Federal regulators give Zoox an exemption for its custom-built robotaxis

image via TechCrunch

August 6, 2025, 7:02 PM

• •NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption to demonstrate its custom-built robotaxis and closed a related investigation.
• •The exemption addresses the debate over Zoox's compliance with federal safety standards for vehicles without traditional controls.
• •NHTSA's new framework facilitates the deployment of autonomous vehicles lacking manual controls.
• •Zoox is working with NHTSA on the exemption process, aiming for both demonstration and commercial operations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted Zoox an exemption, allowing the company to demonstrate its custom-built robotaxis on public roads and closing a related investigation. This decision settles the discussion over Zoox's adherence to federal motor vehicle safety standards for vehicles without conventional controls. NHTSA's new national framework, AV STEP, simplifies the process for companies like Zoox to deploy autonomous vehicles without traditional driving controls. Zoox is collaborating with NHTSA on the exemption process, with the goal of securing both demonstration and commercial operation approvals.

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