Zoox is asking federal regulators for an exemption that will allow Amazon-owned self-driving vehicle companies to commercially deploy custom built Robotaxis, which lack traditional controls such as pedals and steering wheels.
The exemption request was first reported by Bloomberg. A Zoox spokesman confirmed he has filed a “555 Waiver” petition and continues to work closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through this new Waiver process.
An NHTSA spokesman told TechCrunch that Zoox has applied for a temporary exemption from eight federal vehicle safety standards applicable to passenger cars with automated driving systems. NHTSA is reviewing Zoox’s applications and will publish a notification seeking public comment after the agency conducts its initial review.
This request follows two milestones that bring Zoox closer to operating its commercial Robotaxi services.
Earlier this month, Zoox launched its free Robotaxi service, open to the public in Las Vegas. And in August, NHTSA gave Zoox a waiver demonstrating custom-built robotaxi on public roads.
The August exemption resolved years of debate over whether Zoox’s custom-built self-driving cars comply with federal vehicle safety standards, but only covered public road research and demonstrations. This latest application is separate, broadening its scope and opening how Zoox can start a commercial Robotaxi service.
The August NHTSA exemption was part of the agency’s expansion of its automated vehicle exemption program, allowing demonstrations of vehicles on public roads.
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