Zoox cleared for paid robotaxi service in Las Vegas after federal exemption

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox a two‑year temporary exemption that relaxes eight federal motor‑vehicle safety standards and permits the deployment of up to 2,500 purpose‑built robotaxis annually. The waiver removes the requirement for steering wheels and brake pedals, allowing the company’s four‑seat, inward‑facing vehicles to operate commercially in Las Vegas once state and local approvals are secured.

Zoox has been running free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco, but the exemption now enables it to charge passengers for trips in Nevada. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the agency will continue to monitor the rollout while working on broader rule changes for driverless vehicles.