Zoox: Amazon will be allowed to operate robotaxis without a steering wheel on US roads

Amazon’s subsidiary Zoox has received approval from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to operate its driverless robotaxis commercially on American roads, marking a historic milestone in autonomous vehicle technology. The approval allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 of its self-driving vehicles over the next two years under controlled conditions. This decision comes after the NHTSA granted exemptions from eight safety regulations that typically require human oversight, emergency braking systems, and windshield de-icing features. The move represents a breakthrough for companies designing vehicles specifically for automated operation rather than retrofitting conventional cars with self-driving software. The NHTSA announced the approval on Thursday, following a detailed review process. The agency exempted Zoox from rules requiring manual controls such as steering wheels and pedals, as well as requirements for windshield defrosters. These exemptions apply to a limited commercial deployment, allowing Zoox to test its fully autonomous electric minibus-style vehicles in designated areas. Unlike other firms such as Waymo, which have been modifying existing vehicles for autonomous driving, Zoox designed its vehicles from the ground up to function without human intervention. Zoox’s vehicles resemble small buses, featuring wide sliding doors and two rows of facing seats. They are built for speeds of up to 75 miles per hour (about 120 kilometers per hour). The company currently operates test rides in parts of Las Vegas and San Francisco, with plans to offer paid services once local governments approve their operations. According to Zoox, it intends to begin charging passengers in Las Vegas “soon” and expand to other locations afterward. The NHTSA emphasized that the approval comes with strict conditions. The agency requires Zoox to report incidents such as accidents or improper stopping behavior, and it retains the authority to revoke the exemption if serious safety concerns arise. Additionally, all remote operators who can take control of the vehicles in emergencies must be based within the United States. Zoox is also required to publish maps detailing the operational zones of its vehicles. NHTSA Director Jonathan Morrison stated that while the systems used in Zoox vehicles exceed standard performance requirements, the agency wants to ensure the automated driving system functions properly. He noted that the NHTSA expects to develop nationwide safety standards for automated driving systems by the end of President Donald Trump’s term in 2028. Some current rules, originally designed for human drivers, will be revised, including requirements for brake pedals and rearview mirrors. Despite the progress, challenges remain for autonomous vehicle operators. Morrison highlighted recent findings indicating that driverless vehicles could hinder law enforcement and emergency responders. As part of ongoing efforts to address these issues, the NHTSA has called for improvements in how autonomous vehicles interact with public safety systems. For example, ensuring that these vehicles can communicate effectively with emergency services during critical situations is a priority. Zoox faces additional hurdles before it can fully implement its service. While the NHTSA has given the green light for commercial deployment, state and local approvals are still pending at the company’s headquarters in California. The firm must navigate regulatory frameworks in each city where it plans to operate, which vary significantly across the country. The approval marks a pivotal moment for the autonomous vehicle industry. It sets a precedent for other companies seeking similar exemptions and underscores the growing momentum toward fully driverless transportation. However, the success of Zoox’s initiative will depend heavily on maintaining public trust and demonstrating that its technology can safely coexist with traditional road users. The NHTSA’s continued monitoring and potential adjustments to the exemption highlight the balance between innovation and safety that regulators aim to maintain.