Tesla is quietly expanding its early-stage robotaxi service to San Francisco this weekend, according to Business Insider, despite lacking the permits required by California regulators. The move follows last month’s limited rollout in Austin, Texas, where the company began inviting select Tesla owners to participate in its autonomous ride-hailing program.
While Tesla’s ambition to launch a full-fledged robotaxi network is no secret, its latest actions in California may cross legal boundaries—even if a human safety driver is present behind the wheel.
California Regulators Say Tesla Lacks Key Permits
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are responsible for regulating autonomous vehicles in the state. Tesla currently holds a DMV permit to test autonomous vehicles with a human safety operator, but not for driverless testing or public deployment.
The DMV confirmed that Tesla has not applied for the additional permits required to offer autonomous rides, nor is the company authorized by the CPUC to operate commercial or non-commercial AV passenger services—even with a driver present. Without either a Drivered Pilot or Driverless Deployment AV permit from CPUC, Tesla’s rollout in San Francisco would be in direct violation of state law.
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Robotaxi Rollout Continues Despite Ongoing Scrutiny
Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions are unfolding while the company faces intensifying regulatory scrutiny. The California DMV is suing Tesla over allegedly misleading claims related to its “Full Self-Driving” software, and the company is currently defending itself in a lawsuit over fatal crashes involving its Autopilot system.
In Austin, the robotaxi program remains highly restricted, operating only in the downtown core with about 10 Model Y vehicles. Each ride is monitored by a safety operator seated in the front passenger seat—highlighting how far Tesla still is from delivering a truly autonomous service. Elon Musk’s long-promised “coast-to-coast” self-driving demo remains unrealized more than five years after it was first teased.
High Stakes for Tesla’s AV Future
Tesla’s decision to push ahead in California without proper AV permits could complicate its already strained relationship with state regulators. As the company explores expansions into Florida and Arizona, the legal and technological challenges surrounding its robotaxi dream remain steep—and unresolved.
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