Tesla's Robotaxi Ambitions Face Regulatory Roadblocks in San Francisco
Tesla's robotaxi launch in San Francisco faces major regulatory hurdles despite early testing success in Austin.
Matilda
Tesla's Robotaxi Ambitions Face Regulatory Roadblocks in San Francisco Tesla’s Robotaxi Rollout Faces Legal Hurdles in San Francisco Tesla is preparing to launch a limited version of its robotaxi service in San Francisco, a move that has sparked questions around legality and compliance with California's autonomous vehicle (AV) regulations. The initiative follows a quiet, invite-only launch of robotaxi testing in Austin, Texas. While Tesla aims to expand its autonomous driving ambitions in one of the most technologically progressive cities in the U.S., a tangle of state laws, regulatory requirements, and public safety concerns could hinder that path. Image Credits:Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images Despite offering Tesla owners in San Francisco the opportunity to test this next-gen ride-hailing feature, the company currently lacks several key permits required by California agencies. Tesla only holds a permit for testing vehicles with a human safety driver, which is not enough for commercial or driverless robotaxi deployment. Acc…