Tesla Granted Texas Ride-Hailing License, Paving the Way for Robotaxi Operations

BlockBeats News, August 9th, Tesla has obtained a ridesharing license in Texas, paving the way for the electric vehicle manufacturer to operate its autonomous taxi service in accordance with the state's new autonomous vehicle regulations. Tesla Robotaxi LLC is now listed as a licensed transportation network company by Texas licensing and regulatory authorities, joining the ranks of companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. This license has become necessary as the new law, effective September 1st, in the state imposes regulatory requirements on autonomous ridesharing equivalent to human-driven ridesharing. The new policy adds additional licensing, regulatory, and operational requirements for autonomous vehicle operators.

Currently, Texas law mandates that autonomous vehicles be equipped with cameras, insurance, and the ability to comply with traffic rules. In June, Tesla launched an autonomous ridesharing service pilot in Austin, using a small number of Model Y vehicles equipped with safety monitors to provide riding services to a small group of users. (ChainNews)