Texas Grants Tesla Authorization for Statewide Robotaxi Operations Without Human Drivers, Eliminating Safety Steering Wheels
Tesla's Robotaxi service, which was first introduced in Austin in late June, is set to expand across Texas, thanks to a new autonomous vehicle law and a permit issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
The TDLR permit, valid until August 6, 2026, allows Tesla Robotaxi LLC to function as a licensed Transportation Network Company (TNC), a significant step forward for the company's autonomous ride-hailing ambitions. This permit is unique as it authorizes Tesla to deploy fully driverless vehicles, unlike many competitors.
The new Texas law, effective September 1, mandates that all Autonomous Vehicle (AV) operators meet the same standards. These include maintaining active insurance coverage, installing camera systems, and complying with all traffic laws. The permit issued to Tesla Robotaxi LLC adheres to these requirements.
The vehicles operating under the Robotaxi service must be equipped with Level 4 or 5 autonomy, capable of operating without human intervention under specific conditions, enabling fully driverless rides. They must also be compliant with traffic laws, have extensive sensing technology for safety, and follow data reporting and oversight mechanisms similar to traditional rideshare regulations.
Initially, the Robotaxi service in Austin was offered with a small fleet of Model Y vehicles equipped with Tesla's latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Rides were offered by invitation only to a select group of riders, with a human safety operator in the front passenger seat. Over the past several weeks, Tesla has expanded the Austin service area twice.
As for the future, Tesla plans to open the Robotaxi service to the general public next month. According to CEO Elon Musk, the service could reach half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025. However, it remains unclear when Tesla plans to offer fully autonomous rides anywhere in Texas.
The TNC permit ensures that Tesla's Robotaxi operations are formally regulated under Texas' new autonomous vehicle law. This law establishes Texas as a leading state for commercial autonomous ride-hailing innovation with defined safety and operational standards.
In summary, Tesla's Robotaxi service in Texas is set to expand under the new autonomous vehicle law, offering fully driverless vehicles with high autonomy levels, proper insurance, safety and sensor equipment, traffic law compliance, and regulatory oversight. This move positions Texas as a frontrunner in the autonomous ride-hailing industry.
[1] Tesla's Robotaxi service expands to Texas [2] Texas Autonomous Vehicle Law: What You Need to Know [3] Tesla's Robotaxi service to reach half of U.S. population by end of 2025, Elon Musk says [4] Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin: What you need to know [5] Tesla's Robotaxi service in Texas: What you need to know
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