Tesla has received approval to bring its Robotaxi service to Las Vegas, but the initial rollout will be considerably smaller than what the company originally requested.
As we reported in June, Tesla applied for an Autonomous Vehicle Network Company (AVNC) permit covering Clark County, asking Nevada regulators for permission to operate as many as 5,000 vehicles during the first 12 months. The application covered as far as Harry Reid International Airport and Henderson Executive Airport.
The Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA) has now approved Tesla’s application, but with an initial fleet capped at just 10 robotaxis.
The permit also places several restrictions on Tesla’s operations. The vehicles will be limited to the Las Vegas Strip corridor and cannot operate on roads with speed limits above 45 mph (72 km/h). Tesla is also now allowed to pick up passengers at Harry Reid International Airport.
Vehicles must be clearly identified as robotaxis, and riders must be informed on every trip that they are being transported in a driverless taxi.
Another condition requires “appropriate human supervision,” although the permit does not make clear whether that means an employee must be physically inside each vehicle or whether remote supervision will satisfy the requirement.
Any attempt by Tesla to increase its fleet beyond 10 vehicles or expand the approved operating area will require additional authorization from the NTA.
While the difference between Tesla’s requested 5,000-vehicle ceiling and its initial 10-vehicle approval is substantial, the small launch isn’t necessarily unusual for Tesla. The company has taken a similarly cautious approach when entering other Robotaxi markets, beginning with limited fleets and geofenced operating areas before gradually expanding.
Tesla has also indicated that significant scaling of its Robotaxi network will come after the release of FSD v15, currently expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
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