Tesla Secures Texas Rideshare Permit for Robotaxi Operation
Uber, Lyft Also Get Licenses Under New State Law
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Tesla Inc. has been granted a rideshare license in Texas, paving the way for the electric-vehicle maker to operate its robotaxi service under new regulations governing autonomous vehicles in the state.
Tesla Robotaxi is now listed as a transportation network company licensee with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, joining others including Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc.
The license recently became necessary under a new state law that takes effect Sept. 1 that regulates rideshare operations using autonomous vehicles the same as those services using human drivers.
The new policy adds additional permitting, oversight and requirements for operators of autonomous vehicles.
Currently, autonomous vehicles in Texas must be equipped with cameras and insurance, and be able to follow traffic laws.
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Tesla in June began operating an autonomous rideshare service in Austin with a small number of Model Y vehicles that are supervised by safety monitors, offering rides to a small group of users.
