Amazon-owned Zoox received a federal exemption to launch paid robotaxi rides in Las Vegas, allowing up to 2,500 steering wheel-less vehicles annually. The move marks a significant step in autonomous vehicle commercialization under the Trump administration's deregulatory push. It has drawn both support from safety and disability groups and criticism over testing adequacy and regulatory capture risks.
- Zoox received a two-year NHTSA exemption to deploy up to 2,500 steering wheel-less robotaxis annually and charge for rides.
- Paid service will launch in Las Vegas next month, following a period of free rides only.
- The Trump administration is pushing to remove federal mandates for driver controls and develop national AV safety standards.
- Critics cite insufficient testing and regulatory capture risks, with union opposition; Zoox previously recalled 105 vehicles over a software issue.