Overview
- The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation granted Tesla Robotaxi LLC a transportation network company permit valid through August 2026, allowing driverless ride-hailing statewide without onboard safety drivers.
- Elon Musk announced on X that the Robotaxi service will open to the general public next month, moving beyond the current invitation-only pilot in Austin.
- Tesla is recruiting robotaxi and Autopilot test operators in New York City and other markets despite not having applied for local autonomous-vehicle testing permits.
- A Texas law taking effect September 1 will require autonomous rideshare services to install cameras, maintain active insurance and comply fully with traffic regulations.
- Ongoing probes by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, product-liability lawsuits and recall actions tied to Autopilot and FSD incidents continue to pose legal and operational challenges.