Tesla has obtained a ride-hailing license in Texas, paving the way for the electric car maker to operate its self-driving taxi service under the state's new autonomous vehicle regulations.
Tesla Robotaxi LLC is now listed as a licensed transportation network company by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, joining Uber Technologies Inc. , Lyft Inc. Waiting for the company's ranks. The license is necessary because the state's new law, which took effect on September 1, regulates self-driving ride-hailing vehicles on the same level as human drivers driving them.
The new policy adds additional licenses, regulations and requirements for autonomous vehicle operators. Texas law currently requires self-driving vehicles to have cameras, insurance and the ability to obey traffic rules.
Tesla launched a self-driving online ride-hailing service pilot in Austin in June, using a small number of Model Y models equipped with safety monitors to provide ride-hailing services to a small number of users.