Nevada Authorizes Tesla for Initiating Robotaxi Trial Runs
Tesla has taken a significant step forward in its pursuit of expanding its autonomous ride service, as the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has approved the electric vehicle manufacturer to test autonomous cars on public roads. This approval, which includes the issuance of autonomous plates and the official registry certificate, marks a milestone for Tesla in its quest to offer a commercial ride-hailing service in the state. The certification is part of Nevada's regulatory framework, which includes both Testing Certification and Operations Self-Certification for autonomous vehicles. To secure regulatory approval for commercial operations, Tesla must complete the DMV's Self-Certification for Operations, a process that requires manufacturers to self-certify that their vehicles meet Nevada's statutory requirements. Tesla is currently in the process of completing this stage, with the application for a Testing Registry certification having been submitted on September 3. The DMV's Office of Business Licensing confirmed this week that the paperwork has been processed. Nevada is a major hub for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, with around a dozen companies currently operating in the state. Notable players include Amazon's Zoox, which launched its fully driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas this week, and Motional, a Hyundai-Aptiv joint venture, which is running autonomous rides with Lyft in Nevada. Tesla's push to expand its autonomy service suggests it may move quickly through the self-certification stage in Nevada. If successful, Tesla could soon launch a similar program in the state, following in the footsteps of its current driverless ride service in Austin, Texas. However, the next step for Tesla to offer a commercial ride-hailing service in Nevada is to obtain regulatory approval from the state authorities, as it is currently awaiting such permissions after pilot programs like the one started in Texas and pending approvals in other states such as Arizona. While Waymo is testing its vehicles on the Vegas Strip, it has not yet offered its service to the public. With Tesla's recent approval and push towards commercial operations, the race to provide a viable autonomous ride service in Nevada is heating up.
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