BlockBeats news, on August 9, 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 is now listed as a licensed transportation network company by Texas licensing and regulatory authorities, joining the ranks of companies like Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. This license has become necessary as the new law, effective September 1, imposes regulations on autonomous ride-hailing services equivalent to those for human drivers. The new policy adds extra licensing, regulatory, and requirement burdens for 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 rides to a select group of users. (Zhitong Finance)