Tesla has obtained a licence to operate its robotaxi service in Texas, US, a move that aligns with the state’s new autonomous vehicle (AV) regulations.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has granted Tesla a transportation network company licence valid until 6 August 2026.
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The EV manufacturer initiated an autonomous rideshare service in Austin, Texas, in June, deploying a select number of Model Y vehicles supervised by safety monitors.
Despite Tesla’s progress, the company’s autonomous driving efforts have faced scrutiny and challenges.
According to CNBC, incidents involving Tesla robotaxis breaking traffic rules have been documented in Austin, leading to federal attention.
In one case, a Tesla vehicle failed to halt at a train crossing, necessitating intervention by a Tesla employee on board.
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By GlobalDataThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has engaged with Tesla regarding these incidents.
Furthermore, Tesla’s autonomous vehicle initiatives have encountered legal challenges and federal investigations across the US.
These include a recent federal court decision in Miami, where Tesla was found to be partially liable for a fatal collision involving its autopilot system.
Additionally, the California Department of Motor Vehicles has filed a lawsuit against Tesla over alleged false advertising of its driver assistance systems.
Amidst these challenges, Tesla shareholders have also filed a lawsuit against the company and CEO Elon Musk, alleging securities fraud related to the automaker’s claims about the safety and capabilities of its self-driving technology.
The state of Texas has been welcoming towards AV testing and operations, with new legislation set to take effect this year. This legislation, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, requires AV companies to obtain state approval before commencing driverless operations and empowers the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to revoke permits if safety standards are not met.
Also, Tesla dismantled its Dojo supercomputer team, signalling a significant change in the company’s approach to developing autonomous driving technology.
Musk has expressed optimism about the potential reach of Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing services, projecting that they could serve half of the US population by the end of this year.
