Amazon-owned Zoox has become the first company to receive US regulatory approval to operate a steering wheel-free robotaxi service that charges passengers. The decision is significant because it creates a commercial route for purpose-built autonomous vehicles without traditional manual controls, potentially accelerating their deployment.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox a temporary exemption allowing up to 2,500 vehicles a year for two years, with enhanced oversight as the technology develops. Zoox plans to begin paid rides in Las Vegas next month, while it is also testing in San Francisco and working with Nevada and California regulators; it has previously announced planned expansion to cities including Dallas, Phoenix, Austin and Miami.