expand the service to a larger area in the city this weekend. When another user on X asked about an expansion to the Bay Area, Musk replied, "Waiting on regulatory approvals, but probably in a month or two." While Tesla faced almost no regulation in Texas, California tightly controls where and how firms can operate autonomous vehicles and requires testing data for permits. The California regulators Reuters contacted did not say how long it would take to review a permit application.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Samantha Kucher Explains New York Car Accident Settlements
Understanding how car accident settlements work in New York is critical for anyone recovering from a crash. Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher ( ) of Kucher Law Group provides a detailed explanation in a recent article titled 'How Car Accident Settlements Work in New York: Timeline, Negotiation Letter, and Payouts'. The article breaks down the process from the first steps after an accident to the final payout, offering vital information for those navigating the state's no-fault system and liability thresholds. As a Brooklyn car accident lawyer, Samantha Kucher highlights the importance of following legal requirements immediately after a crash. Victims are urged to report the incident to law enforcement, file Form MV-104 with the Department of Motor Vehicles if the damages exceed $1,000, and begin gathering evidence from the scene. These initial actions set the stage for a smoother settlement process and help protect the individual's legal rights. Samantha Kucher emphasizes that a Brooklyn car accident lawyer can help claimants understand the state's no-fault system. Under New York law, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $50,000 for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if injuries go beyond this coverage or involve non-economic damages like pain and suffering, claimants must meet the 'serious injury' threshold to pursue additional compensation through the at-fault driver's insurer. This includes injuries such as fractures, disfigurement, or extended disability that prevents daily activities for 90 out of 180 days. Once the initial treatment phase concludes and a claimant reaches Maximum Medical Improvement, Samantha Kucher explains that the next step is the demand letter. The demand letter outlines the accident, medical history, lost income, and a specific settlement amount. It also includes supporting documentation and gives the insurer a deadline to respond. 'A skilled attorney can help draft your letter and ensure that all the necessary details are included for the insurance company's consideration,' the article states. Insurance companies may accept the demand, reject it, or more commonly, counter with a lower offer. Samantha Kucher points out that settlement negotiations can take weeks or months depending on the injury's severity, the strength of evidence, and whether liability is disputed. While many cases resolve during negotiations, some require a lawsuit to proceed further, especially when the insurer refuses to pay what the claimant is owed. The Brooklyn car accident lawyer also outlines what happens when a lawsuit becomes necessary. The process begins with filing a formal complaint, followed by an exchange of information during discovery, and possibly going to trial. Although trials are rare, the threat of litigation often motivates insurers to offer better settlements. As noted in the article, 'Filing a lawsuit doesn't just preserve your claim, it can also change the insurer's posture.' Timing is another essential factor. New York law requires lawsuits to be filed within three years of the accident, or within 90 days if a government entity is involved. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation entirely. Samantha Kucher advises that legal action can be both a strategic move and a safeguard for one's legal rights, especially when faced with insurance delays or denials. The settlement amount itself is based on several key factors. According to the article, damages are categorized into economic (medical bills, lost income, property damage), non-economic (pain and suffering, emotional distress), and in rare cases, punitive damages. The claim's size, liability disputes, comparative negligence, insurance policy limits, and even the court venue all influence how much compensation a claimant may receive. For example, Samantha Kucher explains that if a claimant is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation is reduced proportionally. A person who is 20% responsible for the accident would receive 80% of the total settlement amount. She also notes that venues such as Manhattan or the Bronx tend to award higher settlements compared to other counties, making local legal insight an important consideration. Once a settlement is reached, New York law mandates that insurance companies issue payment within 21 days. Government entities have up to 90 days. The funds are usually routed through the attorney's trust account, with disbursements made after resolving any liens or legal fees. Most claimants receive their payment within two to three weeks after finalizing the agreement. The article from Samantha Kucher concludes by reiterating the importance of knowing how the system works. From documentation and filing deadlines to insurer tactics and negotiation strategies, each step affects the final outcome. Legal