Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Tesla Robotaxi Service in California to Include Safety Drivers
Tesla is planning to launch a robotaxi service in California's Bay Area.
However, because they don't have the right permissions yet, rides within California will have a human safety driver, even though the cars are using Full Self-Driving software.
Outside of California, the robotaxis will operate on their own without a safety driver.
Tesla had to notify users of this new service and how it will work.
This is different from how other companies like Waymo operate, since they do have the required permits.
Tesla sent a new terms-of-service agreement to robotaxi users.
The agreement details the planned launch in California's Bay Area.
Rides in California will use a safety driver with Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
Rides outside California are conducted autonomously.
Tesla lacks permits to operate autonomous vehicles in the Bay Area.
- Who
- Tesla and robotaxi users
- What
- Tesla updated robotaxi users about its service launch in California.
- When
- The notification was sent to users on Saturday.
- Where
- California's Bay Area
- Why
- To inform users about the use of safety drivers in California due to lacking permits.
Tesla
Waymo
Vehicle Autonomy
Tesla
Tesla robotaxi service will use a safety driver.
Waymo
Alphabet’s Waymo unit can operate its service using autonomous vehicles in the Bay Area.
- Service Type in California
- Safety driver using Full Self-Driving (Supervised)
- Service Type Outside California
- Autonomous
- Regulatory Body
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
- Permit Status
- Tesla lacks permits for autonomous vehicles in the Bay Area