Zoox Granted NHTSA Exemption Allowing Paid Rides in Steering-Wheel-Free Robotaxis
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted Zoox, an Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, a temporary exemption from traditional vehicle control requirements. This allows the deployment of up to 2,500 steering-wheel-free robotaxis annually over the next two years and enables paid ride services for customers. Previously operating under a demonstration exemption in San Francisco and Las Vegas with free rides, Zoox will now begin charging fares starting in Las Vegas next month. The company plans to expand its service to Miami and Austin as well. This development positions Zoox to compete more directly with Waymo (owned by Alphabet) and Tesla’s robotaxi initiatives. The NHTSA determined that Zoox's vehicles meet or exceed federal safety standards, though the exemption includes enhanced oversight conditions tied to evolving self-driving technology.
