Tesla approved for Texas ride-hailing license, paving the way for Robotaxi operations

ChainCatcher news, according to the Texas licensing and regulatory agency, Tesla has obtained a rideshare license in Texas, paving the way for the electric vehicle manufacturer to operate its autonomous taxi service under the state's new autonomous vehicle regulations.

Tesla Robotaxi LLC is now listed as a licensed transportation network company, joining the ranks of companies like Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. This license has become necessary as the new law, effective September 1 in the state, imposes regulations on autonomous rideshare vehicles equivalent to those for human-driven rideshare vehicles. The new policy adds additional licensing, regulatory, and operational requirements for autonomous vehicle operators.

Currently, Texas law requires autonomous vehicles to be equipped with cameras, insurance, and the ability to comply with traffic rules. In June, Tesla launched a pilot program for its autonomous rideshare service in Austin, using a small number of Model Y vehicles equipped with safety monitors to provide rides to a limited number of users.