Tesla has begun notifying users about the rollout of its robotaxi service in California’s Bay Area, clarifying that rides will be conducted with safety drivers using its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, according to Business Insider. The information, reportedly shared via a user notification, outlines that the service operates under existing permissions granted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
While Tesla has indicated that rides in California will include a safety driver, the company does not hold the permits required to operate fully autonomous vehicles in the state and has not applied for them, the CPUC confirmed. This contrasts with rival services such as Alphabet’s Waymo, which has secured the necessary approvals to run autonomous ride-hailing operations in the Bay Area.
Tesla’s current permit allows it to offer ride services with human drivers in conventional vehicles for charter purposes. The company recently informed the CPUC of its plans to provide rides to “friends and family of employees” and a limited group of public users under this framework.
CEO Elon Musk said earlier this week that Tesla is in the process of obtaining regulatory approval to launch its robotaxi service in several regions, including the San Francisco Bay Area. However, the company would need to apply for additional permits to carry passengers in autonomous vehicles or charge fares, steps that typically require participation in a CPUC-regulated pilot program where commercial charges are not permitted.
