Amazon-owned Zoox receives a temporary federal approval that lets it charge passengers for rides in its driverless robotaxi service. Multiple outlets report that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants Zoox an exemption from certain federal safety requirements, clearing what is described as a first-of-its-kind step for the driverless-car industry. The exemption allows Zoox’s custom-built vehicle design—described as lacking a steering wheel and pedals—to operate commercially while meeting regulatory conditions.
The approval is temporary and includes oversight requirements described as “enhanced” and “adaptable,” according to reporting cited by outlets. Zoox is authorized to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles per year for a two-year period, subject to the terms of the exemption. Several sources say the regulatory decision enables Zoox to start charging for rides in Las Vegas, where it plans to use the robotaxis for paid service. Coverage also notes that the news was first reported by Reuters, with subsequent outlets describing details of the NHTSA ruling and its implications for commercialization of robotaxi fleets.