guidance can help ensure that claimants are not shortchanged during any phase of the settlement. For those facing the aftermath of a car accident in Brooklyn, understanding each step in the settlement process is a critical part of recovery. Samantha Kucher's breakdown provides a reliable guide to navigating New York's car accident claims and reaching a fair resolution. Kucher Law Group continues to advocate for injured individuals across New York City. With a deep understanding of the local legal landscape, Samantha Kucher offers clarity and support to those who may be overwhelmed by the settlement process. About Kucher Law Group: Kucher Law Group is a New York-based law firm focused on helping injury victims pursue the compensation they need after accidents. Led by attorney Samantha Kucher, the firm is committed to providing personalized legal guidance to clients across Brooklyn and the greater NYC area. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: [email protected] Website: Media Contact Company Name: Kucher Law Group Contact Person: Samantha Kucher Email: Send Email Phone: (929) 563-6780 Address:463 Pulaski St #1c City: Brooklyn State: New York 11221 Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Samantha Kucher Explains New York Car Accident Settlements
Miami Herald
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Everything you need to know about new Virginia laws taking effect July 1
Virginia lawmakers passed hundreds of bills during the General Assembly this year, and dozens will become law soon. Here are some of the bills slated to take effect Tuesday. Driving As of July 1, exhibition driving, which encompasses drag racing and transporting a passenger on the hood or the roof of the car, will fall under reckless driving. People caught drag racing can face a six-month license suspension and car impoundment. A separate provision requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to include on driver's licenses if people have non-apparent disabilities. Previously, the DMV was required to indicate if drivers are diabetic, deaf or hard of hearing, or if they have a traumatic brain injury, an intellectual disability or autism. A non-apparent disability describes an impairment – physical or otherwise – that affects daily living and may be invisible. -Drones Also effective beginning July 1, civilian police employees can use drones without a warrant to photograph the scene following a car crash, survey the residence where law enforcement intends to serve a warrant, or locate someone during a police chase. Law enforcement officers were permitted to do this, but the law expands those permissions to other employees who are not sworn officers. And, it will now be a Class 4 felony to fly a drone over a private defense-industry facility. The bill was sponsored by Hampton Roads lawmakers after a Chinese student was arrested last year for flying a drone over Newport News Shipbuilding, a maker of Navy aircraft carriers and submarines and the state's largest industrial employer. -Housing Landlords are now unable to charge tenants processing fees for rent payments unless they provide an alternative for payment that doesn't include additional fees. Also, victims of family abuse, sexual abuse, stalking or human trafficking can break their lease early with a preliminary protective order, or if there's a warrant, summons, or indictment charging any such crime. Previously, tenants in those circumstances required a permanent protective order or conviction. -Drugs Also new this year, selling nitrous oxide containers - colloquially known as whippets - to minors is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The law also makes whippets illegal for recreational use, adding nitrous oxide to the list of substances that are illegal to smell or inhale with the goal of becoming intoxicated. Another law expands the list of exceptions to banned drug paraphernalia to include drug checking products used to determine if there are harmful contaminants in drugs - previously, the exception was limited to narcotic testing to check for fentanyl. -Children A new law requires children under 16 who meet the criteria to be considered content creators be compensated for that work through a trust account they can access when they turn 18. And parents can access their child's academic or health records, even if those records are stored online through a secure website. -Schools A new law requires Virginia school boards to come up with policies that restrict cell phone usage during the school day, including between classes, except for in cases where they are needed for health or education purposes. The law specifies that students cannot be suspended expelled for cell phone violations by themselves. Schools will also be required to have a cardiac emergency response plan. -Cosmetology Ear piercers can now be board-licensed, and the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology must adopt regulations for that licensure that are separate from body-piercing salons. -Other The State Treasurer can now automatically issue payments for unclaimed property - like last paychecks - for amounts less than $5,000 if the owner is known. Also, legislation passed several years ago is phasing out use of Styrofoam containers in Virginia. Starting July 1, restaurants with more than 20 locations in Virginia will be unable to use Styrofoam containers. Smaller businesses will be unable to use Styrofoam beginning in July 2026. The law initially passed in 2021, but its implementation was delayed through the budget process. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Engadget
