Zoox to Launch Paid Robotaxi Service the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Has Authorized Amazon-owned Zoox to Carry Paying

US regulator clears Amazon's Zoox to launch paid robotaxi service The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has authorized Amazon-owned Zoox to carry paying passengers in its unconventional driverless vehicles, a landmark for purpose-built autonomous cars without steering wheels, brake pedals or side mirrors. Zoox said it is the first vehicle designed entirely for autonomous operation to receive a federal safety-standard exemption for commercial deployment. The company had been running limited robotaxi rides in parts of Las Vegas and San Francisco but did not charge for trips.

With the NHTSA exemption, it can begin charging once it obtains state permits. Zoox plans to launch its first paid service next month in Las Vegas. In California, it still needs approvals from the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Utilities Commission.

The vehicle, built from scratch for self-driving, has two rows of facing seats, can travel in either direction and has no steering wheel or pedals. The temporary exemption allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles a year for two years.