Tesla has received approval to operate a rideshare service in Texas, marking a new step for the company’s self-driving taxi ambitions. Tesla Robotaxi LLC has been granted a transportation network company license by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This license allows Tesla to run its robotaxi service alongside other ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft.
The move comes as Texas introduced new rules starting September 1 that require all rideshare services using autonomous vehicles to follow the same regulations as those with human drivers. These rules add new layers of permits, oversight, and safety standards for companies operating self-driving cars on public roads.
One key requirement is that autonomous vehicles must have cameras, carry insurance, and obey traffic laws. Tesla has already been running a small-scale autonomous rideshare in Austin since June. The service uses a limited number of Model Y cars, each monitored by safety personnel, offering rides to a select group of users in certain parts of the city.
This step signals Tesla’s commitment to expanding its robotaxi program beyond testing. While the service is starting small, it signals the company’s readiness to integrate driverless cars into mainstream ridesharing under tighter rules. It also shows how Texas is positioning itself as a hub for autonomous vehicle innovation with practical regulations that aim to keep both passengers and the public safe.