The Nevada Transportation Authority has granted Tesla a permit to operate its 'Robotaxi' service in Las Vegas, but with a significant limitation: the fleet is capped at just 10 vehicles. This decision comes despite Tesla's formal application, filed in early June, which requested authorization for up to 5,000 vehicles across Clark County during the first 12 months of operation.
The permit, signed off on July 27, imposes several operational restrictions beyond the fleet cap. Tesla's driverless vehicles are confined to an approved stretch of the Las Vegas Strip, banned from picking up passengers at Harry Reid International Airport, and limited to a maximum speed of 45 mph. Each vehicle must be clearly labeled as a 'robotaxi,' passengers must be informed they are riding in a driverless vehicle, and all trips require 'appropriate human supervision.' Expanding the fleet beyond 10 will necessitate a new approval from the Authority.
This cautious approach contrasts sharply with permits granted to competitors. Amazon's Zoox, which holds AVNC Permit 001 in Nevada, was authorized for a fleet of up to 100 vehicles in its most recent amendment on July 16, and currently operates roughly 50 vehicles on the Strip. Waymo and Uber's Aviari Services have also filed applications, which remain pending.
Industry analysts note that the 10-vehicle cap aligns more closely with Tesla's current operational capabilities than its ambitious request. Reports indicate Tesla's entire unsupervised 'Robotaxi' fleet across the United States consists of only about 20 vehicles operating concurrently, with a peak of 25 in Austin earlier this year.
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