Tesla's Robotaxi Plans Spark Regulatory Concerns in California, Nevada, and Texas
Tesla's ambitious plans for robotaxi services have sparked concern among regulatory authorities in California, Nevada, and Texas. Officials worry about the company's claims of fully driverless operations and the safety risks involved.
Elon Musk recently announced plans to expand Tesla's robotaxi service to the San Francisco Bay Area within months. The service, which allows owners to make their Tesla stock available for the network when not in personal use, has already begun testing in Austin, Texas, with vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software.
However, regulatory authorities have raised serious concerns. The California Public Utilities Commission, Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, and Texas under law SB 2807 have all expressed doubts about Tesla's premature claims of fully driverless robotaxi operations. They worry that the company is not adhering to stringent safety requirements and is operating without proper permits. California regulators have specifically called out Tesla's misleading communications and safety risks regarding its robotaxi plans. Currently, Tesla's services still require safety drivers or operate under different licenses, raising questions about safety and regulatory compliance.
Despite Tesla's plans to expand its robotaxi service, regulatory authorities remain cautious. They urge the company to adhere to safety requirements and obtain necessary permits before fully launching its driverless robotaxi operations. Tesla, meanwhile, continues to refine its FSD software and plans to roll out its service in more areas.
