Zoox has requested federal regulators for an exemption that may permit the Amazon-owned autonomous car firm to commercially deploy its custom-built robotaxis, which lack conventional controls like pedals and a steering wheel.
The exemption request was first reported by Bloomberg. A Zoox spokesperson confirmed that it has submitted a petition for a “555 exemption” and continues to work carefully with the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration by this new exemption course of.
An NHTSA spokesperson instructed TechCrunch that Zoox utilized for a short lived exemption from eight Federal Motor Car Security Requirements relevant to its passenger automobile geared up with an automatic driving system. The NHTSA is reviewing Zoox’s software and can publish a discover in search of public remark after the company conducts its preliminary assessment.
The request follows two milestones that put Zoox nearer to working a industrial robotaxi service.
Earlier this month, Zoox launched a free robotaxi service that’s open to the general public in Las Vegas. And in August, the NHTSA gave Zoox an exemption to display its custom-built robotaxis on public roads.
Whereas the August exemption cleared up a long-standing debate over whether or not Zoox’s custom-built autonomous automobiles complied with federal motorcar security requirements, it solely coated analysis and demonstrations on public roads. This newest software is separate and would broaden the scope and pave the way in which for Zoox to launch a industrial robotaxi service.
The NHTSA’s exemption in August was a part of the company’s expanded Automated Car Exemption Program, which permits for demonstration of its automobiles on public roads.
Techcrunch occasion
San Francisco
|
October 27-29, 2025