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Texas will require permits for self-driving cars starting in September
Starting September 1, fully autonomous cars will require a permit to operate in Texas. This new restriction comes after the state's governor, Greg Abbott, signed into law the SB 2807 bill that requires authorization from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles for self-driving cars on public streets without human interaction. The signing of the new law coincides with Tesla's launch of its robotaxi service in Austin today where invited guests got to ride in fully autonomous Model Ys. While the law doesn't go into effect until a few months later, Tesla's robotaxi launch could have skirted this new regulation since all rides are accompanied by a human "safety monitor" in the front passenger seat. In the coming months, Texas' new law may prove to be more than just a headache for Tesla. Besides the permits, the upcoming regulation allows state authorities the ability to revoke permits and requires companies to provide methods of dealing with self-driving cars in emergency situations to police and first responders. While this could become a serious hurdle for Tesla, it's also likely to affect Waymo, since it currently operates an autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers send letter to Tesla asking to delay robotaxi rollout in Austin
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Tesla urging the company to delay its robotaxi operations in Austin. Tesla reportedly planned to launch the self-driving service on Sunday, June 22. The letter said the Texas Legislature approved a revision to the state's 2017 autonomous vehicle operations framework. It mentioned how this new law goes into effect this September. 'Under the new framework, commercial autonomous vehicle operators transporting passengers or property must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver,' the letter read. In order to get that authorization, an operator must demonstrate each vehicle is: Capable of operating in compliance with state traffic laws Equipped with a recording device Compliant with federal law, including federal motor vehicle safety standards Capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable Registered, titled, and insured under Texas law Safety concerns emerge as Tesla robotaxis prepare for launch Along with those requirements, operators have to submit a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety to explain the following: How first responders interact with the autonomous vehicles How to communicate with fleet support and safely remove or tow vehicles from the roadway Any additional information regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the vehicles 'As members of the Austin delegation in the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, we are formally requesting that Tesla delay autonomous robotaxi operations until the new law takes effect on September 1, 2025. We believe this is in the best interest of both public safety and building public trust in Tesla's operations,' the letter read. Austin-based business says it will offer Tesla robotaxi rentals in 2026 The letter said if Tesla still proceeds with its plans to launch this month, they request the company responds to this letter with detailed information demonstrating that Tesla will be 'compliant with the new law upon the launch of driverless operations in Austin.' Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk discussed plans with CNBC to launch the service in Austin. 'We want to deliberately take it slow,' Musk said. 'I mean, we could start with 1,000 [robotaxis] 10,000 on day one, but I don't think that would be prudent. So we will start with probably 10 for a week, then increase it to 20, 30, 40.' Musk himself mentioned testing already started. Just last week, he posted on X that, 'for the past several days, Tesla has been testing self-driving Model Y cars (no one in driver's seat) on Austin public streets with no incidents.' The service is reportedly already available for some employees. In April, Tesla's AI account posted a video on X claiming that 'supervised ride hailing service is live for an early set of employees in Austin and [the] San Francisco Bay Area.' This letter adds to another one Tesla recently received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). US agency asks Tesla questions about its Austin 'robotaxi' plan In a letter sent to Tesla in May, the NHTSA asked the company to explain how it plans to operate safely. Questions focused on things like: Crash reporting Complying with traffic safey laws Automated responses to emergencies NHTSA asked how the robotaxis will safely operate in low-visibility, like sun glare, fog, rain or snow. Those conditions are tied to previous accidents involving the company's driver-assistance software. KXAN reached out to see if NHTSA heard back. The agency told us earlier this month that its investigation remains open and that Tesla's response must be submitted by June 19. NHTSA said any updates will be posted in the investigation file online. KXAN reached out to Tesla for comment, and we're waiting for a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
