Tesla has secured state approval to operate its Robotaxi service across Texas — without the need for human safety drivers. The permit, issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), allows Tesla Robotaxi LLC to function as a licensed Transportation Network Company (TNC) until August 6, 2026.
The approval, and permit, is required under a new Texas law. Unlike many competitors, Tesla’s permit grants authorization to deploy fully driverless vehicles, enabling the company to accelerate its plans for a human-free ride-hailing experience.
From Austin Pilot to Statewide Rollout
Tesla first introduced its Robotaxi service in Austin in late June, beginning with a small fleet of Model Y vehicles equipped with the company’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Initially, rides were offered by invitation only to a select group of riders, and were supervised by a human safety operator in the front passenger seat.
Over the past several weeks, Tesla has expanded the Austin service area twice. The new statewide TNC license removes the requirement for an onboard safety operator, although it is unclear when Tesla plans to offer fully autonomous rides anywhere in Texas.
Opening to the General Public Next Month
In addition to securing the Texas permit, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the Robotaxi service will open to the general public next month. This expansion follows several months of testing and software optimization, and is expected to trigger a significant increase in demand. Musk has previously stated that he believes Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing service could reach half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025.
Regulatory Oversight and Requirements
Texas’ new autonomous vehicle law, which takes effect September 1, requires all AV operators — whether human-driven or fully autonomous — to meet the same standards. This includes maintaining active insurance coverage, installing camera systems, and complying with all traffic laws. The TNC permit ensures that Tesla’s Robotaxi operations are formally regulated under this framework.
