Tesla has been approved for a Texas ride-hailing license, paving the way for Robotaxi operations.

Tesla has obtained a ride-hailing license in Texas, paving the way for the electric car manufacturer to operate its autonomous taxi service in accordance with the state's new regulations for autonomous vehicles. Tesla Robotaxi LLC has now been listed as a licensed transportation network company by the Texas licensing and regulatory authorities, joining companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. This license has become necessary as the new law that went into effect on September 1 in the state regulates autonomous ride-hailing services in the same way as human driver ride-hailing services. The new policy imposes additional requirements and regulations on 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 autonomous ride-hailing services in Austin using a small number of Model Y vehicles equipped with safety monitors, providing ride services to a select group of users.