Amazon’s autonomous subsidiary, Zoox, received a landmark exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the first federal approval for a vehicle designed without a steering wheel or pedals.
The waiver allows Zoox to deploy up to 2,500 electric, carriage-style vehicles annually. This authorization lasts for a two-year period. Zoox may now legally charge passengers for rides, transitioning from testing to commercial operations.
The company currently provides test rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco. Full commercial deployment remains subject to state and local permits. The NHTSA requires additional safety reporting and maintains the authority to revoke the exemption if safety issues arise.