According to ChainCatcher, Tesla has obtained a ride-hailing license in Texas, paving the way for the electric vehicle manufacturer to operate its autonomous taxi service under the state's new regulations for autonomous vehicles.
Tesla Robotaxi LLC has now been 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 ride-hailing services equivalent to those for human-driven ride-hailing services. The new policy imposes additional licensing, regulatory, and compliance requirements on operators of autonomous vehicles.
Currently, Texas law requires autonomous vehicles to be equipped with cameras, insurance, and the ability to comply with traffic rules. Tesla launched a pilot program for autonomous ride-hailing services in Austin in June, using a small number of Model Y vehicles equipped with safety monitors to provide ride services to a limited number of users.