Zoox Becomes First Steering-Wheel-Free Robotaxi Cleared for Paid Rides in the US
Amazon's Zoox has become the first company to receive regulatory approval to charge passengers for rides in a steering-wheel-free autonomous vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Zoox a temporary exemption from federal vehicle safety standards, clearing the way for the company to launch a commercial robotaxi service.
The exemption allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually over the next two years, totaling as many as 5,000 vehicles on the road. The NHTSA's decision waives requirements for traditional driver controls, including steering wheels, pedals, windshield defrosting systems, and mirrors—all features that conventional vehicles must have.
Zoox's vehicles are purpose-built for passenger transport rather than human driving. The boxy, bidirectional cars feature two bench seats facing each other and sliding doors, with no front seat or driver's position. The company plans to operate the service initially in Las Vegas.
This milestone represents a significant step toward broader commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology in the United States. While other companies like Waymo and Cruise have launched robotaxi services, none have done so in vehicles that lack traditional manual controls.