Amazon-owned Zoox has received temporary US approval to charge passengers for journeys in its purpose-built, steering-wheel-free robotaxis. The decision is significant because it moves Zoox from free demonstration rides towards commercial operation, allowing it to compete more directly with expanding services from Waymo and Tesla.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration exemption permits Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles a year for two years, or 5,000 in total, despite rules normally requiring steering wheels, pedals, mirrors and windscreen defrosters. Zoox plans to begin charging in Las Vegas next month and later expand to Miami and Austin; the regulator said the vehicles provide an equivalent or greater level of safety, while imposing enhanced oversight. Zoox recently recalled software over concerns its vehicles might not detect smoke.